A: We’re not, we’re pro-childhood.
This movement isn’t anti-tech – we love technology when it’s used at the right time, in the right way. We just believe that kids don’t need constant access to a smartphone, and that they’re better off developing tech skills in a controlled and productive way. It’s about balance, not banning.
A: Yes – but for those that want to delay, we need to coordinate
No one is forcing anyone to do anything. But many parents want to hold off on smartphones and feel pressured into giving in because ‘everyone else has one’. The Parent Pact just makes it easier for families to delay together so that parents feel supported in their decision.
A: No – we’re working to change the culture
Our goal isn’t a ban; it’s a culture shift. Right now, tech companies profit from selling intentionally addictive and unsafe products to kids, with little accountability. Government regulation hasn’t caught up, leaving parents to navigate this alone. We want to see real safeguards in place, but in the meantime, we’re bringing families, schools, and communities together to take action and give kids the chance to grow up without the pressures of algorithms and constant connectivity.
A: We’re adults – and we have to fight fire with fire
We get the irony, but the reality is that social media – when used with intention – can be a powerful tool for bringing people together and spreading important messages. Adults can (mostly!) decide how to use their time, and while we’re not here to encourage more screen time, we also know that to reach people, we have to meet them where they are.
There’s a big difference between adults using social media to organise and campaign for something they believe in and kids being drawn into endless scrolling by addictive algorithms. Our goal isn’t to ditch technology altogether – it’s to help create a healthier balance, especially for kids who aren’t yet equipped to navigate these platforms safely.
A: Tech literacy isn’t achieved through smartphone use.
Being tech-savvy isn’t about scrolling through TikTok – it’s about knowing how to use technology productively. Kids can build digital skills through schoolwork, coding programs, and creative tools like music or video editing. The best way to prepare kids for the digital world is teaching them to think critically about technology, not just giving them unlimited access to it.
A: Education and access aren’t the same thing.
We teach young people about safe sex and how to drive long before they actually do these things on their own. In the same way, we can help children understand technology without handing them a smartphone from an early age.
Because the truth is, no matter how much we try to teach them, kids simply aren’t wired to use smartphones ‘responsibly’. Their brains are still developing, and let’s be honest, even most adults struggle to resist. That’s why instead of giving kids access to an entire digital world in their pocket, we recommend starting with a simple phone.
A: Any internet-enabled device needs careful monitoring
This isn’t just about smartphones – but they are our focus because they are the main way kids access the internet and social media, and all the risks they contain. Unlike other devices, smartphones are always within reach, making it easy for kids to spend hours scrolling every day. And research is clear: the more time kids spend online, the greater the impact on their mental wellbeing.
Laptops, iPads, and gaming devices don’t fit in our pockets, meaning their use tends to be more intentional – but they still come with the same addictive features, toxic content, and risks. So while they may not be in kids’ pockets 24/7, they still need boundaries. We’d always recommend supervision, parental controls, and open conversations about safe and healthy use.
A: Try a basic phone.
We get it – every family wants to keep their child safe. But here’s the thing: a basic phone (calls and texts only) does the job without exposing them to the risks of social media and the internet.
In fact, a smartphone might actually make their journey less safe. Since smartphones became the norm, child muggings have soared – 500 kids are targeted every single day in the UK. Then there’s the distraction factor: 1 in 5 secondary school students who use their phone while walking have been hit or had a near miss with a car, and the vast majority (84%) admit to looking at their phone near roads. A basic phone keeps things simple. And safe.
A: Try an AirTag
If you want to be able to see your child’s whereabouts, a bluetooth device such as an AirTag or GPS tracker, or a smart watch with inbuilt tracking, is a good option. They’re not perfect, but they’re cheaper than smartphones, less likely to be stolen, and don’t come with the risks of social media and screen addiction.
Before you buy a tracking device, ask yourself if you really need to know your kid’s location all the time. GPS tracking might seem reassuring, but it can erode trust, delay independence, and create a false sense of security. It tells you where your child is but can’t protect them from real risks. Many parents find that a basic phone (calls and texts only) and teaching real-world safety skills are better ways to keep kids safe while building their confidence and independence.
