connecting parents
to delay smartphones

About

We came together to support Emanuel families who choose to delay smartphones for their children. The vast majority of children in the UK receive a smartphone aged 11.

We set up the site to share resources and explore smartphone alternatives to help parents make informed decisions about their child's technology use.

Distraction is one reason but potential exposure to harmful content is more important.

We believe in fostering healthy relationships with technology and promoting a balanced lifestyle.

Peer pressure can be intense not just for children but also for parents and if you feel uncomfortable providing your child with a smartphone just because everyone else seems to get one in Secondary school, there are other ways to stay connected and important reasons why you may choose to delay.

Why wait

distraction

Research is showing that real world experiences for children - hanging out with friends, playing, reading - are at all time low. Smartphones specifically play a role in hindering social interactions as well as distracting children from important developmental activities.

toxic content exposure

Smartphones pose a danger to children by exposing them to potentially harmful content, risking their emotional well-being and cognitive development as they encounter inappropriate material - often without ever seeking it out. The average age children are exposed to pornography is 11-12. It is not exclusively through social media apps, but also just having unrestricted access to the internet.

bullying

The personal nature of smartphones, combined with their portability, can intensify the impact of online harassment and often they are the primary avenue for bullying among young people.

addiction

Smartphones pose a risk of addiction for kids, as they offer easy access to a plethora of engaging apps and games. The constant notifications and instant gratification from screen time can contribute to excessive usage, potentially impacting children's social skills, sleep patterns, and overall well-being.

Contact

Resources

Helpful resources to explore

Smartphone alternatives

Many parents feel they would like to be able to contact their child or see their location, which is especially important as they start to travel independently in Secondary school. There are options to consider that will allow you to stay in touch without a fully functional smartphone.

Old phone or "dumb phone"

Emporia Smart.5

The Emporia Smart 5 offers essential features like calling and texting, but doesn't provide unrestricted internet access, creating a safer environment for children.

Doro 8100/8200

The Doro phones are designed with seniors and children in, featuring a simplified interface, large buttons, and an emergency assistance button. It provides basic communication functionalities such as calling and texting. Similar to the Emporia Smart.5, the Doro 8100 emphasizes ease of use and does not grant unrestricted internet access.

Oakcastle F100

One of the only mobile phones in production that doesn’t connect to the internet. The F100 offers extra-long battery life, a compact design and a whole host of features such as Bluetooth, media player and dual SIM compartments.

Nokia 105

The Nokia 105 doesn't have a camera or internet connection, it simply makes calls and texts. Additionally, its sturdy build makes it resilient to accidental drops, making it a practical choice for younger users.

Smartwatches

Xplora

The Xplora X5 Play is a kid-friendly smartwatch with calling and messaging features. It includes GPS tracking for location monitoring. Importantly, it restricts internet access and app usage.

Gator watch

A kid-friendly wearable phone with calling and texting capabilities. It includes GPS tracking, allowing you to monitor your child's location. It has no internet access or apps.

Neo | Vodafone's smart kids watch

Designed for safety, this watch allows calling and location tracking. It lacks internet access and app functionalities, making it a suitable choice for parents concerned about online exposure.

Location trackers

Jiobit

Offers real-time GPS location, unlimited range, SOS button and a long battery life (up to 20 days). Small, lightweight, and water-resistant - likely a top choice as GPS tracker for children.

Garmin Vivofit

Combines GPS and activity tracking with sleep monitoring and fun challenges. Durable and swim-friendly, but location tracking features are less advanced.

Weenect

Offers real-time GPS tracking for children with up to 7 days battery life, an SOS button for emergencies, and geofencing for setting safe zones.

AirTag

Affordable, compact and lightweight, but tracks within Bluetooth range or near Apple devices - so coverage may be patchy.

Smartphopne with limitations added

If you choose to give your child a smartphone, consider implementing restrictions and parental controls to safeguard their online experience. Utilize features like app restrictions, screen time limits, and content filters to control access.

Opting for a text and call only SIM card can limit internet access, reducing potential risks. Regularly communicate with your child about responsible device use and establish open channels for discussing any concerns or issues that may arise. This proactive approach helps create a safer digital environment for your child.

You can find a few tips here on how to Make a Smartphone Dumb

connecting parents to delay smartphones