More than 550 island parents have signed up to a campaign encouraging families to delay giving children smartphones and access to social media.

The parent-led volunteer group, ‘Smartphone Free Childhood Isle of Man’, is hoping to make it easier for families to resist the pressure of children having smartphones from an early age.

Inspired by the wider UK-based ‘Smartphone Free Childhood Movement’, the campaign aims to tackle the potential negative effects of social media on young people while supporting parents who want to delay their children's access to technology.

Its ‘Parent Pact’ allows families to anonymously register their commitment to waiting, with each child counted individually.

The idea is to create a sense of community among parents, helping them feel less pressured by the perception that 'everyone else has one' and allowing children to enjoy their childhood without the influence of the digital world.

A spokesperson for the group said: ‘So many parents already feel uneasy about smartphones, but the pressure of “everyone else has one” makes it feel like there's no choice.

‘The Parent Pact shows families they're not alone. When parents can see that others in their child's class are making the same decision, waiting becomes so much easier.

‘This isn't about judging anyone. None of us have navigated this before, and many parents have already given their child a phone. We want to create space for honest conversations and give every family more choice.’

The campaign comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children and young people, with the UK Parliament highlighting potential risks including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, harassment, grooming and abuse.

The wider Smartphone Free Childhood Movement encourages parents to wait until their child is at least 14 before giving them a smartphone, and 16 before allowing access to social media.

Formed in 2024 after a WhatsApp group unexpectedly went viral, the movement has since grown into a community of more than 350,000 parents working together towards 'healthier, happier childhoods'.

The island campaign also comes as the UK Government considers restrictions on social media for under-16s, while the Isle of Man Government prepares to launch a public consultation on the issue.

Speaking earlier this year in the House of Keys, former Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said: ‘Government recognises the potential harms posed by social media, particularly to children and young people, and has already taken practical steps to reduce some of those risks.’

One measure was the introduction of a ban on mobile phones on school premises in September 2024 by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

Smartphone Free Childhood Isle of Man is now preparing to hold its first in-person event in January.

The evening will bring together a panel of local doctors, teachers and frontline professionals with parents and members of the community for an open discussion about children, smartphones and social media.

Organisers are also encouraging anyone interested in supporting the campaign or helping with the event to come forward.

Parents can sign the Parent Pact online at: https://parentpact.app.smartphonefreechildhood.org/iom