A group of parents in the Edmonton region has launched a mental health pledge urging families to delay giving children smartphones until at least age 14, warning potential psychological risks tied to early device use.

“We probably don’t want to hand our kids a full-on smart phone as their first device,” said Kirsten Sweet, ambassador of Unplugged Canada.

CityNews spoke with parents on Whyte Avenue Monday, and some say to an extent they agree with an age limit for smartphones.

“I don’t necessarily think that a ban is the best idea, because when you tell kids, especially that age, that they can’t do something, it’s twice as attractive,” said Lisa Dyck, concerned with education around responsible smart phone use.

Other parents support kids having smartphones for safety.

“You can keep tra

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