A support group for parents at
Emanuel School
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.
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.
Phone alternatives
​The Phone offers essential features like calling and texting, but doesn't provide internet access and has no apps or camera. ​
A minimal phone that has no internet, social media or email, but has a music player, calculator and calendar.
One of the cheapest phones on the market, has no internet capabilities and no camera.
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Features in-built wireless earbuds, MP3 player, wireless FM radio and great sound quality.
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This SIM-free mobile phone allows calls, texts and has wireless FM radio, also great battery life.
Watches
Xplora
The Xplora 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.
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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.
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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.
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Garmin Vivofit
Combines GPS and activity tracking with sleep monitoring and fun challenges. Durable and swim-friendly, but location tracking features are less advanced.
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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.
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AirTag
Affordable, compact and lightweight, but tracks within Bluetooth range or near Apple devices - so coverage may be patchy.
Smartphone 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