Could Frome Lead the Way on a Smartphone-Free Childhood?
- Daisy Steel
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Movement Growing Around the World
Picture the scene.
A group of teenagers sitting together on a bench in Victoria Park. They’re technically hanging out, but no one is talking. Every head is tilted downwards, thumbs flicking endlessly across glowing screens.
For many parents, it’s become one of the defining images of modern childhood.
But a fast-growing international movement is asking whether things have gone too far. And here in Somerset, one local campaigner believes Frome could help show another way.
Cordelia Fellowes is the Somerset regional lead for Smartphone Free Childhood, a parent-led campaign that has grown rapidly in just two years.
“It started with two mums who were worried about the pressure to give their children smartphones,” Cordelia explains. “In a very short time it’s grown into a global movement.”
Today the organisation is a registered charity with more than 450,000 parents and carers worldwide, along with around 30 international spin-off campaigns.
In the UK alone nearly 190,000 parents have signed the campaign’s ‘Parent Pact’, including more than 3,000 families across Somerset and Bath.
The pledge encourages parents to delay giving children smartphones until at least 14, and to hold off on social media until 16.
The campaign has also sparked debate in Parliament and attracted support from health professionals, educators and public figures.
Why Are Parents Concerned?
Cordelia says the movement is driven by mounting evidence about the impact smartphones can have on young people.
“Teenagers are spending around 35 hours a week on their smartphones, which is the equivalent of a full-time job,” she says.
Researchers have also raised concerns about sleep disruption, cyberbullying and exposure to disturbing content.
According to studies referenced by the campaign:
Teenagers are losing the equivalent of one night’s sleep each week due to smartphone use.
Eight out of ten children who are bullied experience it through a device.
And some surveys suggest 80% of teenage girls have been pressured to send sexual images online.
Cordelia says the sheer scale of what children can encounter online can be shocking.
“When a group of 15-year-olds were asked recently, 74% said they had seen a beheading video online.”
“These are things children simply wouldn’t encounter in the offline world.”
Why Frome Could Be Part of the Solution
For Cordelia, Frome’s strong community spirit means it could be part of the solution.
“I think Frome is a particularly good place for this conversation,” she says.
“There are so many organisations here supporting families.”
She points to community initiatives such as Fair Frome, Purple Elephant, the Key Centre and the Good Heart, alongside youth clubs, green spaces and regular events.
“With things like the Kindness Festival, after-school clubs and all the green spaces we have, there are plenty of opportunities for children to spend time together without screens.”
“For parents who feel like the smartphone is the only option, Frome actually offers a lot of alternatives.”
What If Your Child Already Has a Smartphone?
Of course, for many families the smartphone genie is already out of the bottle.
Cordelia says the answer isn’t panic or punishment, but clear boundaries and open conversation.
Among the suggestions she offers parents:
Keep phones out of bedroomsRemoving devices overnight can protect sleep and reduce late-night social pressures.
Delay social media
The campaign recommends avoiding social media until 16 where possible.
Create phone-free timeFor example, switching off phones during family meals or in the early evening.
Encourage real-world activitiesSport, music, cooking, gardening and learning new skills can help counter the effects of endless scrolling.
“These kinds of activities have a beginning, a middle and an end,” Cordelia says.“They’re the opposite of the infinite scroll.”
Looking At Our Own Habits
Cordelia believes parents also need to reflect on their own relationship with their phones.
“We have to look at what we’re modelling,” she says.
“If we’re constantly on our phones, children notice.”
One behaviour she highlights is “double screening” - scrolling on a phone while watching television.
“It’s one of the worst things you can do for your brain’s ability to concentrate,” she says.
A Conversation That’s Only Just Beginning
While smartphones are now embedded in everyday life, Cordelia believes society is only just beginning to understand their impact.
“We’re in a transition phase,” she says.
“Technology has moved incredibly quickly, and the conversation about how we use it responsibly is only just catching up.”
Her message to parents is simple: you’re not alone in trying to figure this out.
“This movement is about supporting families and having honest conversations.”
“And those conversations are starting to happen.”
Find Out More
Parents interested in learning more can visit:
The site offers research, advice and information about joining local parent groups.
You can hear Sonia's full unfiltered interview with Lenka Grimes and Emma Warren on the latest episode of When in Frome Unfiltered.
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