Parents are turning to “dumb” phones as a way to protect their children from the potential harms of smartphones and social media. These basic devices lack internet access and advanced features, but offer a safer alternative for kids. Daisy Greenwell, a former journalist, started a WhatsApp group to support parents who chose not to buy smartphones for their young children.
The group quickly gained popularity, reflecting a growing movement of parents concerned about the impact of smartphones on their kids. The tragic death of Molly Russell, who took her own life after being exposed to self-harm content on social media, has highlighted the risks children face online. In response, the UK government is introducing new regulations to hold social media companies accountable for protecting users.
Mobile operators have embraced the trend, with Virgin Media O2 seeing sales of dumb phones double over the past year. These devices, such as the Nokia 105, are much cheaper than smartphones and offer basic functions like calling and texting.
Parents opting for basic phones
While dumb phones alone may not solve the problem, they could help drive loyalty in the competitive mobile market. Analysts predict that operators will start offering family plans that include brick phones for children and additional safety measures. However, parents face challenges in balancing their children’s safety with the desire to stay connected.
Many kids feel left out if they don’t have smartphones like their friends. To address this, campaigns like Smartphone Free Childhood encourage parents to sign a “parent pact” agreeing not to give their children smartphones until they reach a certain age. Some companies, like HMD Global, are working on creating a new type of handset that balances functionality with well-being.
The company plans to launch a concept phone by next summer based on feedback from people around the world. As the debate continues, campaigners agree that the burden of protecting children online should not fall solely on parents. They call for tighter regulations and more control for parents over their children’s devices to help keep them safe.
