HMD is working with parents to develop a new phone – to combat the influence of smartphones and social media on kids
What is the purpose of this new smartphone?
After thousands of parents around the world revealed they regret giving their children a smartphone, HMD is working with parents to develop a new phone whose aim is to tackle the impact of smartphone use and social media on children’s wellbeing and create the choices they need to find balance.
According to a new survey independently commissioned by HMD (Human Mobile Devices), the average age at which parents give their child their first smartphone is 11, but many admit they wish they had waited longer.1
In a global survey of 10,000 parents, more than half of respondents said they regretted letting their children use smartphones at an early age. A third of respondents cited the negative effects of smartphones and personality changes as the main reasons. Concerns have been consistently expressed about the impact of smartphones and closely related social media apps on children.
Percentage of parents who have a positive opinion of avoiding smartphone use
70% of parents questioned acknowledged that a smartphone-free childhood meant they had more time to spend with family – quality time their kids don’t experience. 55% say their child’s smartphone use is the cause of major arguments, and a third have been reduced to tears by their child’s smartphone obsession.
Some 64% of parents surveyed said smartphone use has a negative impact on their children’s sleep, 61% believe their children will be less physically active, and more than half (54%) are concerned that they will spend less time socializing with friends.
With over half of parents agreeing that smartphones have a positive effect on their children and are educationally beneficial, such as allowing them to keep in touch with friends, parents are clearly faced with a dilemma.
What does the HMD do?
Technology innovator HMD now understands these challenges and is committed to providing a range of new and innovative solutions that will benefit parents, children and anyone looking for a reliable alternative to counter the influence of smartphones.
The digital detox space is familiar territory for HMD, which has led the dumb phone trend by reimagining feature phone classics for modern consumers who want to limit screen time and social media usage.
Mobile phone makers are now working with parents to develop phones and other new solutions that can offer reliable alternatives to smartphones and help parents manage their children’s screen time and social media use.
HMD wants to collaborate with anyone who cares about this topic and wants to join the journey to create change and new solutions. This includes Gen Z, influencers, policy makers, activists and advocacy groups. To join, sign up here. https://www.hmd.com/en_int/better-phone-project. (URL will be released on July 24th)
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Source: Pynck – pynck.com
