Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) Volunteer 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
- Volunteers 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 volunteers without explicit consent.
- Non-Discrimination
- SFC volunteers 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.
- Feedback and Continuous Improvement
- Volunteers are encouraged to provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improving SFC’s programs and initiatives. We are all learning as we build this movement and feedback from volunteers and members vital as SFC evolves.
- Representation of SFC
- When representing SFC in public or in media interactions, volunteers must demonstrate the values outlined in this agreement. This includes being informed about SFC’s mission and key messages.
- Use of Resources
- Volunteers 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, tell us about it, and we’ll do our best to create it.
- Use of the Smartphone Free Childhood brand & logo
- Volunteers 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 for materials for independent community events promoting the movement, such as school fairs and regional talks, on the condition that you include this disclaimer on your printed materials:
- [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.
- Volunteers must not use the SFC logo on their own websites or social media platforms without permission from SFC HQ.
WhatsApp Groups ground rules
- No promotional posts
- Be tolerant of other perspectives. We are all here to support each other
- No abusive language, hate speech or bullying
- Stay on topic: this is a community to discuss delaying smartphones for kids
- Avoid spreading fear or negativity
- Be considerate when posting: make use of reactions and DMs to avoid addressing the whole group when you don’t need to
- 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.
By joining the Smartphone Free Childhood community, you commit to embodying the values and principles of Smartphone Free Childhood in all your volunteer activities. Together, we can create a supportive community dedicated to fostering a healthier, more balanced childhood experience for all children.
If you are unsure about any of the above, email us on community@smartphonefreechildhood.com
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