By Marcus Moloko
Smartphone Free Childhood South Africa (SFC-SA) has launched a campaign to delay or restrict smartphone and social media access for children under 16.
The group contends that early, unmoderated smartphone exposure can harm children and is calling for age-appropriate technology policies.
SFC-SA says its approach is pro-child, not anti-tech.
It supports delays and safeguards rather than blanket bans, and says it has mobilised thousands of parents through campaigns and school-based pledges.
Media coverage has amplified the call, pointing to international momentum, such as Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions and Malaysia’s announced plans, as examples South African policymakers may consider when debating local measures.
Several media reports say SFC-SA has launched a nationwide digital parent pact. The idea is to help parents with children in the same school grade commit collectively to withholding smartphones until high school.
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