Why choosing to delay smartphones gives your child secret superpowers

[.style-intro]For many families, the biggest reason kids get smartphones isn’t because they’re ready – it’s because everyone else has one. The fear of social exclusion is real, especially around the transition to secondary school, and noone wants their child to feel left out.[.style-intro]

But here’s something most families don’t hear often enough: waiting isn’t holding your child back. In fact, it might just be giving them an edge. In a world where constant connectivity is the norm, the ability to focus, be present, and resist the scroll is fast becoming a superpower.
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Here are the seven superpowers of smartphone-free kids:

Superpower #1: More time

The average 12–15 year old in the UK now spends 35 hours a week on their smartphone, according to a 2025 University of Birmingham study. That’s the equivalent of a full-time job. If they’re smartphone-free, they get that time back to play, chat, mess about and explore the world in real life.

Superpower #2: More freedom

Kids without smartphones aren’t influenced by toxic social media pressures or the need for digital validation. They have space to discover who they really are, free from the constant stress of likes, streaks and status.

Superpower #3: Real social skills

Without a smartphone acting as a middleman, kids focus on socialising face-to-face. Relationships are built on real human connection, and developing those skills helps them form deeper friendships and more confident communication.

Superpower #4: Better mental health

Teens addicted to smartphones are twice as likely to experience anxiety and three times as likely to struggle with depression, according to King’s College London. The less time they spend online – and the more time they spend with friends and family – the better their overall wellbeing.

Superpower #5: Skills to thrive in the future

Being tech-savvy isn’t about mastering TikTok – it’s about knowing how to use technology with intention. The less time children spend passively scrolling, the more time they have to develop focus, critical thinking and creativity – the skills that will really matter in the AI-driven future.

Superpower #6:  Clearer focus

Without constant digital distraction, kids are more engaged in their learning. They can concentrate more fully on schoolwork and develop their academic interests without being pulled away by addictive algorithms – leading to better focus and higher grades.

Superpower #7:  Better sleep

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Teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep each night for healthy development. Kids without smartphones tend to get longer and deeper sleep, which supports better brain function, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing.

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This isn't the stuff of sci-fi!

Giving your child superpowers isn’t science fiction – it just takes one simple decision: to delay.

Choosing to wait a few more years to get your child a smartphone is about making space for something better. Focus. Freedom. Real connection. And time to grow, play, daydream... and just be a kid.

And here’s the real magic: the more of us who choose to wait, the more normal it becomes. Not just for our kids, but for everyone’s. What feels like a bold choice today could be tomorrow’s default – because the more of us who walk this path and sign the Parent Pact, the easier it gets for others to follow.