It’s time to PlayFree: free from constant notifications, social media pressure, and the pull of screens that keep kids from real life.
We know even the best-intentioned parents feel the pressure. Kids as young as 4th or 5th grade end up with smartphones because “everyone else has one.”
But research is clear, before age 15, smartphones are linked to more anxiety and depression, poor sleep, exposure to harmful content, and fewer face-to-face friendships. They ask kids to manage addictive features, nonstop social pressure, and 24/7 connectivity—long before their brains are ready.
That’s why PlayFree exists: to make waiting easier, together.
PlayFree is a movement through signs to show that childhood comes first—supporting one another to delay smartphones, encourage play, build community and guide kids toward healthy tech use.
It starts with one simple, visible action: placing a PlayFree sign in your yard. That sign says, “Childhood matters here.”
When parents see PlayFree, they know they’re not alone in wanting more playtime and less screen time. When kids see PlayFree, they know it’s okay to unplug—and that other kids are doing it too.
At PlayFree, we believe childhood comes first—so we support age-appropriate technology, protect time for play and connection, and unite families to delay smartphones with confidence.
How we do it:
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Healthy Tech Use
We believe technology should be developmentally appropriate, used thoughtfully, and introduced at the right pace. By doing this kids can grow with confidence, balance, and support from their families and communities.
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Community Connection
We believe raising kids should never feel like a solo mission. That’s why we foster connection among families and neighbors to create visible, collective momentum—making it easier for everyone to prioritize real-world play and delay phones.
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Freedom to Explore + Flourish
Remember 90s summers? Bikes piled on lawns, sprinklers in the yard, and kids running around until dark. Together, we can bring that freedom back to our neighborhoods.
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Positive and Practical Action
We believe in staying pro-child, not anti-tech—offering simple, uplifting, and realistic steps that empower families to take small actions today that lead to big cultural change tomorrow.
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Description goes here
PlayFree gives families simple ways to take action, connect, and keep childhood screen-light and play-heavy.
Yard Signs
The heart of the PlayFree movement. Share your sign in your yard (or block, school, or apartment door) to spark conversations and show kids that childhood matters here. When families on a street all join in, the pressure to have a phone disappears—kids know their friends are waiting too, and parents can stand strong together.
Tech Support
You wouldn’t give your child keys to a Ferrari when they get their license — too much power, too soon. The same is true for smartphones. To help parents navigate this process, we share tools, resources, and favorites to help families delay smartphones and be better prepared for when the time comes.
Podcast (Coming Soon!)
Real questions, real talk. From “What do I do if my kid’s at a party where another child has an unmonitored phone?” to everyday screen struggles, we’ll cover it all—with tips, humor, and support families can actually use.
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![An abstract geometric pattern with black and beige shapes forming a symmetrical design.]()
Play
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![A close-up of a beige and black spiral-shaped pattern resembling a pinwheel or flower petals.]()
Connect
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![Abstract flower-like pattern with eight petal shapes in a circular arrangement]()
Flourish
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![Close-up of a flower with five petals, each petal divided into a light and dark section.]()
Play
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![Abstract geometric pattern with petal-like shapes in shades of beige and black]()
Connect
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![Abstract geometric pattern with beige and black polygonal shapes arranged in a circular design.]()
Flourish
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![Abstract geometric pattern with symmetrical petal-like shapes in beige and black colors.]()
Play
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![Abstract geometric design with symmetrical, curved shapes in beige and black.]()
Connect
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![Abstract geometric design with a black and beige pattern, resembling a flower or star.]()
Flourish
Join the movement
PlayFree gives a portion of every sign sold back to neighborhood schools!
We love to partner with schools, businesses and community organizations. Collaboration is what makes communities thrive. And, we are experienced at building relationships, connecting communities and starting the conversation about how we can all help our children flourish.
Give us the opportunity to talk with your organization and find ways to build strong communities.
PlayFree started with a simple walk through the neighborhood—and a big idea.
Our founders, Meagan Terry, an experienced relationship therapist, and Colin Terry, an educational psychologist specializing in technology, knew families needed support in preparing their children to be tech savvy. Their combined expertise laid the foundation for PlayFree: a movement rooted in healthy relationships and developmentally wise tech choices.
PlayFree is a grassroots community funded passion project started by neighbors for neighbors. It came to life through neighbors who believed in it, with design by Jenny West and marketing guidance from Katia Dougherty. It’s expertise guided by community, creating a movement that belongs to all of us.
Join families across the community choosing play, connection, and childhood before screens.
Ready to help kids flourish?One small sign can change a street. One street can change a childhood.