More than 500 Manx families sign 'Smartphone Free Childhood pact'
A parent group on the Isle of Man calling for others to delay giving their children smartphones says its numbers are growing rapidly.
What started out as a Facebook group known as 'Delay Smartphones - IOM' has now joined forces with a UK movement known as Smartphone Free Childhood.
It asks parents to sign a pact; to not give their child a smartphone until the age of 14, and social media until they're 16.
Currently, 505 families with children at more than 30 different schools have signed.
Earlier this summer, the then-Chief Minister Alfred Cannan confirmed there would be a consultation on the Island on restrictions on social media for under 16s.
It's as the UK is set to introduce legislation by the end of the year, ahead of implementation in spring 2027.
John Bolton from the newly-formed Smartphone Free Childhood Isle of Man told Manx Radio that new members have joined the group over the summer, and the movement is gaining momentum:
Asked why any parent should consider delaying giving their child a smartphone and sign this pact, Mr Bolton said: "The average age that children are getting a smartphone in the UK is nine, and 94 percent of parents say they are worried about smartphone usage."
The biggest fear for parents, Mr Bolton says, is that their children are the ones who 'miss out' by not owning a smartphone.
He says seeing that other parents at their child's school have signed the pact will help encourage them.
The negative effects of social media on children's mental health, and screens on their eyesight, are another reason parents are said to be considering this step.
Considering the negative trends reportedly associated with smartphone usage, Mr Bolton says: "We've got more resolve than ever to try and change the social norm, change the convention, and we really, really hope that alongside that we get that legislative action that comes with it."
Smartphone Free Childhood Isle of Man says it is also on the lookout for a parent at every primary and secondary school on the Island to be the 'Smartphone Free Childhood link'; someone to share updates, start conversations and encourage other parents to sign the pact.
It says it's also planning a 'parent event' in January 2027, with details to be announced soon.
Listen to the full interview with John Bolton via the Manx Radio Newscast below:
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