Reclaim Play. Restore Connection. Rethink Tech.
We are a growing movement of parents committed to giving childhood back its space — free from the pressure of early smartphones and social media. We empower families to delay, together.
Find Your Town Chapter Lead
We have grown to numerous chapters. See if your town has one here, or start one today!
Our Story
OK to Delay was first started in Darien, CT in 2019 when Jacqueline Telgheder and Marty Rainbow Hendrickson met as moms of 5th grade children. In Darien, the transition from grade school to middle school was typically rewarded with a first-time smartphone. They were passionately opposed to this commonplace presumed “rite of passage.” They knew holding off and delaying smartphone usage at this age felt right, but also knew it would be hard. A simple discussion and a gathering of friends morphed into an energized movement of countless parents who shared their concerns. Hundreds of families joined in and empowered the movement.
Five years later, with the natural progression of Jackie and Marty’s kids “aging out”, it was time to allow the next wave of passionate and intensely devoted parents to step in. Now, with an invigorated sense of purpose and direction, Executive Directors Ariella Feldman and Jessica Hirsch are building upon the movement and creating an even more dynamic platform gaining momentum in countless towns across the United States. With Ariella’s background in tech—having recently left META—and Jessica’s expertise in public health, most recently as a safe talk facilitator in Greenwich Public Schools with Kids and Crisis, they combined their strengths to bring OK to Delay to their community and beyond.
Executive Directors Ariella Feldman and Jessica Hirsch