Gibraltar Parents Launch 'Smartphone Free Childhood' Initiative to Delay Child Smartphone Access

New Initiative Addresses Childhood Smartphone Use

A group of concerned parents in Gibraltar has officially launched 'Smartphone Free Childhood Gibraltar,' an initiative dedicated to supporting families who choose to delay providing smartphones to their children. The launch coincides with the 4th Annual Schools Mental Health Festival, highlighting growing concerns about the impact of digital devices on young people's well-being.

The group was founded by Selwyn Figueras, Natalie Massetti, Brenda Cuby, and Nicholas Borge, among other parents. Its primary objective is to create a supportive community for parents and carers, fostering solidarity in their efforts to reduce the risks associated with excessive screen time and early social media engagement during a child's formative years.

Goals and Community Support

Selwyn Figueras articulated the initiative's core mission, stating, 'Our goal is simple: to support each other as parents in delaying smartphone use and to help make Gibraltar a place where children can grow up connected to the world around them, not just to their screens.' The group aims to provide a network for like-minded parents to share experiences and find mutual support.

The initiative is part of a broader international movement advocating for a childhood free from the pressures and potential harms of smartphones and social media. It seeks to raise societal awareness and drive positive change for children's well-being by offering:

• Access to studies and articles on digital habits.
• Examples of initiatives promoting healthier digital practices.
• Tips for managing devices at home and encouraging a balanced childhood.

The founders emphasize that 'Smartphone Free Childhood Gibraltar' is an inclusive space for information and mutual support, with a group statement noting, 'What matters is that we start this conversation together, with honesty and courage, for the sake of our children.'

Expert Backing and Local Context

Parenting expert Sue Atkins has publicly endorsed the 'Smartphone Free Childhood Gibraltar' initiative. During a discussion on 'Gibraltar Today,' Atkins, along with local campaigners, addressed the issues surrounding children's smartphone use. She advised parents to 'nurture the child's self-esteem, wrap them in family support and love, 'and still not give in to the nagging, because you have the bigger picture.'' Atkins praised the initiative, stating, 'That's where you don't give in, or you don't give it early.'

The concerns raised by the group are supported by local data. A survey by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) revealed that 99% of children in Year 7 (aged 11-12) use social media sites, an increase of 7%, despite most platforms requiring users to be at least 16 years old. The survey also found that 86% of teenagers admitted to sharing information about peers without consent. Furthermore, the Department of Education, Public Health, GHA, and the University of Gibraltar launched a survey in September 2024 to investigate children's screen time usage and habits, following guidance from the World Health Organisation on the potential harm of excessive screen time.

A Movement for Balance, Not Banning

The 'Smartphone Free Childhood' movement, both globally and in Gibraltar, stresses that its aim is not to be 'anti-tech' but 'pro childhood.' The international campaign encourages parents to sign a 'Parent Pact' to delay smartphone ownership until at least 14 years old and social media access until 16 years old. The Gibraltar group, which began as a WhatsApp community, seeks to provide a safe space for discussion and support, acknowledging the many challenges children face in the digital age, including bullying, addiction, and reduced attention spans.