Join our Movement and become an Ambassador for your School Today!
ABOUT
We’re a group of everyday parents who started asking hard questions.
Why are our kids so anxious? Why is connection slipping away? Why are our kids hassling us so much for a device? Why does childhood feel so rushed, so digital, so… different?
We didn’t set out to start a movement. We just wanted to protect what matters most—play, presence and real connection. But the more we learned, the clearer it became: early smartphone ownership is changing childhood, and not for the better.
So we pressed pause.
We began sharing research, talking with schools, and connecting with other families who felt the same unease. And we discovered we weren’t alone. Across New Zealand, parents are rethinking the norm—and choosing to delay smartphones for their children.
SFCNZ was born from that shared hope. We’re here to support families, spark honest conversations, and create a cultural shift—one choice, one community, one childhood at a time.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, courage, and collective care.
We’re not just saying no to smartphones.
We’re saying yes to childhood.
OUR WORK TO DATE
Every step we’ve taken has been shaped by real conversations—with young people, parents, educators, and communities across New Zealand—and informed by research and expert insights from here and around the world. We’ve been listening, learning, and building this movement together.
PARENT AMBASSADORS
ACROSS AOTEAROA
Change is growing from the ground up, with parents leading local conversations—backed by a strong Ambassador network and an ambassador coordinator.
PARENT PACT
Families standing together to delay smartphones—because collective action makes all the difference
RESOURCES & SPEAKERS
Equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to reclaim childhood in today’s digital landscape.
WHO'S BACKING US?
WHO HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT US
OUR CORE TEAM
We’re a growing team of parents with backgrounds in education, design, technology, community work, child rights and advocacy—bringing lived experience and deep care to this kaupapa. We’ve worked across schools, charities, NGOs, government and business, and we're on the ground listening to families and responding to real needs. While guided by our core team, the strength of this movement lies in the wider community of parents, educators and advocates across Aotearoa.
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OUR ADVISORY BOARD
We’re fortunate to be guided by a distinguished Advisory Board of experts in education, mental health, digital well-being, and more. Each member brings valuable expertise, grounded insight, and a shared commitment to creating positive change for children and families. Their guidance helps shape our direction and keep our work aligned with the goal of fostering healthy digital futures for children across Aotearoa.
