Two mothers’ online safety WhatsApp group gathers 4,000+.
Over 4,000 parents have united in a group advocating against young children having smartphones amid rising concerns about online safety and social media’s impact on mental health.
Former schoolmates Clare Fernyhough and Daisy Greenwell founded the Smartphone Free Childhood WhatsApp group out of worry about children’s smartphone usage, challenging the trend of providing smartphones to kids entering secondary school.
“With children aged seven and nine, plus Daisy’s similarly-aged kids, we felt alarmed and apprehensive about them having smartphones at 11, which seems customary now,” explained Fernyhough.
They aimed to encourage parents to delay granting smartphones until at least age 14, with social media access restricted until 16.
Originally envisioned as a supportive circle of friends, the initiative unexpectedly blossomed into a nationwide movement when their Instagram promotion filled the group to capacity within 24 hours.
“We were completely taken aback,” said Fernyhough. “It just exploded.”
The duo urged individuals to establish local groups to manage the overwhelming demand. “Within half an hour, 30 local groups popped up across the country, and it keeps growing,” Fernyhough remarked.
The group, transformed into a community to accommodate more participants, now boasts approximately 4,500 members.
Fernyhough highlighted how smartphones expose children to content inappropriate for their age, such as pornography and material on self-harm and suicide, adversely affecting their mental well-being. “They simply don’t need one at that age. A basic phone can suffice for their needs,” she asserted.
According to Ofcom research, 91% of UK children own a smartphone by age 11, and 44% by age nine.
“We initially thought our stance was extreme, seeking solidarity. However, we’ve unintentionally opened a dialogue. Many share our concerns but felt unable to voice them,” Fernyhough observed.
Earlier this week, Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna Ghey, advocated for a complete social media ban for those under 16, warning of increased mental health issues unless tech companies act to limit exposure to harmful content.
Brianna, tragically murdered on February 11, 2023, is believed by her mother to have been vulnerable due to excessive online activity.
The objective, Fernyhough explained, is to shift the standard so that when children finish primary school, the class collectively agrees to delay social media access until at least age 14. This approach ensures that a significant number of peers entering secondary school have opted for the same, lessening peer pressure.
“We don’t want our children to be the only ones without social media in secondary school,” Fernyhough stressed. “That’s a nightmare scenario no parent wants. However, if a substantial portion—20%, 30%, or even 50%—make that choice, their children are in a stronger position.”
