Could Putting Down Mobiles Be a Step Towards a Kinder Future for Children?

Emotional Intelligence and screen time

The debate about children and mobile phone use is growing. At Be Kind Movement (BKM), we want to empower parents and educators with practical strategies for managing screen time, promoting digital well-being, and supporting children’s emotional intelligence (EQ).

When is the right time to give a child a smartphone? How can families delay this moment without isolating their child? And what impact does excessive screen time have on mental health, resilience, and social skills?

The Bigger Picture: Digital safety and mental health

A 2023 Ofcom report found that children aged 5–15 spend an average of 6.3 hours daily, with mobile phones being their primary device. Social media alone accounts for six hours per week, raising concerns about its impact on emotional resilience and self-esteem.

Meanwhile, the Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill currently in Parliament highlights the urgent need for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to safeguard children’s online experiences. YoungMinds and Place2Be report a growing connection between excessive screen time and rising mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying.

How Screen use impacts children’s mental Health

Children’s emotional intelligence (EQ) is vital for resilience and well-being. Strong EQ helps young people navigate stress, friendships, and online challenges—potentially reducing the number of children requiring mental health services.

At Be Kind Movement, we believe teaching emotional intelligence is like wearing a seatbelt—it protects children from life’s challenges. Studies show that excessive screen time can:

* Reduce empathy and emotional awareness.

* Weaken communication skills by limiting face-to-face interactions.

* Shorten attention spans, making learning and focus harder.

* Increase digital addiction and online dependency.

With NHS waiting lists for youth mental health support at crisis levels, could promoting EQ skills early on be part of the solution?

The Balancing Act: Risks vs Benefits of digital technology

While excessive screen time has risks, technology also provides benefits:

• 67% of children say social media makes them happy (Ofcom, 2023).

• 66% believe it helps them feel closer to friends.

• 81% of children and 84% of parents recognise the benefits of online learning.

At Be Kind Movement, we advocate for a balanced approach to digital engagement—ensuring children reap the benefits while minimising the risks.

Australia has implemented national mobile phone restrictions in schools, setting a precedent for policy-driven change. Should the UK consider a similar move?

A Call for shared responsibility: What parents can do

Parents today face tough conversations about mobile phones. According to Smartphone Free Childhood, a UK movement with over 120,000 members, say delaying smartphone ownership can protect children’s emotional health and well-being.

Parenting expert Sue Atkins suggests the following script for handling the “smartphone conversation” with children:

➡ Parent: “Hey [child’s name], we’ve decided to wait until you’re 14 before getting a smartphone.”

➡ Child: “But all my friends have one!”

➡ Parent: “I understand, but we want to make sure you’re ready to handle it responsibly. We’ll find other ways for you to stay connected and entertained.”

Actionable advice for families

To promote healthy digital habits, families can:

1. Delay smartphone ownership (aiming for 14+ years).

2. Create tech-free zones (e.g., meals and bedrooms). Use apps like Screen Time on iOS to schedule device-free hours.

3. Encourage offline activities (reading, sports, creative hobbies).

4. Teach digital empathy (promote kindness online and responsible screen use).

5. Model healthy habits (parents should also reduce screen time!).

6. Explore parental controls and digital literacy training (NHS guidance on managing screen time).

Conclusion: Prioritising kindness over clicks

At Be Kind Movement, we believe emotional intelligence is a superpower. By setting healthy screen habits, parents and schools can help children develop empathy, resilience, and meaningful social skills.

Our Kindness in Schools Programme launches online this year—designed to support emotional intelligence through experiential learning.

Get involved: Help us foster kindness and emotional intelligence. Donate here

The Power Of 'Me Time'

THE POWER OF ‘ME TIME’

How carving out some time for yourself can improve your health and happiness

In our fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time for ourselves. Constant demands from work, family and our social circle can be overwhelming, but just a few minutes for ourselves each day can do wonders for our mental and physical health. 

Here are some of the benefits of “Me Time” - 

1. Better focus and productivity - Taking a moment to relax and clear the mind helps improve focus and efficiency.

2. Relieves stress and anxiety - Self-care helps lower cortisol levels and improves overall mood.

3. Improved sleep - Destressing can help us fall asleep more easily, get a good night's sleep, and enhance energy levels, leading to a better quality of life.

4. Strengthen relationships - Fostering better relationships with others starts with having a good relationship with yourself. Learning self-love can help us be better parents, partners, friends and family members.

5. Sparks creativity - Being by yourself, without distractions helps the creative juices flow.

Benefits of ‘Me-Time’

How much time do we actually need to give ourselves?

