Lancaster parents encouraged as group meets PM to discuss children’s social media use

Smartphone Free Childhood met with Sir Keir Starmer and Tech Secretary Liz Kendall at 10 Downing Street to discuss children, smartphones and social media – a remarkable moment for a grassroots movement that began just two years ago.‍

Smartphone Free Childhood began with a handful of concerned families chatting on WhatsApp – including some in Lancaster.

Momentum built up slowly and collectively by thousands of people working at grassroots level to organise school talks, set up local groups, speak to other parents at the gates, change school policies, share stories and start conversations.

The meeting was hosted by the Prime Minister and Liz Kendall as the Government enters the final stage of its consultation on children and social media.

The aim was to hear directly from parents, campaigners and children themselves before deciding what action to take.

SFC parents and their children spoke about what smartphones and social media are doing to childhood – from distraction and anxiety to social pressure and the loss of independence, play and presence.

The team spoke directly to the Prime Minister about the extraordinary growth of the movement, and the huge public appetite for raising the age of social media to 16.

A spokesperson said: “While we obviously don’t know what decisions the Government will ultimately take, we left feeling genuinely encouraged.

"It felt like ministers understood both the scale of public concern and the growing urgency around protecting childhood in the smartphone age.

"After years of this issue being dismissed as niche, alarmist or impossible to solve, that feels significant.

"And for the first time in a long time, real change feels close.”

‍After the meeting, Lancaster MP Cat Smith said: “It is encouraging to see the Government engaging seriously with parents, campaigners and young people about the impact smartphones and social media are having on childhood.

“Many families across Lancaster and Wyre are deeply concerned about the pressures children face online, from harmful content and addictive algorithms to the impact excessive screen time can have on mental health, sleep and learning.

“Campaigns like Smartphone Free Childhood are helping parents feel less isolated and giving communities the confidence to have important conversations about digital wellbeing.

"While technology brings many benefits, children deserve the chance to grow up safely, build real-world friendships and enjoy childhood away from constant online pressure.

“I welcome the fact that these concerns are now being heard at the highest levels of government, and I hope this leads to meaningful action to better protect children online.”

Lancaster parent and educational psychologist Vicky Booth said: “We are really pleased that so many Lancaster parents have shown their support through this petition.

"It's also a great way to let other parents know that a growing number of families are now changing the norm, by delaying giving their children smartphones.

"We are also super pleased that our local schools are really supportive – it's exciting to see the school banners of support for smartphone free childhood starting to pop up across the city!

"If anyone would like to get involved, they will be warmly welcome at our next Lancaster smartphone free childhood meet up at the Gregson on Thursday June 11 at 6.30pm (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smartphone-free-childhood-lancaster-discussion-group-tickets-1989955958841)

“Parents can also get lots of helpful information at www.smartphonefreechildhood.org – because childhood is too short to scroll away!”

Fellow Lancaster parent Dr Kat Taylor, who is a CAMHS clinical psychologist, said: “I am incredibly grateful to these parents for organising an effective network for parents, then delivering their signatures to the Prime Minister.

"We are seeing growing concern from parents and professionals alike about the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s mental health, sleep, learning, development and physical activity. This campaign is about giving children the healthiest possible start and creating a culture where childhood is protected.

"It is also a powerful demonstration that communities can act together towards the changes that are needed.”