Smartphone Free Childhood campaign backed by Ceredigion council.

Ceredigion council is supporting the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign and is urging parents not to give smartphones to under-14s and to delay social media until 16; the guidance is voluntary and follows similar moves by Monmouthshire.

Ceredigion council is backing the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign and is urging parents not to give smartphones to children under 14 and to delay social media use until 16. Officials said the guidance is voluntary rather than a policy or legal requirement and cited research linking heavy smartphone use with anxiety, sleep problems and reduced concentration. The council said it will share guidance with schools, provide practical resources, and work with families across the county. The move comes amid wider discussion in the UK about phone use in schools. Key points: - Ceredigion council announced voluntary support for the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, urging no smartphones for under-14s and social media delay until 16. - Officials described the guidance as non-binding and said they would work with schools and families and provide practical resources. - Similar actions include Monmouthshire's earlier guidance and a letter from England's Education Secretary encouraging phone-free school days. - A 2025 Senedd inquiry recommended against outright school bans and advised more support for schools; next formal steps are undetermined. Summary: Ceredigion's support adds to local and national discussion about young people's access to smartphones, while some parents have expressed practical concerns about safety and school apps. Undetermined at this time.