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Holding off giving children a smartphone is better for their wellbeing, first-of-its-kind research finds. 

In the absence of a nationwide smartphone ban in UK schools, many parents have taken matters into their own hands, collectively agreeing to put off giving their children a device. The idea was pioneered by the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, founded by former Positive News editor Daisy Greenwell.  

Now, a study involving 12,000 English primary schools finds that where at least one fifth of families formed such a pact, school-recorded support needs fell by 8.2%, while child psychiatric disability claims fell by 6%. 

The study has yet to be peer reviewed, but author Gregory Veramendi, an economist at the University of London, said it was the “first causal evidence that coordinated delay of smartphones improves children’s mental health”.  

“For parents who chose to delay smartphones for their children, often when it felt like everyone else was doing the opposite, this is an extraordinary moment,” said Greenwell. 

“Delaying a smartphone isn’t about what you’re taking away from your child – it’s about everything you’re giving back. More time, better sleep, real-world friendships, space to play and the ability to focus. In a world of constant connectivity, those things are fast becoming superpowers.” 

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