«We want smart kids, not smartphones»
Mrs Berchtold, what is the aim of the «Smartphone-free childhood» association?
Like many parents, I am concerned about children and their use of digital devices. Our movement, which also exists in a similar form in other countries, aims to connect parents who are committed to the responsible use of smartphones at a social and political level.
Childhood is too short to spend it in front of a smartphone.
The basic principles of our association are: smartphones should only be used from the age of 14 if possible and push-button mobile phones for the younger ones, social media from 16 at the earliest and Internet and chat access via shared family devices. And in general: more offline experiences instead of online distractions. We are convinced that childhood is too short to spend it in front of a smartphone and believe that many parents feel the same way. «Smartphone-free childhood» wants to offer them a platform.
In what way?
We support parents in advocating the responsible use of digital devices and social media. This is difficult when you feel left alone with the topic and it seems that «everyone» has a smartphone - joining forces makes it easier.
We offer support with various solutions, the opportunity to exchange ideas in cantonal parent groups and provide material. For example, news from research and concrete suggestions for everyday life. We are also planning templates for parents, for example when it comes to formulating their request to the municipality for a smartphone-free school. Our credo is: Smart kids instead of smartphones.
Even adults find it difficult to escape the pull of devices - how are children supposed to manage that?
Meaning?
We are committed to ensuring that children have time to get to know themselves and develop their own points of view instead of passively losing themselves in online worlds. Boredom is allowed - it is even important for children to develop their own ideas and creativity. Smartphones reduce children's participation in real life, the direct exchange with their environment that they need to develop healthily. Even adults find it difficult to escape the pull of devices - how are children supposed to manage this?
