{"id":1609,"date":"2025-10-15T12:41:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T12:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/1609\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T12:41:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T12:41:16","slug":"lower-merion-parents-advocate-for-delaying-smartphones-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/1609\/","title":{"rendered":"Lower Merion parents advocate for delaying smartphones for kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi, Lower Merion<\/a>! \ud83d\udc4b<\/p>\n

An increasing number of local parents are holding off giving their kids smartphones. We look at why<\/a>. Also this week, the chair of the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth is stepping down, we have more details on what\u2019s taking over the former La Jonquille and Shiraz space<\/a>, and The Shipley School acquired<\/a> an apartment building to grow its real estate holdings. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a few months since we first launched this newsletter, and we want to hear from you. How are we doing? Tell us by taking our survey<\/a> or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Local parents, increasingly concerned about the impact of their kids\u2019 screen time and social media use on their mental health, are joining a growing movement to delay their kids\u2019 smartphone usage.<\/p>\n

In Lower Merion, hundreds of families have signed onto the Wait Until 8th pledge, which encourages waiting until at least the end of eighth grade to give kids smartphones. (Smartwatches and basic phones are fine.) <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just drawing the line at smartphones,\u201d said John Bellis, a Lower Merion father who\u2019s been trying to work with school officials to help spread the pledge. <\/p>\n

The Inquirer\u2019s Maddie Hanna and Denali Sagner delve into how local grassroots organizations are looking to curb phone use among kids<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca1 Community News<\/p>\n

Jeff Scott is planning to resign as chair of the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth<\/a> at its next general meeting, scheduled for Sept. 2. His resignation comes ahead of the official end of his term in May 2026 and is driven in part by \u201cincreasing work and family commitments,\u201d he said in a statement. He added that it\u2019s \u201cbeen an honor to serve as chair,\u201d a role he took on in 2022. A simple majority by committee members is required to determine his temporary successor as chair or co-chairs. <\/p>\n

SEPTA is moving forward with its planned service cuts<\/a>, scheduled to begin Aug. 24. The decision, which SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer shared in a committee meeting yesterday, came a day before the transit agency\u2019s deadline to secure funding to avoid its proposed cuts. Starting Sept. 2, midday Regional Rail trains, including the Paoli\/Thorndale and Cynwyd lines, will operate every two hours, rather than every hour.<\/p>\n

A line quietly trolling Joel Embiid<\/a> made it into the joke-filled end credits of the Naked Gun reboot, released Aug. 1 and starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. Doug Mand, a Friends\u2019 Central School alum, well-known Sixers fan, and co-writer of the film, thought up more than 100 jokes for the end credits, but he didn\u2019t know the gag suggesting that the film\u2019s Netflix password is \u201cEmbiidsknees76!!!\u201d made it until he saw the movie in theaters, he told The Inquirer\u2019s Rob Tornoe. <\/p>\n

Six Lower Merion businesses made this year\u2019s Inc. 5000 list<\/a> of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation, released this week: Always Compassionate Homecare (No. 237), SMB Team (No. 863), and Camfred Construction (No. 1,386), all in Bala Cynwyd; Philadelphia Nanny Network in Ardmore (No. 1,974); Fun and Function in Penn Valley (No. 3,811); and Tester Construction Group in Bala Cynwyd (No. 4,536). <\/p>\n

Lower Merion is continuing its renovation plans for Schauffele Plaza in Ardmore. While the township is still finalizing what that will look like, the commissioners recently green lit an application process for a $1 million state grant to support the work. (Main Line Times<\/a>)<\/p>\n

An Ardmore artist is turning a small portion of loved ones\u2019 cremated ashes into ceramic works of art in his home studio. WHYY recently profiled Daniel Hoffman<\/a>, who shared the artistic process behind Ahava Memorials. <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfeb Schools Briefing<\/p>\n

Reminder for LMSD parents ahead of the new school year: If you moved this summer, you must submit an address change<\/a> with the district, along with two proofs of residency. <\/p>\n

The Shipley School has purchased an apartment building at 801 Montgomery Ave. in Bryn Mawr, which has long been a popular off-campus housing spot for Villanova University students, for $12 million. The private pre-K-12 school is getting ready for a new real estate planning initiative under its new head of school, Ian Craig, who began the role July 1. (Philadelphia Business Journal<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f On our Plate<\/p>\n