Studies have proven that even 10 minutes daily can work magic for your well-being. If you can afford to give yourself more time, then why not? But, for all you busy bees out there, start by giving yourselves 10 minutes daily and see your life transform.

If you are struggling to find time for yourself, here are a few tips - 

1. Schedule and pre-plan your “me time”.

2. Do something you enjoy and look forward to.

3. Set clear boundaries with your loved ones.

4. Cut down on screen time. 

5. Make it a habit- e.g. mid-morning break, lunchtime or after work.

While we are on this, have you read our recent blog on self-care?

6 BOOKS THAT TEACH YOUR CHILD TO BE KIND

While there are so many ways to instil kindness in our children, one of my favourites has to be through books. There are many great books that can teach children about kindness, and here are 6 of our favourites:

1. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin:

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

This is a beautifully worded, inspiring book that conveys great life values to children on all the things they can be when they grow up. Young children are shown that there is more to life than just a profession.

2. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig:

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

This book shows the struggle of a kid who feels invisible at school until a new child comes to class. It teaches us how one person can make a difference in someone else’s life and how an act of kindness can make others feel valued

3. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead:

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

A heartwarming story about nurturing relationships. A kind zookeeper falls sick and is unable to come to work, so all his animal friends take a bus to his house to keep him company and make sure he is alright. This definitely tops the list for me.

4. Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud:

Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud

This book does a great job at teaching our kids about the concept of showing kindness as well as accepting kindness from others and how easy and rewarding it is to be kind and welcoming. 

5. Kindness is my Superpower by Alicia Ortega:

kindness is my Superpower by Alicia Ortega

Teaching empathy, acceptance, compassion and generosity, Kindness Is My Superpower shows our kids that it is okay to make mistakes and say "I'm sorry”.

6. Kindness Makes Me Stronger by Elizabeth Cole:

Kindness Makes Me Stronger by Elizabeth Cole

An optimistic book for teaching young children the magical powers of kindness, respect and empathy in a fun and playful way.

Although these books are for young children, we adults need them sometimes too. I love these books for myself and my daughter. Teaching our children to be kind is one of the most important values we can instil in them. It helps them develop and succeed both in school and life. Be kind Riase kind.

Self Care- The Key To A Kinder World

We live in a world that constantly demands us to be more perfect, more successful, and more productive. A stay-at-home parent is bombarded with conflicting messages to go out and financially contribute to the family while a working parent is told to contribute more to their child’s upbringing. This relentless pressure to be more and do more can take a toll on our physical and mental health.

What if being kind to ourselves sets off a chain reaction, inspiring us to be kinder towards those around us?

While bubble baths and manicures may be enjoyable, they are not the only way to practice self-care.

1. Carve out some time for yourself daily - Music, dance or long baths, whatever it may be, take some time out for yourself every day to do things you love.

2. Prioritize a healthy lifestyle - Eating healthy, being physically active and getting quality sleep are the key to a balanced life.

3. Practice mindfulness - Cultivate awareness in the present moment with meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and other practices.

4. Be grateful - Appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Keep a gratitude journal and notice the change in your mindset.

5. Engage in hobbies - Dedicate some time each week to pursue interests that bring you joy and fulfill your life.

6. Spend time with family and friends - We all need human connection, to love and be loved. Spending quality time with people who support and understand us is an integral part of self-care.

7. Practice self-compassion - Treat yourself the way you would treat others. Often, we tend to be overly critical and demanding of ourselves. Instead, let's be gentle and mindful of our inner voice.

8. Set clear boundaries - Be it in our personal life or professional life, we all struggle to set boundaries and say no. Learning to say no to things you don't have the bandwidth for, can protect your mental peace and energy.

9. Nature bathing - Spending time in nature away from your gadgets can go a long way in recharging your mental space.

10. Pamper yourself - Everybody deserves to treat themselves to things they love, every now and then. Take yourself shopping, get that massage you have been wanting, take yourself out to dinners, and do things that make you feel special.

We all have an array of responsibilities we have to tend to on a daily basis, and more often than not these responsibilities take priority over self-care. As a new mother myself, I quickly learned that self-care is essential for being a better parent and spouse. It helped me embrace myself, destress, effectively manage my emotions and be more present with my family. Self-care is not a luxury, but rather an investment in your happiness and health, it is an act of kindness towards yourself!

In a world that constantly tells you you are not enough, be resilient and say “I am more than enough”!

Do you have any self-care rituals you swear by? Please share with us in our comments section. Follow our socials and website to know more about Be Kind Movement programmes and campaigns.