Parents Want Action

Parents Want Action. But Are We Solving the Right Problem?

A new Czech survey reported by Novinky suggests strong public support for restricting children's access to social media and mobile phones in schools.

That support is understandable. Teachers are dealing with distraction, cyberbullying and online harms (remember Czech schools generally are lacking specialist welfare staff and these issues often fall in classroom teachers). And children are spending increasing amounts of time inside digital environments designed to capture their attention.

But here's the uncomfortable question:

Are we addressing the problem, or simply moving it somewhere else?

Banning phones at school may remove a device from a classroom. It doesn't remove TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, addictive design, recommender algorithms or harmful content from a child's life. And schools are already regulating phones: Ministry data suggests 93% have rules governing their use. So if governments want to act, the focus must go beyond the device.

We need platforms to be held accountable for the environments they create. That means effective age assurance, private-by-default accounts for children, safer recommendation systems, restrictions on addictive design, independent auditing and genuine Safety by Design. Parents should not have to become technology experts. Teachers should not be expected to compensate for the design decisions of billion-dollar technology companies. And governments shouldn't mistake a visible ban for a complete child online safety strategy.

There is clearly an appetite for action.

Let's make sure that action tackles the cause, not just the device children use to access it.

Staying Informed and Supported

If you would like further information, tailored advice, or resources designed for your child’s age group, we encourage you to get in touch with our team. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates on emerging online risks, new research, and practical strategies to support your family.

Staying informed is one of the most effective steps you can take, and you do not have to do it alone.

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