Could Putting Down Mobiles Be a Step Towards a Kinder Future for Children?
As debates grow around children and screen time, Be Kind Movement explores how delaying smartphone use and promoting emotional intelligence can protect young minds. With mental health concerns on the rise, we offer practical tools for families and educators to create healthier digital habits—putting kindness and connection at the heart of tech use.
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:
Delay smartphone ownership (aiming for 14+ years).
Create tech-free zones (e.g., meals and bedrooms). Use apps like Screen Time on iOS to schedule device-free hours.
Encourage offline activities (reading, sports, creative hobbies).
Teach digital empathy (promote kindness online and responsible screen use).
Model healthy habits (parents should also reduce screen time!).
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