KIDS FOR NOW

Let kids be kids a little longer.

Kids For Now was established in 2022 as a grassroots movement to empower parents to delay smartphones by making a pact together, and gave birth to Smartphone Free Childhood.

Why do we need a parent pact?

Parents are trapped in a dilemma: We worry about the impact of smartphones and social media on our children, but, with nearly all children owning a smartphone by the age of 10, the fear that our child will miss-out, be socially excluded or even bullied for not having a phone is also very real. By connecting with other parents and making a pact to delay smartphones in our community we can keep our kids safe from addictive apps and online harm and preserve real childhood where they play and interact with each other in real life rather than each being glued to their own screens.

Children don’t need smartphones. They can keep in touch with a basic phone, with no internet, and still learn to use technology positively and safely without owning a smartphone.

Addiction to social media and smartphones is harming a generation through social anxiety and depression, and putting children at risk of cyber-bullying and exploitation. Children don’t deserve to be burdened with the responsibility of managing these risks. But as parents, we are trapped between giving our child a harmful and addictive device and the fear that they will be left-out without one.

The good news is many other parents also have these concerns and will be pleased to know that your child won’t be getting a smartphone. The less children with smartphones means a safer environment for all children. Evidence suggests smartphones should be delayed until at least the age of 16.

Together we can support each other to delay smartphones and reduce the peer pressure. Join the growing community of parents in the UK supporting each other to take control of the impact of smartphones and social media in our children’s lives.

Kids For Now paved the way for Smartphone Free Childhood.

Safety

Mobile phones are an important safety tool. But, children just need a basic mobile phone to stay in touch with family and friends. They don’t need a smartphone with access to the internet and social media. So, give your child a basic mobile phone instead of a smartphone. See our list of great alternatives.

Join the movement, sign the Smartphone-Free Childhood pact: