Let’s delay giving smartphones and social media to children until they are 16.

We are not anti tech. Indeed we believe that there is much online that is brilliantly educational and entertaining for children. However, we believe that smartphones and social media are doing our children far more harm than good. 

We are calling for a delay to smartphones and social media because our children:

• are increasingly anxious and depressed

• are self-harming more than ever

• have become addicted to their devices

• are watching damaging porn

• are struggling to concentrate on schoolwork

Worse, children’s suicide rates are going up. So what can we do? 

The solution is simple

 Don’t give our children smartphones until they are at least 16. Parents who want to keep in touch with their children can give them ‘dumb phones’ or watches that enable calls and texts, some of which have geo-location.

Get them off screens and much else will naturally fall into place. According to psychology professor Jonathan Haidt, “Allowing more unsupervised free play is among the most powerful and least expensive ways to bring down rates of mental illness.”

Meanwhile, all the educational benefits of the internet are available from a laptop or tablet in school or at home, which has content controls and is in full view of the adults in the room. 

Let’s stop this scandal now. Let them be bored, let them play, let them be children. 

 Want to know more?  You can read our full statement below. Sign up for our updates and take a look at our full website, which has simple video guides and tips that address the situation as it is, plus alternative products to smartphones.

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