UK campaign gains 100,000 signatures to delay smartphone use for children under 14

A UK campaign urging parents to withhold smartphones from their children until at least age 14 has gained 100,000 signatures since its launch six months ago, The Guardian reported. The Smartphone Free Childhood initiative encourages parents to delay smartphone use until the end of year 9 and keep children off social media until they turn 16.

The campaign highlights concerns over smartphone addiction, exposure to harmful content, and its impact on children’s mental health and school performance. It has received strong support in regions like Surrey and Hertfordshire, with over 11,500 schools backing the pledge.

Supporters argue that tech companies have failed to regulate their platforms responsibly, leaving parents in a difficult position. Meanwhile, experts caution that a complete ban may be impractical, advocating instead for improved regulation and safer digital environments for children.

In response to growing debate, a proposed bill to raise the age of digital consent from 13 to 16 was amended, with the UK government now committed to further research on the issue rather than immediate legislative changes.