California-based non-profit organization Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) is rallying families who resist the trend of giving children smartphones, as concern grows about the devices’ impact on mental health. SFC, which quickly garnered over 60,000 members, is fuelling an international conversation on the issue after several school districts in the UK faced backlash for parental notification policies, specifically in cases where a student changes their gender or pronouns.
The proliferation of smartphones among young users is concerning, with 97% of UK children owning a mobile phone by age 12, and similar patterns emerging in the US. SFC’s campaign prompted the UK government, then under Conservative leadership, to issue new directives prohibiting smartphone use in schools. The success of this movement has been mirrored in other parts of the world, with other organizations popping up in Canada, Mexico, Australia, and the US.
Studies, such as one published by Sapien Labs, suggest that early smartphone ownership correlates with poor mental health outcomes. As more research emerges, parents are becoming increasingly aware of the potential dangers of widespread smartphone use among youngsters. This shifting dynamic has mobilized parents to take action against the normalization of children with smartphones.