Parents are working together in Brazil to restrict access to cellphones for children over 14. The aim is to ensure that no one feels excluded. But studies show that smartphones can also have positive effects on children.

Rio de Janeiro

Parent-led campaigns around the world are encouraging families to delay giving smartphones to children until they are older. In Brazil, the Movimento Desconecta initiative aims to restrict smartphone ownership to those over 14, seeking to address risks associated with early use. The campaign encourages collective participation, such as entire schools agreeing to limit digital technology use for younger children.

However, some parents express concerns that such bans could lead to social exclusion, as many children use smartphones to communicate and socialize. Studies show that most 11 to 13-year-olds in some regions already own smartphones, and those without may feel marginalized. Research also indicates that children with smartphones may experience better wellness and more social interaction, though the content accessed—especially on social media platforms—remains a concern.

Cellphone bans for children and adolescents

Around the globe, parent-led efforts aim to delay children getting smartphones until they're a bit older. In Brazil, one such initiative is called Movimento Desconecta. They aim for phone users to be over 14 years old. We believe that children should only have their own smartphone once they're old enough to handle it. We think that's the best way to deal with the risks that come with the use. This campaign tries to get larger groups, or entire schools, to participate. Participating means agreeing to stop using digital technology until the children turn 14. But other parents are worried that this might make some students feel excluded. If you ban smartphones, especially things like WhatsApp, which is where you communicate with others and get invited to parties, well, some kids might end up missing out. A study conducted in Florida showed that around 80% of 11 to 13-year-olds possess their own smartphones. Those without phones are in a minority, which doesn't make things better. Kids who are in a minority, you know, in any sense, are often likely to experience marginalization or cyberbullying or any other type of mistreatment. And there are also positive sides to smartphones. Kids who own smartphones fared better on basically every measure of wellness that we assessed. Kids who have their own smartphones, in our study, were more likely to spend time in person with friends each week. They were also more likely to spend more time online with friends. One of the biggest issues related to smartphones is social media. A Danish study found that, on average, children aged 9 to 14 spend three hours per day on TikTok and YouTube, apps that can contain disturbing content. The problem might not lie in the device itself. It might be what children are using that device for.

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