The Latest Breaking News from Smartphone Free Childhood

Limit social media ban for under-16s to unsafe apps, Starmer urged

Campaigners warn against blanket restrictions and say focus should be on blocking teenagers from platforms with ‘risky’ features

The Guardian - UK · May 20

'Essential' Argos influencer kit for toddlers sparks outrage

A charity has warned that the product promotes social media culture to children as young as two

Evening Standard · Mar 23

Ban phones in schools to protect children from online dangers, parents urge

Campaigners with the Smartphone Free Childhood group are meeting the Education Secretary at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.

Evening Standard · Feb 5

Friday briefing: Has the campaign to get smartphones out of schools reached a tipping point?

In today’s newsletter: Momentum is growing for stricter smartphone rules for children, as schools, parents, and ​t​he Children’s Commissioner push for bans amid rising concerns

The Guardian - UK · Apr 11, 2025

Adolescence writer Jack Thorne backs Smartphone Free Childhood group

Writer joins more than 100,000 parents who pledge to withhold smartphones until children are at least 14

The Guardian - UK · Mar 23, 2025

Campaign to bar under-14s from having smartphones signed by 100,000 parents

Surrey was region of UK with most sign-ups for Smartphone Free Childhood’s parent pact, launched last year

The Guardian - UK · Mar 13, 2025

Bridget Phillipson urged to take immediate action to curb use of smartphones in schools until age 16

Smartphone Free Childhood said just 11 per cent of schools have effective restrictions in place

The Independent UK · Oct 10, 2024

UK parents join pact to withhold smartphones from children under 14

Online pledge by Smartphone Free Childhood signed by at least one parent at 6,537 schools

The Guardian - UK · Sep 26, 2024

Meta under fire for 'highly irresponsible' minimum age change on WhatsApp, as investigation finds children are being exposed to 'terrifying' content

Social media giant Meta has been criticised by campaign groups and politicians for lowering the minimum age of use on WhatsApp to 13.

GoodToKnow · Apr 12, 2024