Rich Kim and his partners, who are also behind the acclaimed Salt Korean BBQ in North Wales, have purchased the former La Jonquille and Shiraz site in Devon<\/a>. The space will make way for a fine-dining Korean barbecue restaurant on one side of the first floor, while another section is planned as a Korean omakase experience, The Inquirer\u2019s Michael Klein reports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Less than a month after Triple Crown opened in St. Davids<\/a>, the newest restaurant from the owners behind White Dog Cafe will expand service by serving up weekend brunch starting this Saturday. Brunch service will include a $38 buffet or an a la carte menu served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday breakfast will be available from 7 to 11 a.m. starting Monday. Offerings include a continental brunch for $24 or a la carte entr\u00e9es like omelets, bread pudding French toast, a traditional American breakfast, and eggs Benedict. <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb3 Things to Do<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd7d Pool Party Shabbat<\/a>: Kick off the weekend with a pool party complete with games, crafts, and music. \u23f0 Friday, Aug. 15, 5-8 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 Free \ud83d\udccd Kaiserman JCC<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb5 Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts<\/a>: Pennsylvania singer-songwriter Stephen Kellogg headlines this week\u2019s event. \u23f0 Friday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $24.84 \ud83d\udccd Bryn Mawr Gazebo<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfd\ufe0f Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/a>: See Raymond Bernard\u2019s 1934 French language adaption of Victor Hugo\u2019s book. The four-hour, 39-minute film will have a one-hour lunch break and an intermission. \u23f0 Saturday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $26.75 for non-members, $20 for members \ud83d\udccd Bryn Mawr Film Institute <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7a Brewery Tour<\/a>: Tired Hands Brewing Company is hosting another brewery tour at the Fermentaria. During the hour-long tour, see how its beer is made and then get a taste of one after. \u23f0 Saturday, Aug. 16, noon-1 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $20 \ud83d\udccdTired Hands Fermentaria Tap Room<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfad Gilbert & Sullivan\u2019s The Mikado and Friends<\/a>: Norristown\u2019s The Savoy Company will perform highlights from the comic opera, plus some other works, in the Circle Garden. \u23f0 Saturday, Aug. 16, 6-7:30 p.m. (Rain date: Aug. 17) \ud83d\udcb5 $17-$42 \ud83d\udccd Stoneleigh <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf79 Art and Mocktails<\/a>: During this afternoon event, paint a hibiscus flower while enjoying mocktails. Later that day, the library will host a similar event for kids 12 to 17. Painting and Mocktails<\/a> will be Summerween-themed. \u23f0 Tuesday, Aug. 19, 1-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 Free \ud83d\udccd Gladwyne Library<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfe1 On the Market<\/p>\n

A Wynnewood estate with a pool, bar, and gym<\/a><\/p>\n

Built in 2007, the five-bedroom Wynnewood home\u2019s first floor has a two-story foyer, parlor with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace, a formal dining room, an office, a butler\u2019s pantry, and a chef\u2019s kitchen with dual islands. It also has a first-floor primary suite with a sitting room, walk-in closet, and a jetted tub. Upstairs, there are three ensuite bedrooms, while downstairs, there\u2019s a spacious bar, a sitting area, a gym, an office, and an additional bedroom and bathroom. Out back, there\u2019s an in-ground pool and a ground-floor patio, which sits below a covered balcony. <\/p>\n

Price: $3.2M | Size: 7,556 SF | Acreage: 1.18<\/p>\n

Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcc8 Lower Merion market report<\/p>\n

Median listing price: $675,000 (down $120,000 from July) \ud83d\udcc9<\/p>\n

Median sold price: $1,115,000 (up $117,950 from July) \ud83d\udcc8<\/p>\n

Median days on the market: 42 (up 10 days from July) \ud83d\udcc8<\/p>\n

This Lower Merion market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for July from realtor.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f We want to hear from you!<\/p>\n

See something we\u2019re missing? Want to alert us about a community event? Take our survey<\/a> or reach out to us at lowermerion@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer\u2019s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com\/donate<\/a>. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org\/supporters<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Hi, Lower Merion! \ud83d\udc4b An increasing number of local parents are holding off giving their kids smartphones. We…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1610,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[183,185,184,186,1589],"class_list":["post-1609","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-lower-merion","tag-lower-merion","tag-lower-merion-headlines","tag-lower-merion-news","tag-lower-merion-township","tag-lower-merion-phone-free-pledge-dclmn-chair-resigns"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1609","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1609"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1609\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1609"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}