Beyond social media bans, one town in Ireland is raising children without smartphones

Overlooking the Irish Sea south of Dublin, Greystones is one of the richest and most beautiful towns in Ireland. Its beachfront views, independent shops and close-knit community have made it one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

In recent years, the Greystones have also become known for something else: Fostering children without smartphones.

At a local teen store last month, CBS News asked a room of 11- and 12-year-olds if they had smartphones, and not a single hand went up.

“Maybe my mother won’t let me until I’m 22,” joked a girl named Sienna, laughing at her classmates.

“My mom told me that scientists did this brain scan,” said a boy named Sam. “It’s the same mind as people – they think the same thing when they’re scrolling and drinking alcohol.”

Rachel Harper, principal at St. Patrick’s National School, where CBS News children met as students, said he saw a worrying situation three years ago after returning to private classes after school. The covid-19 pandemic.

“I’ve seen an increase in the level of anxiety in my school,” he told CBS News.

Harper organized a general public survey, drawing 800 responses from teachers across the city. The results were shocking, with 95% of teachers reporting increased anxiety in their classrooms.

“We first looked at some of the reasons that caused the level of anxiety to increase,” he said. “The internet world has really had an impact on kids.”

In response, Harper started “It Takes a Village,” a community initiative built around one central idea: Give children back their childhoods.

The first concrete step was a voluntary code, with parents pledging not to give their children smartphones until they reach middle school. Many parents say that shared responsibility makes a difference.

“For me, it gave me the strength and energy I needed to say, ‘No, you don’t have this app, or I’m going to put that block on your phone,'” said Alex Dobbs, a mother of four who signed up early.

Many in the community say they understand that removing something is not enough, however. Game nights at the youth cafe were organized, and children were given other entertainment options. Dobbs even let his children have the cubs.

“Greystones got that,” he told CBS News. “As a parent, you have to understand that you don’t just tell them ‘oh, don’t do this,’ you have to give them something else. I’m not saying you have to pull the sheep out of the back. But it’s a great excuse to go out.”

Now in its third year, the It Takes a Village initiative has launched a mentor program at St Patrick’s National School, with 15- and 16-year-old students entering middle school to teach young children how to use phones and the internet world responsibly, when the time comes.

At the local high school, those older kids also have their phones locked in their pockets during the school day. The results have been significant, with teachers reporting that students are more focused during lessons and parents reporting that their children are sleeping better.

The kids say they’ve noticed a difference, too.

“I talk to my friends a lot,” high school senior Anne told CBS News. “I’m not worried about the notifications I have.”

“I feel like you should be playing outside,” said Alex, 12. “Just not being on social media or keeping your nose to the screen.”