South African children are
spending more time online
than ever before –
And it’s harming them

South African children are
spending more time online
than ever before –
And it’s harming them

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Age when brain fully develops

Childhood’s too short to be
wasted on a smartphone

The rapid introduction of smartphones has exposed children to serious online harms—including bullying, adult content, grooming, and dangerous trends—leading to increased anxiety, depression, and exhaustion. Within 15 years, this early and fast entry into the adult digital world has resulted in alarming global damage, including a surge in mental health issues, measurable cognitive decline, and the breakdown of family dynamics.

SFC-SA (Smartphone Free Childhood – South Africa) is part of a global movement focused on safeguarding childhood. The organization is not anti-tech, but rather advocates for age-appropriate, mindful tech use. Their mission is to protect child and teen mental health by delaying access to smartphones and social media, supporting smartphone-free schools, and promoting safe, intentional digital learning. Their core message is: “Slow-tech, low-tech until their brains are ready!”

We’re here to challenge the societal norm that accepts children’s use of smart devices.   Just because children can and want to use a smartphone , does not mean they’re ready for the dark and dangerous portals it opens.

Childhood is a time for connection, curiosity, learning and play – and that still applies at 16. Even 17 and 18. In fact, right up until 25!

The South African Chapter of Smartphone Free Childhood

In a country like South Africa, where many children rely on shared devices for schoolwork and access to learning, we recognise the value of technology. But the issue isn’t whether children should use tech — it’s how, when, and why.  At SFC-SA,  we believe that childhood (including adolescence) should be a time of discovery, creativity and real-life connections – not endless and age-inappropriate screen time. We aim to unite parents, schools, and policymakers in a more mindful approach to the use of tech in childhood, ensuring that our children grow up in a world where their well-being comes first.

SFC-SA is founded on Dr Jonathan Haidt’s proposed new norms for childhood in the digital age:

  • Delay smartphones until high school.
  • Delay social media until 16.
  • Promote smartphone free schools across South Africa.
  • Encourage more responsibility, engagement and free play the real world.
  • Promote digital safeguarding and limited, mindful use of EdTech in the classroom.

THE SCIENCE

“Childhood” includes teens! When we talk about protecting childhood, we mean all the way up to 18 years old and even beyond. That’s not a stretch – it’s backed by science.

Until the age of around 25, the brain is still developing – especially the prefrontal cortex, which manages impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making.

THE WAKE-UP CALL

Our Generation’s “Smoking Tipping Point”. Decades ago, society didn’t know how dangerous cigarettes were – until the science became undeniable.

The research from the 15 year “grand experiment” of children going online is just as clear: excessive and age inappropriate screen time is harming our children’s development.

THE THREAT

Social Media: Harmful by Design. Social media platforms are not designed with children’s wellbeing in mind — they are designed to capture and manipulate attention, harvest data, and maximise profit.

In many ways, social media behaves like a digital predator, always watching, always learning, and always adapting.

We’re starting a South African Conversation

Parents are put in an impossible dilemma. When every other child has a smartphone with the latest apps, delaying access can feel like you are setting your child up for failure. Say yes to smartphones and social media, and you risk your child’s wellbeing. Say no and you risk them being socially excluded!

It’s a lose-lose situation — and no family should be left to face this alone.

This is why we are starting a national conversation. Because once you understand the dangers, the challenge becomes: how do you practically do this in real life, when everyone around you is doing the opposite?

SFC-SA is here for that exact reason. A community of parents, teachers and caregivers who believe childhood and teen mental health is worth protecting. When we stand united together, rather than as isolated families, we create the tipping point needed to change the norms in South Africa around access to smartphones and social media.

Parents, teachers, and doctors are all seeing the same truth: our children are struggling and losing vital years of their childhood. Parents want to delay, but don’t know how to do this in a fast-moving technological world. Teachers witness the fallout daily: learning disrupted, focus and concentration eroded, classroom dynamics deteriorating. Doctors are raising the alarm as mental health issues continue to rise. Even young people themselves admit they wish technology didn’t have such a powerful hold over their lives.

Yet in all of this, there is only one group truly benefitting: the tech companies. The more time children spend on their platforms, the more profit is made – no matter the cost to childhood. The most concerning? The founders of big tech often limit or eliminate their own children’s tech exposure, sometimes even sending them to zero-tech schools. It’s time we follow their lead. Together, we can reclaim childhood.

“We have over‑protected our children in the real world and under‑protected them online.”

Dr. Jonathan Haidt