Parents at more than 30 Manx schools pledge to delay children's smartphones

More than 500 families on the island have pledged not to give their children a smartphone before they turn 14, according to a local parent group campaigning on the issue.

Smartphone Free Childhood Isle of Man started life as a Facebook group called Delay Smartphones - IOM and has since linked up with the UK campaign of the same name. Manx Radio reported that 505 families with children at more than 30 schools had signed the group’s pact, which also commits parents to keeping their children off social media until 16.

John Bolton, of the group, told Manx Radio that new members had joined over the summer. He said the average age at which children in the UK get a smartphone is nine, and that 94 per cent of parents say they are worried about smartphone use.

Mr Bolton said the biggest fear for many parents is that their child will be the one left out. He said knowing that other families at the same school had signed would help reassure them.

“We’ve got more resolve than ever to try and change the social norm,” he said.

The group is looking for a parent at every primary and secondary school to act as its link, passing on updates and encouraging others to sign. It is also planning an event for parents in January 2027, with details to be announced.

In the summer, Alfred Cannan, who was Chief Minister at the time, confirmed that the Isle of Man Government would consult on restricting social media for under-16s. Manx Radio reported that the UK is set to introduce legislation by the end of the year, with implementation planned for spring 2027.