Parents organise to lobby for ban on smartphones for under-16s

The local chapter of the global 'Smartphone Free Childhood' movement is calling on government and schools to urgently adopt a mandatory ban on smartphone and social media access for children under 16.

Smartphone Free Childhood South Africa (SFC-SA) is positioning it as a crucial public health priority over the festive season and before the new school year starts.

After Australia’s ban on major social media platforms for under-16s and Malaysia’s plan to follow in 2026, South Africa needs to act now or risk falling far behind this global shift, says the movement's Clare Thompson.

She adds that in the run-up to the festive season, smartphones will be on many young people's Christmas lists, and she's urging parents to delay such purchases for as long as possible.

"These are highly addictive devices that are being given to children."

Thompson says the research shows that since the advent of smartphones, the mental health of our teenagers and young children has been on the decline.

"Rises of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm and suicide [are increasing]," she says.

And it's not just affecting their mental health, says Thompson.

"It's changing their brains, their eyesight; there are neurological changes that are also being documented."

Thompson says it is not too late to curb the exposure of young people to smartphones.

"Although we are far down this road, I don't think we should take the, oh well, the cat's out of the bag approach."

The SFC is calling on parents of primary school children to join thousands of parents across South Africa in signing the Parent Pact to delay smartphones until high school.

They have several resources on their website to help parents explore ways to foster healthier digital habits.

The initiative is also aiming to have phone-free schools.

To listen to Thompson in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click below.