The reality is that most flip phones nowadays can do many things that smartphones can – surf the web, watch youtube, whatsapp etc. etc..
It’s wrong to say “it’s a flip phone, it’s ok”. Even with flip phones we have to be extremely careful.

it started right now, this is the stage where people are fed up! that’s why it’s individuals running it, cuz it’s the start of a major grassroots movement.

Why can’t we be like every other community including Anash in Eretz Hakodesh that all have rules and regulations (in a good way)?? why does my son or daughter have to go with other “frum” kids that watch youtube and movies?

Having this run by women/ mothers as an extra / volunteer thing makes it too weak.
In so many other communities the dangers of technology and it’s overuse are mentioned early and often and repeated again and again and again.

What’s more, the culture actually supports it.

Try to imagine for a second having your child in any Lubavitch Institution at any age without easy access to your smartphone constantly. Whatsapp, email, etc.

The truth is, it’s not even that hard. Anything timely can really really be sent by text which every single phone on the market supports.

When we’ve really had enough and are really fed up, that’s when there will be change.

Way too much gets texted. So much should not be in writing.
Verbal communication is really much better for so many things. In so many ways.

this is just the first 2 points, there are a lot more that can/should be taken.

1) As long as the (adult) culture is smart phones, smart phones and more smart phones, that is what the children will aspire to. Change needs to happen from the top.

2) there is nothing wrong with phones that aren’t smart phones. A flip phone is good for safety and promotes VERBAL communication which is an area which is lacking of late (texting, whatsapp, etc)