Kia ora! I’m a former Secondary School Technology Teacher, Strategic Urban Designer, a proud mother of two girls, and a wife to a lucky Frenchman. Witnessing the impact of digital pressures both as a teacher and a parent, I couldn’t ignore the growing toll on young people. The more I learned, the more I realized these issues aren't just happening overseas—they are happening right here in Aotearoa. And our youth have some of the highest rates in the world for cyberbullying, youth suicide, and screen time. Research shows that this is no longer just a matter of correlation or speculation. There is now substantial evidence that social media is directly contributing to the rise in anxiety and depression among our youth. SFCNZ was created out of the belief that these statistics don’t have to be our children's future. I believe in the power of collective action, and I’m hopeful that, together, we can make a meaningful difference in creating a healthier, more balanced future for our kids.

Former secondary school teacher, certified youth mentor, counselling student and mother of two, I have a strong passion to support young people in their learning and general well-being. Around ten years ago, while teaching, I noticed a shift in the number of young people having smartphones, as personal devices were encouraged in schools. Parents and teachers didn’t fully understand the impact then, but now that we know better, it’s up to us to do better. Inspired by the UK’s Smartphone Free Childhood and Delay Smartphones movements, I realised New Zealand needed something similar to guide and support parents through this complex issue. I'm proud to connect with others who want to protect the emotional and psychological well-being of young New Zealanders by delaying smartphones and social media access.

Hello! I’m Linda, a mother of two nature loving boys, a former architectural designer, and now a UX/digital designer. Becoming a parent opened my eyes to the challenges children face in a screen-saturated world. While I believe in the incredible potential of technology, I feel strongly about introducing it to children thoughtfully and intentionally. As the Creative Lead for Smartphone-Free Childhood NZ, I aim to create visually engaging resources that help parents make informed, balanced decisions about technology use—preserving the wonder of childhood while navigating the digital age.

Kia ora! I’m an accounting and financial engineering student, governance professional, and a passionate advocate for empowering young people. I’m actively engaged in student leadership, serving as the treasurer of a university club and a board member for Auckland Challenge. Having grown up with limited screen time, I spent more time outdoors, connecting with others, and developing real-world skills. These experiences played a pivotal role in shaping me into the confident and adaptable individual I am today, instilling qualities that have been invaluable in my academic, leadership, and professional journeys. I firmly believe that when young people are equipped with the right tools, we can create a future that’s far more exciting than endless scrolling.