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In the UAE, a grassroots movement is transforming how young students engage with smartphones and social media. Screenwise Child UAE, a parent-led community initiative, is advocating for limiting smartphone access until age 14 and delaying social media entry to age 16. This movement reflects a growing global trend addressing concerns about technology’s impact on youth.

Key Points of the Initiative

• Limiting smartphone access until age 14
• Delaying social media entry to age 16
• Encouraging schools to adopt tech-limiting policies
• Promoting digital literacy through meaningful tech use
• Emphasising free play and reduced screen time

With over 2,000 members from approximately 75 schools, the group is taking significant steps to protect young minds from excessive screen time and irresponsible social media use.

Global Context

This initiative aligns with international trends. Countries like Spain, France, and Australia have implemented various levels of smartphone and social media bans in schools, citing addiction and mental health concerns. Similar measures have emerged in the US and parts of Asia.

UAE School Responses

Several UAE schools have begun introducing systems to restrict smartphone use during school hours, including:

• Smartphone lock systems (e.g., Yondr pouches)
• Phone collection policies
• Complete bans at junior levels
• Stricter usage regulations

These measures aim to reduce distractions and foster a healthier learning environment.

The Need for Action

Recent studies have consistently linked smartphones and social media to concerning harms:

• 82% of young people in the GCC struggle to disconnect from social media (Arab Youth Survey)
• UAE has a high social media penetration rate
• Average UAE social media user has 10.5 social media accounts (2021 study)

Schools implementing smartphone bans have often seen improvements in grades and behaviour, according to studies conducted elsewhere.

How It Started

Screenwise Child UAE was initiated by:

• Amelia Haughey: Executive leadership consultant and mother of four
• Samantha Bohnacker: Chartered surveyor and mother of two
• Dr Alison Burrows: Professor at Middlesex University Dubai
• Toby Haughey: Management consultant and military veteran
• Natalie Pietrobon: Former Royal Australian Air Force pilot and mother of two

The initiative began as a WhatsApp group and has grown into numerous school-wise groups and umbrella groups for different emirates.

Perils of Smartphones

The co-founders highlight several risks associated with early smartphone and social media use:

• Exposure to harmful content
• Online harassment and cyberbullying
• Sextortion schemes
• Unrealistic beauty standards
• Mental and emotional health risks
• Addiction and constant distraction

Balancing Technology and Development

While advocating for limited smartphone use, the initiative also promotes digital literacy. Dr Alison Burrows emphasises the importance of real-world interactions for brain development and building crucial social skills.

Practical Steps for Parents

Parents involved in the initiative are taking various approaches:

• Purchasing basic ‘dumb’ phones for communication
• Implementing phone-free dinner table routines
• Establishing screen-free days
• Using family phones instead of individual devices

Looking Ahead

Screenwise Child UAE aims to collaborate with education authorities while respectfully following guidelines. The initiative calls for more parents and schools to champion their cause, working towards a balanced approach to technology use among young students in the UAE.