Solihull Launches Smartphone-Free Youth Campaign as 14-Year-Olds Report 4 to 8 Hours Daily Use
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 2
Solihull Launches Smartphone-Free Youth Campaign as 14-Year-Olds Report 4 to 8 Hours Daily Use
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 2
Summary
Solihull has launched its 'In Real Life' campaign, asking schools, businesses, charities and the council to create smartphone-free spaces for young people beyond the classroom.
The push is driven by concerns over mental health and screen dependence: project lead Katie Washbourne said more than half of youths referred to her service had online-related problems, while two 14-year-olds described spending four to eight hours a day on phones or social media.
Alderbrook School has required Year 7 and 8 pupils since February to lock away phones at the start of the day, after a voluntary scheme began last year.
Local venues are tying the campaign to offline alternatives, with Game Guru offering 10% off if families lock devices away and groups such as Robocode and Meriden Adventure Playground promoting hands-on activities and play.
The initiative comes ahead of wider national curbs, with England already banning smartphones in schools and a social media ban for under-16s due next year.