Why Kids Need a Smartphone-Free Childhood (And What Parents Can Do Instead)

Why are more families choosing to delay smartphones? This episode explores child development, attention, and the growing movement advocating for a healthier relationship with technology.

Smartphones are addictive — science confirms it. As adults, we feel the pull. But what happens when kids as young as 9 are handed devices and expected to navigate school, friendships, puberty, and social media all at once?

In this powerful episode, we explore the growing Opgroeien Smartphonevrij (Growing Up Smartphone-Free) movement — a grassroots initiative started by Dutch parents who want to change the norm. Backed by leading research from psychologists Jean Twenge and Angela Duckworth, this movement advocates for smartphone-free primary schools, better digital boundaries, and healthier childhood development.

We discuss:

• What parents can do to delay smartphone use

• How to talk with schools and other parents about screen-free environments

If you’ve ever felt alone in wanting to say “no” to early smartphones — you're not. There’s a growing community of parents who agree it’s time to reclaim childhood.

Links to support you:

Want to join the Whatsapp group in your area? CLICK HERE

Want to join the Whatsapp group for English speakers: CLICK HERE - (in select jouw regio - scroll to bottom for ENGLISH)

If you want to check out your own school (or chosen school)

CLICK HERE on your region

Click on the image of a school - Bekijk hoeveel ouders....

From there it will show you the number of students and schools, with the list of cities underneath.

Click into the city and you will get a breakdown of each school registered and keep clicking.. It gets more and more interesting! You will see how many kids in your school, and even by which groep they are in.

If you want the read the materials related to the UK website CLICK HERE

If you want to read about Amsterdam's action plan: You can download the PDF (Dutch only) here

Loved this episode? Help us spread the message!

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a fellow parent, teacher, or friend. The more we talk about growing up smartphone-free, the stronger the movement becomes.

Follow the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode
Rate the show — it helps more parents discover these important topics

Share this episode in your group chats, school WhatsApp groups, or on social media

Together, we can create healthier environments for our kids to grow up in.