A growing number of parents, educators, and child development experts are uniting behind the smartphone free childhood movement. 

A growing number of parents, educators, and child development experts in the UK are uniting behind the smartphone-free childhood movement, urging a delay in smartphone ownership until at least age 14. Citing mounting concerns over children’s mental health, academic focus, and social development, the movement seeks to push back against what many see as the premature exposure of children to addictive digital technology.

At the heart of the campaign is a belief that smartphones — particularly when combined with unrestricted internet and social media access — can cause anxiety, sleep disruption, attention issues, and a distorted sense of self in young users. A recent surge in youth anxiety, online bullying, and screen addiction has added urgency to the issue.

Earlier this month, Dr Victoria Joesbury joined a panel of speakers at BHSA, for the ‘Smartphone Free Childhood’ Conference. Speakers included Headteachers from Wirral Secondary schools who have implemented strict phone bans in order to protect their students, and a talk from Merseyside Police cyber crime specialist who is working with children as young as 8 who have broken the law in connection to online activity.

Local groups across the UK, often formed by parents in school communities, are encouraging collective action — making it easier for families to say “not yet” without feeling isolated. The movement has also gained traction on social media, ironically, where supporters share tips, pledge cards, and alternative ideas for digital engagement.

Supporters are not advocating a return to a tech-free past but are instead encouraging age-appropriate boundaries and education. Many suggest basic mobile phones for safety and communication, while delaying internet-enabled devices until children are more emotionally mature.

As pressure builds on policymakers and tech companies to rethink digital design for youth, the smartphone-free childhood movement marks a grassroots push for a slower, more intentional approach to kids and technology in the modern age.

You can find out more about the movement and pledge your support www.smartphonefreechildhood.org

Published: Jun 30, 2025