Hitchin MP calls for parents’ testimony on the impact of smartphones on young people

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 7th MAY 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, is calling for parents of 4-16 year olds to fill in a Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) Survery and share their experiences.

Parents can use this link to fill in the survey.

SFC is a growing global campaign formed by parents increasingly concerned about the impact of smartphones on young people. Locally, the group have successfully worked with a number of local schools like Hitchin Boys and William Ransom Primary to support them becoming phone free sites.

Strathern shot a video to raise awareness of the survey, and shared a link on his social media feeds. You can see his post here.

Strathern has been campaigning on this issue and the wider risks of online harms to young people since he became an MP.

He has spoken repeatedly in Parliament to raise awareness of online harm and to call for tougher regulations on social media companies and stronger action from Ofcom to enforce existing regulations.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“The impact of smartphones is a big concern for parents and young people across our constituency. The risk of online harm faced by all young people is now undeniable.

“It’s been brilliant to see local schools and campaigners taking the lead, and putting this campaign into the public debate.

“Speaking to local heads of schools that have become phone free, it’s clear to see the positive impact this is already having in their school communities.

“We need to ensure we don’t stop here though, and by sharing their own testimonies and experiences local parents have an important role to play in shaping the campaign and continuing to drive it forwards.”

Notes for Editors

You can see Alistair’s post sharing the survey here.

You can find a link to the survey here.