Our story

Kids For Now was launched in 2022 when Dr Sam Rice, a father from Scotland, found himself in a dilemma when his son began asking for a smartphone. Sam knew that smartphones and social media were not suitable for children but felt torn between saying ‘no’ and the fear of his son being left out. So he invited the other parents in his son’s class to join him and together, delay giving their kids smartphones. Realizing that other parents across the country must be facing the same dilemma Sam created Kids For Now to connect and empower parents within schools across the UK to come together to delay smartphones through group chats.

The idea went vitral in February 2024 when two of our mums, Clare and Daisy, shared their WhatsApp group on Instagram. Thousands joined overnight, giving birth to Smartphone Free Childhood. Thanks to Clare and Daisy we’re making history, and our smartphone-free movement is now a global phenomenon.

To avoid confusion, the Kids For Now Pact was replaced by the Smartphone Free Childhood Parent Pact and you can now find your local WhatsApp group at Smartphone Free Childhood. However, Kids For Now continues to promote the role of parenting in protecting kids from online harms, working with parents, schools, local authorities and the media.

We are a small organisation, entirely voluntary, non-profit, independent and not affiliated with or funded by any other organisations, political groups or businesses.

Founder, Dr Sam Rice, is a father of 2 from Scotland who believes that children are healthiest and happiest when they learn and develop through real-world social interactions, physical play and natural environments. He believes that, on balance, technology is doing more harm than good to a generation of children and that, while regulation and digital literacy are part of the solution, they do not go far enough.

We can’t wait any longer for corporations or governments. It’s time for parents to get together and support each other to take control.