The smartphone-free childhood movement gained significant momentum in 2025, with parents, educators, and governments around the world taking action to protect children from the harmful effects of excessive screen time and social media.
Following Australia's pioneering ban on social media for children under 16 in 2024, several other countries implemented similar restrictions. Schools across Europe and North America adopted phone-free policies, reporting improvements in student concentration, social interaction, and mental health.
“Following Australia's pioneering ban on social media for children under 16 in 2024, several other countries implemented similar restrictions.”
Grassroots parent groups organized around the idea of delaying smartphone access until high school age. The movement was bolstered by research linking early smartphone use to anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption in children. 'We're seeing a cultural shift,' said one education researcher. 'Parents are realizing they don't have to give in to the pressure of the digital age.'
How did this story make you feel?
