Kelli Rich founded Committing to 16 after witnessing the toll digital pressures, social media, and mental health challenges were taking on today’s teens.
Working as a substitute nurse in the West Ada School District and as a youth leader at her church, she saw firsthand the anxiety, loneliness, and bullying that young people were struggling with. Her sister’s heartbreaking suicide attempt in 2020 was the catalyst for Kelli’s mission. After researching the connection between early social media use and mental health, she created the Committing to 16 movement to encourage teens to wait until at least 16 to engage with social media, allowing them time to build confidence, resilience, and real-world connections.
Q: What inspired you to create Committing to 16 and the educational event, Save My Family?
Kelli Rich: I was inspired to start Committing to 16 and its educational event, Save My Family, after witnessing the growing challenges teenagers face with digital pressures, social media, and mental health. In 2020, while working as a substitute nurse in the West Ada School District, I saw students having panic attacks during class. At the same time, as a youth leader at my church, I heard girls talking about loneliness, lack of genuine friendships, and bullying. That year, my 19-year-old sister attempted suicide. It was a heartbreaking wake-up call.
I began researching what was happening with this generation and found that the rise of social media use on cell phones among middle schoolers coincided with increased mental health challenges. This shift started with the kids who were 19 in 2020, like my sister. As a parent, youth advocate, and educator, I felt a deep responsibility to help families and teens navigate these challenges. Committing to 16 was born from this—a movement to empower kids to wait until at least 16 to engage with social media, giving them time to build confidence, resilience, and real-world connections first.
Q: Why did you choose 16 as the recommended age for social media use?
Kelli Rich: Studies show that delaying social media use until the brain is more fully developed—typically in the mid-20s—benefits mental health. We chose 16 because it felt achievable for families, unlike 18 or later, which can be harder to commit to. This was even before the U.S. Surgeon General recommended 16 and Australia implemented similar laws. By 16, teens’ brains are better at self-regulating and handling social media challenges. My own children, who are 12 and 15, have agreed to wait until 18, reinforcing the importance of family discussions.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of Committing to 16?
Kelli Rich: Our Save My Family event has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve assembled amazing professionals to educate parents and teens. Dr. Condie, a pediatric neurologist, talks about how digital devices affect brain development. Former FBI Agent Hart, now Chief Deputy of the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, shares safety tips for online and at home. Officer Gomez, a Boise County deputy and SRO, covers social media dangers like sextortion and exposure to drugs. I close the event with strategies for parents to support their kids and suggest alternative activities to keep them engaged.
Q: How do you educate children, teens, and parents through Committing to 16?
Kelli Rich: We use engaging, evidence-based sessions with expert speakers, interactive discussions, and real-life examples tailored to each group. We highlight the neurological, emotional, and social risks of early social media use. For kids and teens, we address how screen time affects brain development, sleep, and academic performance, and the dangers of cyberbullying and predators. For parents, we emphasize delaying social media use, setting boundaries, and promoting open communication. We also offer practical tools like screen-time limits, device-free zones, and ideas for family activities.
Q: What kind of feedback have you received from families who attend your events?
Kelli Rich: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents and teens tell us they’ve learned new strategies and gained valuable knowledge. When kids understand why a rule exists, they’re more likely to follow it because they want better for themselves. Parents have shared that the event helps open new dialogue with their kids. One West Ada nurse told me she now explains to students why they have “tantrums” when stressed and overstimulated, helping them recognize triggers and manage their behavior better.
Q: What resources do you offer through Save My Family and Committing to 16?
Kelli Rich: We provide downloadable resources at committingto16.org, including conversation guides for discussing social media risks and customizable family media plans. Our resources help families create screen-free zones and healthy routines. We also host expert-led workshops that give parents evidence-based information and teens critical thinking skills to handle online risks. For younger children, we promote screen-free activities that build creativity and connection.
Q: What challenges do parents face when trying to delay social media use, and how do you help them?
Kelli Rich: Peer pressure is a major obstacle—for kids who feel left out and for parents who face different boundaries in their social circles. The pervasive nature of technology also makes monitoring difficult. Many parents struggle with balancing their own tech use while setting a good example. We help by offering conversation guides, practical tools, and a supportive community. Our strategies empower parents to confidently explain their reasons for delaying social media and establish enforceable boundaries.
Q: How do you address peer pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out) in kids?
Kelli Rich: Peer pressure and FOMO are huge challenges. We encourage open family discussions about the benefits of delaying social media. We give kids language to explain their decision to peers, like “My family is focusing on offline time together.” We promote meaningful offline connections through sports, hobbies, volunteering, and in-person friendships. Connecting with other families who share similar values helps kids feel supported and less alone.
Q: How can schools and educators support your mission?
Kelli Rich: Schools play a vital role by promoting healthy tech habits and safe social-emotional development. Educators can help bridge the gap between home and school by teaching students about the risks of early social media use. We’ve partnered with West Ada School District, North Star Charter, Caldwell School District, and more to host Save My Family events, bringing together parents, students, and educators to build community and share knowledge.
Q: How does early social media use impact mental health in kids and teens?
Kelli Rich: Early social media use contributes to anxiety and depression due to the pressures of comparison, unrealistic expectations, and validation cycles driven by likes and comments. It disrupts sleep, affects cognitive function, and can lead to compulsive behaviors. Cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online harassment can cause emotional distress and trauma. Delaying social media gives teens time to build emotional resilience and a stable sense of identity.
Q: What are the benefits of delaying social media use for teens?
Kelli Rich: Delaying social media helps teens focus on authentic, in-person connections and personal growth. They develop stronger communication skills, healthier self-esteem, and deeper relationships. By avoiding the pressures of likes and online personas, they invest in real-life activities and connections that foster well-being. Ultimately, delaying social media equips them with healthier habits for adulthood.
