Parents from across Renfrewshire are being invited to attend a community discussion this week on the growing impact smartphones and social media are having on children and young people.
The meeting will take place at St Machar’s Hall in Bridge of Weir on Friday, 15th May at 7.30pm.
The event is being organised by local parents alongside Martin McCluskey as part of wider conversations around online safety, screen time and the pressures modern technology is placing on families.
It comes as the UK Government continues a national consultation into children and young people’s experiences growing up online, including possible future restrictions on social media use for under-16s.
Parents attending the event will have the chance to share experiences, discuss concerns and hear more about the Government consultation, while also exploring practical ways families can support healthier relationships with technology.
The event is also being supported by the Smartphone Free Childhood movement, a growing parent-led campaign encouraging families to delay giving children smartphones.
Founded in February 2024 after a WhatsApp group went viral, the movement says it now has more than 350,000 parents involved across the UK campaigning for healthier childhoods with less screen time and social media exposure.
The local committee includes parents from Bridge of Weir and Houston connected through the wider Gryffe High School feeder community.
Martin McCluskey said: “Social media and phone use are now part of everyday life for young people, but parents across Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West have made it clear to me that there are real concerns about the impact this is having on children’s wellbeing, sleep, exercise and learning.
“As technology changes we need to make sure that regulation keeps pace and that we do everything to protect children and young people.
“I would encourage anyone interested in the conversation to come along so I can represent your views to the Government.”
Ciara Driver, secretary of the local Smartphone Free Childhood group, said: “Parents are under huge pressure and many feel like they’re navigating this on their own.
“What we’ve found locally is that once parents start talking honestly about smartphones and social media, they often realise they share the same concerns.
“This isn’t about judgement or telling families what to do.
“It’s about creating a supportive community where parents can share experiences, ask questions and feel less alone in the decisions they’re making around technology and childhood.”
The group includes parents with children from early primary school through to P7, as well as families who have already dealt with some of the challenges linked to smartphones and social media at a young age.
As part of the wider movement, families are encouraged to sign the Smartphone Free Childhood Parent Pact, which asks parents to delay giving children smartphones until age 14 and social media access until age 16.
Organisers stress the pact is voluntary and parents can change their minds at any time.
Parents who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing martin.mccluskey.mp@parliament.uk.
More information on the movement can be found at Smartphone Free Childhood, here: www.smartphonefreechildhood.org.