‘Harmful by design’: SA urged to act amid global push for smartphone-free childhood

IN A WORLD increasingly dominated by digital interactions, South African policymakers are confronted with a pivotal question: how can we protect our children from the detrimental effects of social media?

With nations like Australia taking significant legislative steps to safeguard their youth, South Africa is under pressure to follow suit to prevent falling behind in the global conversation about child welfare and digital exposure.

The global movement, spearheaded by Smartphone Free Childhood South Africa (SFC-SA), advocates for a drastic shift in how we approach technology access for our children. Following the announcement of Australia’s ban on major social media platforms for children under the age of 16, the initiative is calling on local governments, schools, and families to implement protective policies that uphold a smartphone-free childhood.

“This international trend sends a non-negotiable red flag to South African policymakers and parents,” says Kate Farina, head of strategy at SFC-SA. “Countries are recognising that social media is 'harmful by design' — crafted to ensnare a child's attention while compromising their mental health and well-being. We cannot afford to watch from the sidelines as our children are exposed to the toxic influences of the digital world.”

Turning the tide against gender-based violence

The urgent need for policy reform is underscored by the escalating concerns surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. Research indicates a profound correlation between early, unsupervised smartphone access and the increased risk of GBV.

Children exposed to sexualised or explicit content at a young age are often ill-equipped emotionally, which normalises harmful behaviours and increases their vulnerability to exploitation.

• Sexualised content: Early exposure to pornographic material can warp children's understanding of relationships, normalising unrealistic and coercive behaviours.
• Aggression and acceptance: Studies link excessive consumption of online pornography with an increased acceptance of sexual aggression among youth.
• Cyber-harassment: Digital devices facilitate harassment, including the sharing of intimate images without consent, deeply intertwined with offline violence.

A survey by UNICEF revealed stark statistics: 70% of South African children aged 9 to 17 use the internet without parental consent, and an alarming 25% have contacted unknown individuals online. These trends highlight an urgent need for protective measures.

“Reducing early smartphone access diminishes exposure to content that permeates the foundational attitudes towards GBV,” explains Farina. “It is an act of upstream prevention that requires co-ordinated efforts from policymakers, educational institutions, and parents alike.”

Timing the policy reset

The imminent holiday season presents a prime opportunity for stakeholders to enact impactful changes. Families are encouraged to implement the Parent Pact, a commitment to delay smartphone and social media access until children reach high school or the age of 16, allowing for essential skills and relationships to flourish without the encumbrance of digital distractions.

On a broader scale, South African policymakers must leverage the current global momentum and advocate for the adoption of smartphone-free school policies, echoing the actions of at least 79 education systems worldwide that have taken such measures. A distraction-free environment is imperative for academic success, particularly in times when better educational outcomes are critically needed.

“This shift is not about being anti-technology,” emphasises Farina. “It’s about championing age-appropriate tech. We must collectively choose to foster a smartphone-free childhood that encourages emotional growth and creativity.” By making this commitment now, South Africa can ensure its youth embark on the new year armed with resilience against the challenges of the digital landscape.