Free community event to explore the impact of smartphones on childhood

Parents, educators and community members are invited to attend a free public event on March 24 at the Guildhall focused on the growing concerns around smartphone use among children and young people.

The event, organised by local parents from ‘Smartphone Free Childhood’, will bring together expert speakers and local voices to discuss the potential risks associated with early smartphone access, including the impact on mental health, development, language and learning.

Smartphone Free Childhood is a grassroots movement that exists to bring families together to stand up for healthier, happier childhoods. The event aims to inform local parents and anyone with an interest in the subject about the challenges smartphones present for children, while encouraging open discussion about how communities can support young people in the digital age.

Guest speakers will include: Dr Claire Sinton, local paediatrician and lead of Smartphone Free Childhood in Derry; Craig Johnson, Principal of Strabane Academy; Tara McDermott, Speech and Language Therapist; as well a representative from the PSNI.

Each speaker will share their professional perspective on how smartphone use is affecting children’s wellbeing, development, education and safety.

Discussing the event and the importance of hosting it in Derry, Dr Claire Sinton said: "Smartphones have fundamentally reshaped childhood. Not because this is what any of us want for our children, but because for many families it has felt almost impossible to choose another path. When everyone else seems to be doing the same thing, parents often feel their child will be left out if they don’t follow along.

Across healthcare, education and child development we are increasingly seeing the impact that constant connectivity can have on children’s wellbeing, attention, sleep and social development. Parents are concerned, but many feel stuck.

This event at the Guildhall is about creating space for an open and honest conversation about that reality. Parents are increasingly concerned about the impact smartphones are having on children’s wellbeing, development and relationships, but many feel they are navigating these decisions alone.

Smartphone Free Childhood exists to bring families together so that no one has to face that pressure in isolation. This isn’t about judging or blaming anyone, it’s about sharing knowledge, hearing from experts and supporting one another.

We’d love to invite anyone who has an interest to come along, hear the facts and meet other like minded people. Everyone is welcome.”  

The initiative is being supported by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane’s Office, which is sponsoring the event as part of its commitment to supporting the wellbeing of young people and families across the community.

To register to attend the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smartphone-free-childhood-information-evening-tickets-1983449022419 

To find out more about Smartphone Free Childhood visit: https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/