11:17, 15 July 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Before streaming services we had video rental shops where you could browse aisles of films and tv boxsets ahead of the weekend.
This short film by Smartphone Free Childhood, uses this nostalgic setting to highlight the dangers children are exposed to today via digital platforms. By comparing modern algorithms to a physical video store, the campaign shows just how easily explicit and harmful material can be served directly to minors.
Their message is clear: ‘Childhood has changed. The need to protect kids hasn't.’
Smartphones have had a massive impact on how kids around the world experience childhood. With a lot of research showing the harms and many attempts of finding a solution, this campaign group encourages families to act, to help look out for our children.
In a 2025 study, 1 in 5 teens conclude social media sites have hurt their mental health, but they continue to use it as a way to stay connected with friends.
By collectively agreeing to delay smartphones for children until at least 14 and social media until 16, the tide on how much harm children are exposed to can turn the tide, allowing our kids to be kids for longer, and reclaim childhood from the tech giants.
Find out more about the pacts and resources available to support this generation on their website here.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Smartphone Free Childhood. This is a parent-led movement aiming to delay giving children smartphones until at least age 14 to protect their mental health. It encourages communities and schools to collectively agree on using basic phones instead, reducing peer pressure and online harms. Find out more.
Wait Until 8th. This prominent American advocacy campaign empowers parents to collectively rally together and pledge to delay giving children smartphones until at least the 8th grade (age 13 or 14). Find out more here.
Heads Up Alliance. This is a major grassroots Australian organisation founded by parents to counter the growing mental health and social pressures of early smartphone and social media access. Support them here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education.
