We, the undersigned parents and carers of children attending schools within Sheffield, are writing to express our collective concern regarding the increasing prevalence of smartphone usage among pre-teens and young teenagers in our community. Recent evidence highlights significant safeguarding issues and developmental concerns associated with early smartphone ownership. We respectfully request the support of the council in addressing this matter by recommending new school and parent guidelines that advocate for delaying smartphone usage among children, both during and outside school hours, and encourage schools to adopt 'basic' phone only policies. We also request support ensuring a smartphone isn’t necessary to get the best student fares on buses.

Extensive research has shown that early smartphone usage can negatively impact children's mental health, academic performance, and social interactions. Studies indicate that excessive screen time is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep among young people. Additionally, smartphones often provide unfiltered access to social media platforms, which can expose children to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators, and negative influences that may promote unhealthy attitudes and behaviours, including sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination.

While other countries, like the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Australia and Denmark, have taken account of the current research and have passed much bolder legislation, the UK has been slow despite the mounting evidence of the impact on mental health, family life and school achievement.

There is a growing movement advocating for a smartphone-free childhood, and many schools across the country are adopting this stance with the city of St Albans becoming the first to endorse this initiative. Many councils and boroughs in the South of England are on this journey already, e.g. 

Brighton and Hove
Ealing 
Devon
Hampshire
Worcestershire
Barnet

And in Sheffield, there is strong support for a smartphone-free childhood. Over 2,000 parents have already committed to delay giving their children smartphones until 14 and social media until 16. See https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/parent-pact-results?region=southyorkshire .

The pervasive and unregulated influence of technology, coupled with the sophisticated tactics used by tech companies, can make it challenging for any parent to protect their children from potential harms. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness, implement additional protective measures and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all children, while also providing support to families struggling to implement boundaries due to smartphone addiction.

We understand that the council cannot mandate parental choices, or school policies, but it can play a pivotal role in raising awareness and providing evidence-based guidance. We propose that the council encourages schools to adopt guidelines recommending that parents delay providing smartphones to their children until they are older and promote the use of basic mobile phones or smartwatches that allow parents to stay in contact with their children without exposing them to the risks associated with smartphones. We urge the council alongside this to launch an educational campaign aimed at informing parents about the potential dangers of early smartphone usage. 

Furthermore, we ask that the council provides resources and support to schools to implement these new guidelines effectively. This could involve training sessions for teachers and staff, as well as creating a platform for parents to share their concerns and experiences.

We also ask for the council’s support in ensuring that a smartphone is not required to get the best student fares on buses within Sheffield.

In conclusion, by supporting these initiatives, the council will be taking a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of children in Sheffield. We believe that with the council's backing, we can foster a community that prioritises the healthy development of our young people and mitigates the risks associated with early smartphone use.

We thank you for your attention to this pressing matter and look forward to your positive response.

Yours sincerely

Parents and carers from Sheffield