Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) Community Code of Conduct
Core principles of the Code of Conduct
We ask all Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) volunteers and members to be kind, respectful, and inclusive, both within our community and in any interactions regarding the SFC movement with the wider world.
When discussing our mission with other parents, schools, or the media, it is essential to respect the differing perspectives people have on this issue and to recognise that we are all striving to do what’s best for our children. This spirit of respect and understanding is central to the ethos of SFC.
Given the complexity of this subject, we acknowledge that many people will hold views different from ours. Respectful disagreements are fine and natural, but judgments and confrontations are not. We are not here to impose our opinions on others or to shame parents for making different choices.
Wherever we sit on the smartphone debate, we must always remember that all parents have been put in an impossible position by the tech companies. This is a systemic issue, not an individual one.
By volunteering with Smartphone Free Childhood, you agree to uphold the principles and guidelines outlined in this code of conduct, contributing positively to our goal of promoting a healthier childhood experience free from the pervasive influence of smartphones.
Core principles of the Code of Conduct
We ask all Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) volunteers and members to be kind, respectful, and inclusive, both within our community and in any interactions regarding the SFC movement with the wider world.
When discussing our mission with other parents, schools, or the media, it is essential to respect the differing perspectives people have on this issue and to recognise that we are all striving to do what’s best for our children. This spirit of respect and understanding is central to the ethos of SFC.
Given the complexity of this subject, we acknowledge that many people will hold views different from ours. Respectful disagreements are fine and natural, but judgments and confrontations are not. We are not here to impose our opinions on others or to shame parents for making different choices.
Wherever we sit on the smartphone debate, we must always remember that all parents have been put in an impossible position by the tech companies. This is a systemic issue, not an individual one.
By volunteering with Smartphone Free Childhood, you agree to uphold the principles and guidelines outlined in this code of conduct, contributing positively to our goal of promoting a healthier childhood experience free from the pervasive influence of smartphones.
- Confidentiality
- Community members must respect the confidentiality of sensitive information related to SFC, its members, and its activities. This includes not disclosing personal information about parents, children, or other community members without explicit consent.
- Non-Discrimination
- SFC community members must not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Inclusivity and equality are core values of SFC.
- Representation of SFC
- When representing SFC in public or in media interactions, community members must demonstrate the values outlined in this agreement. This includes being informed about SFC’s mission and key messages.
- Use of Resources
- Community members must use SFC’s resources responsibly and for their intended purposes. If you are publishing our resources on your own platforms, please credit SFC and link to the source. If there’s a resource you need that doesn’t exist, tell us about it, and we’ll do our best to create it.
- Use of the Smartphone Free Childhood brand & logo
- Community members must not publish any communications on behalf of Smartphone Free Childhood without permission from SFC HQ. This includes petitions, letters and surveys. This does not stop you sending your own communications, referring to the movement.
- You may use the Smartphone Free Childhood brand and logo on printed materials or online platforms to promote independent community events, such as school fairs and regional talks, on the condition that you include this disclaimer on your printed materials or online pages:
- [region name] Smartphone Free Childhood is an independent, self-governing, self-organising group, inspired by the Smartphone Free Childhood movement. The views contained in [region name] Smartphone Free Childhood communications are not necessarily those of Smartphone Free Childhood, and Smartphone Free Childhood is not involved in the governance of the group, its content, its events, or its data.
- You may not use the brand / logo for any other types of events, especially UK-wide events, commercial events, or anything of a political nature. Please get in touch if you are unsure.
6. Non-renumeration
- Being part of the SFC community is voluntary. SFC is not able to reimburse individuals for their time or expenses incurred when organising independent community events. Read more about how to fund local events.
7. WhatsApp Groups ground rules
- No promotional posts
- Please stay on topic: this is a community to discuss delaying smartphones for kids
- No abusive language, hate speech or bullying including for example racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic and ableist language
- Respect diverse perspectives: We understand that different families have different approaches to smartphones
- No posting of inappropriate images IE of a sexual / violent nature
- Try to avoid spreading fear or negativity
- Be considerate: make use of reactions and DMs to avoid addressing the whole group
- Please do not add people to groups without their permission
- SFC Admins reserve the right to remove users who do not adhere to these rules without prior warning. Our primary aim is to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all.
If you or someone you know is affected by any form of harm in connection with SFC’s activities - including abuse, or harassment - we encourage you to report it to SFC’s designated safeguarding lead. Any concerns raised will be taken seriously and handled with care, in line with SFC’s safeguarding and conduct policies.
By joining the Smartphone Free Childhood community, you commit to embodying the values and principles of Smartphone Free Childhood in all your community activities.
If you are unsure about any of the above, email us on community@smartphonefreechildhood.com.
By acknowledging and agreeing to this document, I confirm I have read and understood the Code of Conduct and its standards. I understand that if I do not adhere to these standards, SFC may need to raise concerns with my organisation, which could affect my participation in SFC activities.
Smartphone Free Childhood Limited is a company limited by guarantee (16041317). The Smartphone Free Childhood Charitable Fund is a restricted fund under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund (Charity Number 1099682).
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