Walker's Promise
An online predator stole Walker’s life.
Protect your child.
Who is Walker?
Walker Montgomery is a 16-year-old football player from Mississippi whose life was cut short by online sextortion.
Late one evening, a “cute girl” messaged him on Instagram — but it wasn’t a girl. It was an online predator who manipulated and threatened him. From the first DM to the time we lost Walker, it was less than three hours. The predator attacked fast, in the middle of the night.
“I know that if his phone had been in my room that night, Walker would still be here.” – Walker’s dad
Together, with Walker’s parents, we’ve created a simple but powerful commitment every family can make to protect their kids.
What is Walker’s Promise?
A commitment to keep screens out of my child’s bedroom and bathroom.
Already Have Screens in Bedrooms or Bathrooms?
It’s never too late to start fresh — and we’re here to help. Sign Walker’s Promise, then watch this short message about resetting your rules:
Adapting the Promise as Kids Grow
At nextTalk, we believe your guidelines should grow with your child’s maturity.
| Stage | Guideline Summary |
| Step 1 — Young Child: | When first introducing devices or online access, no screens in bedrooms or bathrooms — ever. Start strong. |
| Step 2 — Trusted Teen: | After a long stretch with no problems, your teen may earn taking their phone in the bedroom during the day with the door open. Still no phones in bathrooms or at bedtime. |
| Step 3 — Almost Adult: | Prior to your kid moving out, catch your teen doing something awesome to earn their phone in the bedroom at night assuming you have a healthy relationship, no problems with lying and your teen knows the red flags for online predators and other dangers. By 18, your teen should be flying solo! |