‘Parents know they are not alone’: UK pact to withhold smartphones until 14 gathers pace

The pledge is motivated by concerns including harmful content, social media addiction and distraction from schoolwork. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA

Classroom peer pressure is a problem for any parent considering a smartphone ban for their child.

So when the Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) movement launched an online pledge to withhold the devices from children until they are at least 14, thousands of parents saw an opportunity to gather moral support for looming arguments.