Gladiators star Zack George joins Smartphone Free Childhood as ambassador

Gladiators star Zack George has joined Smartphone Free Childhood as an ambassador, sharing his four simple tips for kids who want to win in life.

We’re proud to announce that Zack George, known to children across the UK as Steel from Gladiators, is joining Smartphone Free Childhood as an ambassador.

To mark the announcement, Zack has released a short video speaking directly to children, built around a simple but powerful message: don’t let your phone steal your power.

An energetic video to watch with children, whether they have a phone yet or not, as families navigate growing up in a digital world.

A message children understand

In the video, Zack shares four simple tips for winning in life: looking after your body, staying active, dreaming big, and spending less time scrolling and more time living.

The message isn’t about banning phones or making children feel bad. Instead, it reframes smartphones as something that can take away time, energy, and confidence – and reminds children that real strength is built in real life.

Why this matters to him

Zack’s message is shaped by his own childhood and his experience as a dad. He has spoken openly about growing up overweight and lacking confidence, and about how effort, persistence, and belief helped him change the course of his life.

Alongside Gladiators, he also works with schools through Zactiv, where he meets schoolchildren and talks honestly about confidence, self-belief, and healthy habits. Again and again, he sees how many children underestimate themselves – and how easily smartphones can crowd out the experiences that help them discover what they’re capable of.

That’s why he’s chosen to support Smartphone Free Childhood.

“As a dad, I want kids growing up strong, confident, and fully present in their own lives. Too much phone use chips away at that.

I’m backing Smartphone Free Childhood because real power isn’t built on a screen. It’s built through effort, curiosity, and real-world connection.

All kids deserve the space to explore, build confidence, and discover who they are – and what they’re capable of – in real life.”

Watch it with your kids

What makes this video special is how it speaks to children with respect. Zack doesn’t lecture or scare. He challenges children to value their attention, their time, and their potential – and to see their lives as something worth investing in beyond a screen.

We’re delighted to welcome Zack George as a Smartphone Free Childhood ambassador, and grateful for the energy and heart he brings to this movement.