The decision to provide smartphones to children is becoming increasingly contentious among parents, as demonstrated by the experiences of Daisy Greenwell, who felt apprehensive about giving her eldest child a smartphone at the age of 8. After discussing the topic with other parents, who expressed similar concerns, Greenwell and a friend formed a WhatsApp group to address the issue.
Greenwell later took to social media to propose a shift in the social norm regarding smartphone use among children, suggesting that parents should wait until their children are at least 14 or 16 years old before giving them a smartphone. This post garnered significant attention, leading to the creation of a pact by the charity Smartphone Free Childhood, which over 124,000 parents across more than 13,000 British schools have signed. The pact encourages parents to delay giving their children smartphones until at least the end of Year 9, equivalent to the American eighth grade.
This movement coincides with growing concerns in Britain about the impact of smartphone addiction and social media on children's mental health. Surveys indicate that a majority of respondents feel social media negatively affects children under 15, with many parents struggling to manage their children's smartphone use. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have raised alarms about the exposure of children to extreme content online.
While some European governments, like Denmark and France, have taken steps to limit smartphone use among children, the British government has shown reluctance to implement measures. A recent proposal to mandate smartphone-free schools in England was weakened due to lack of government support.
Parents express urgency for action, particularly given the withdrawal of fact-checking by major tech companies, which has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and harmful content. Many parents, inspired by peers and community support, are actively campaigning for restrictions on smartphone use in schools.
At a recent presentation in north London, regional leader Nova Eden shared data revealing the significant amount of time children spend on smartphones, alongside troubling statistics regarding mental health among teens since the advent of social media. The principal of Colindale Primary School acknowledged the challenges in enforcing smartphone restrictions but emphasized the overall desire among parents to protect their children.
Barnet borough has proposed a comprehensive ban on smartphones in public schools, a move that will affect around 63,000 children. Elite institutions like Eton have also decided to prohibit smartphones for new students, opting instead for basic phones that limit functionality.
The founders of Smartphone Free Childhood recognize that their ability to connect with parents has been facilitated by social media, highlighting the need for a societal conversation about appropriate smartphone access for children. They advocate for a balanced approach to technology, emphasizing the importance of timing and restrictions in fostering a safe environment for young users.