The Smartphone-Free Childhood initiative continues to grow across the UK, within Barnet and here at St Catherine’s we continue to encourage it. Many parents are choosing to delay giving their children smartphones, prioritising their wellbeing, sleep, focus, and friendships. We know this can lead to tricky conversations at home, so here are some tips to help:
Start by calmly explaining why your decision is based on care and protection, not punishment. Frame it as a family value — much like healthy eating. Be honest about the challenges phones bring, like exposure to social media, online risks, and distractions from real-life fun. It helps to acknowledge their feelings: “I know it’s hard when others have phones, and it might feel unfair. Let’s talk about it.”
Offer alternatives, such as using a family-shared device under supervision for specific activities. You could even agree on regular “tech time” together — watching a show, playing a game, or learning online — so they don’t feel left out.
Finally, connect with other families making similar choices. Children are more likely to accept boundaries when they know their peers are in the same boat. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they build trust and understanding — and protect something very precious: their childhood.