A: Parental controls help, but they’re not a magic fix
That old iPhone in your drawer might seem like an easy solution – free, familiar, and lockable. But before you hand it over, consider the bigger picture. Smartphones are designed to capture attention at all costs, and once your child has one, it’s tough to step back.
Even with every restriction in place, there are loopholes. A 2024 Parentkind survey said 47% of children with parental controls on their smartphone had bypassed them. Kids find workarounds and no setting can stop your child from endlessly lobbying you for “just one app.” That’s why many families find it simpler to skip smartphones altogether and start with a basic phone – one that does what kids actually need (calls and texts) without pulling them into an addictive digital world.
A: No, their friendships will stay rooted in real connection
We get it – the peer pressure is real. But what we’re seeing from many SFC kids who’ve started secondary school with a simple phone is that their friendships stay rooted in real connection, rather than the constant competition of online status and likes. They can still keep in touch through calls and texts, but the meaningful moments happen face-to-face – leading to deeper, more genuine relationships.
We know it can feel hard for your child, which is why doing this as a group via the Parent Pact makes all the difference. If your child knows there are others in their class who are also getting a simple phone first, the pressure for a full fat iPhone is massively reduced. Research shows that it takes 25% of a group to create a tipping point, where social norms start to shift.Together, we’re creating a new norm – one that puts real connection first, for this generation and all those that follow.
A: Support without 24/7 access.
Online communities can be a great source of connection, especially for kids who feel isolated at school. But that doesn’t mean they need constant access via a smartphone. Parents can help kids engage safely by using shared family devices, moderated platforms, and scheduled online time to connect with these communities – without opening the door to all the risks that come with unrestricted smartphone use.
A: Policies don’t always work.
Many schools say they have a phone ban, but in reality, kids are still carrying them – they just aren’t supposed to look. This ‘no see, no hear’ approach sounds good on paper, but let’s be honest: if adults struggle to ignore their phones, how can we expect kids to? Teachers end up playing phone police, while students sneak their TikTok fix in the toilets.
A true smartphone-free school means phones are either left at home, locked away, or stored in pouches from ‘bell to bell’. That way, kids get six solid hours to focus, learn, and socialise – without the pull of addictive algorithms in their pockets.
A: Your school can – and should – offer an alternative
Some secondary schools run timetables or set homework via smartphones, but this shouldn’t force families into early smartphone adoption. You have the right to push back and ask the school to ensure that students without smartphones aren’t excluded. Many schools have already adapted by returning to paper timetables and making sure homework isn’t reliant on a phone. If your school hasn’t yet, it’s worth starting the conversation.
A: Set new family rules & agree a plan
Lots of families run into this. If your older child already has a phone but you don’t want to give one to your younger kid, the best thing to do is be upfront about why. Parenting decisions change as we learn more – just like if past generations had let their kids smoke and then realized how harmful it was, they wouldn’t keep doing it just to be “fair.”
Instead of making it about fairness, involve your older child in the conversation. They’ve probably seen the downsides of having a phone early, and they might even agree that waiting a bit is a good idea. You can also set new family rules around tech use that apply to everyone, like limiting screen time or having phone-free zones.
Creating a family tech plan can help set expectations, so your younger child knows when and how they’ll eventually get a device. And if your teen already has a phone, The Healthy Selfie by Dr. Susie Davies is a great resource for building better habits and avoiding common pitfalls.
A: Do what’s right for your child
Absolutely – if a child needs a smartphone for health reasons, then of course they should have one. The goal of this movement isn’t to take away essential tools, but to help kids grow and thrive free from addictive tech.
We’d also encourage parents to think through all of the risks associated with smartphones when making a decision. As an example, screens can help some neurodiverse children to self-regulate, but these same children may be particularly at risk of cyber-bullying or some of the other challenges that come from social media. Consider ways to ensure your child gets what they need for their own conditions and circumstances, whilst also mitigating any potential downsides.
Smartphone Free Childhood isn’t about rejecting technology — it’s about reclaiming childhood.
We believe families deserve real choices, not pressure. When parents stand together, we make it easier for everyone to delay smartphones — so no child has to feel like the odd one out.
This isn’t about saying no to tech — it’s about saying yes to a childhood full of real connections, creativity, and freedom. And the more of us who choose to wait, the more normal it becomes. We’re in this together.