UK Launches a Specially Designed Smartphone for Children
Campaigners are praising the launch of the Pinwheel operating system which includes built-in apps and parental controls for being a step in the right direction, but are urging for more action to address screen addiction.
A new smartphone targeted as a safer option for children has been introduced in the UK. The phone comes with built-in guardrails and remote monitoring features for parents. Pinwheel is an operating system specifically designed for children, pre-installed on existing smartphones and compatible with major networks.
The launch of Pinwheel follows concerns from advocates about the addictive nature of screens for children and the risks associated with their use, such as cyberbullying and online grooming.
Pinwheel devices allow parents to monitor their child’s text messages and call history remotely, as well as manage contacts and set app and chat time limits.
The makers in the U.S. claim that Pinwheel offers a safer alternative compared to basic or high-end smartphones without the same level of safety features.
Curated App Library
The operating system includes a curated app library suitable for children, excluding social media apps and web browsers.
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Concerns about the negative impact of social media and screen time on children’s health have prompted major phone makers and online platforms to introduce parental controls and safety features in recent years.
However, these monitoring systems often require parents to have an account on the platform or use a similar device, leading to concerns that children can outsmart adults and evade monitoring.
Pinwheel offers a centralized online portal for parents to monitor devices from desktop or mobile, allowing them to adjust settings as their child grows.
A children’s rights group, Us For Them, commends the Pinwheel phones as a positive step in recognizing the need for safer smartphones for young people. However, they urge for more improvements to address potential risks posed by certain apps.
Health Professionals for Safer Screens (HPSS) emphasize the range of physical and mental health issues linked to excessive smartphone use in children. They stress the need for accountability from big tech companies for the impact their products have on children’s health.
The launch of Pinwheel phones coincides with a study showing that social media has a significant impact on pupils in girls’ schools, highlighting the challenges faced by young girls in the digital age.
A graphic showing the incidence of tics surging during the COVID-19 lockdowns, especially for teenage girls. Epoch Health
Harm Done to Girls
Nearly three in five teachers believe mental health issues are the primary challenge in girls’ schools, with social media identified as a major concern. Research by the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) and ImpactEd highlights the impact of social media on young girls’ well-being.
The study underscores the need to address the challenges posed by social media in schools, particularly in girls’ schools, as it plays a significant role in shaping their experiences and interactions.
Teachers acknowledge the pervasive influence of social media on girls’ lives and stress the importance of understanding and managing its impact on their well-being.
