Say No to Smartphones

Children are excessively using smartphones, which will disrupt their sleep patterns and increase the risk of depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts

- Manjula Pooja Shroff

“So children are being raised by viral videos, trending topics, and social media stars—instead of parents; and it’s setting up society for a disaster of unimaginable proportions.”

—Mark Dice, American YouTuber, author and activist

THE world is making a clear shift towards a smartphone-free childhood and the delayed use of social media. In 2018, Belgium enacted a law requiring children to be at least 13 years old to open a social media account. In 2024, Australia, in a very bold step, banned children under 16 from using social media. Finland—a country that is considered by many as the leader in concept-based education—has done a complete reversal by doing away with digital education and restoring the book, pencil and notebook method of learning. The US and Canada are passing state-wise laws banning smartphones in schools and getting to a state of phone-free schools. However, in India, the Delhi High Court recently ruled against a complete ban on smartphones in schools.