‘Smartphone Free Childhood Bermuda’ Launches
A group of parents launched Smartphone Free Childhood Bermuda, a movement encouraging families to pledge delaying smartphones until age 14 and social media until age 16.
A spokesperson said, “What began as a small WhatsApp conversation among concerned parents has grown into a community-wide movement. Smartphone Free Childhood Bermuda [SFC Bermuda] is encouraging families to sign a pledge to help regulate smartphone use for children, promoting healthier development, stronger peer support, and more intentional digital engagement.
Since launching the pledge in February, more than 200 parents have signed, signaling a growing appetite for clearer norms around children’s access to smartphones and social media. At the heart of the initiative is a simple, shared commitment: “We pledge to delay smartphones until at least age 14 and social media until age 16.”
A spokesperson added, “The pledge, available at https://www.sfcbermuda.com/sign-the-pledge, reflects a shared desire among parents to support one another in setting boundaries that protect childhood while still embracing technology in age-appropriate ways.”
“Many of us felt we were navigating this alone,” said Una Walsh-Taylor, a founding parent. “By coming together, we’re creating a supportive community and making it easier for families to navigate the world of smartphones without their children feeling left out.”
A spokesperson added, “Across the world, countries including Australia, Denmark, Chile, and several European nations have introduced or strengthened restrictions on youth social media access and smartphone use in schools, reflecting growing concerns about mental health, focus, and online safety. Organizers of SFC Bermuda say that as a small and connected island community, Bermuda is uniquely positioned to take this growing body of research and apply it thoughtfully at a local level.
“Our goal isn’t to eliminate technology,” said Mike Walsh, a founding member of the group. “It’s to be intentional about when and how our children engage with it. Childhood is short. We want to protect space for play, independence, in-person friendships, and healthy development before introducing the pressures that come with smartphones and social media.”
A spokesperson added, “To continue building awareness and connection, the organizers of SFC Bermuda are hosting two upcoming information sessions where parents can meet others and better understand the goals of SFC Bermuda.
- March 16, 2026, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Bermuda High School
- March 19, 2026, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Bermuda High School
“Anyone interested in attending can rsvp at info@sfcbermuda.com. Parents interested in signing the pledge or learning more can visit www.sfcbermuda.com.”
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No way of measuring success but they should be commended. Off course there will be lots of detractors who will use lots of energy to do their own thing only to be the first in line demanding govt help years later when they see and feel it themselves. A lot of them can but will not take advice but wll be first in line demanding help. I hope they will be smarter this time.
Why give them a smartphone at age 14 if they can’t go on social media until 16? Give everything at 14 with the teen version of the account (instagram does this).
I wish every success.