Resources

Guidance

Here are some of our top picks from the Ambassador Pack, offering useful resources to help you build awareness and start important conversations in your community. We also feature three fantastic websites to help you understand the apps your children might be using or asking you to unlock, along with guidance on recommended screen time limits for different age groups (especially in schools), and one kiwi business which does a great job at securing your family’s devices to ensure a safer digital environment.

At SFCNZ, we believe in an evidence-based approach to digital wellness. By collaborating with leading experts, we provide parents and educators with the latest research and guidance.

Recently, we partnered with Claire Reid, PhD Researcher at The University of Auckland, to develop five practical tips for managing children’s screen time.

Ambassador Pack - By signing up as an Ambassador you have access to our full Ambassador Pack, access to support from our Ambassador Coordinator and become part of our supportive Ambassador community.

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Flyer/ Poster - You can share our poster/flyer at your local library, schools or other community spaces. The more exposure we can have the more we can help turn the tide for our tamariki.

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Talking to parents about this - It can be awkward to bring up these conversations, if you aren't sure how it will be taken. Here we have some ideas which might be helpful to you.

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How to introduce the topic to the class WhatsApp group - This can be a great place to bring up the topic of smartphones. Although tread lightly as some parents may have already got them for kids, and it can feel confronting. Here is some guidance.

Smartphone Free Childhood X Dr Rangan Chatterjee - 10 tips for parents We’ve teamed up with author, podcaster and GP Dr Rangan Chatterjee, to share some top tips to help you navigate this new frontier in parenting – whether your child has a smartphone already, or you’re feeling the pressure to get them one.

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Guides for Today's Most Popular Apps Used by Kids and Teens Since App Store descriptions are inconsistent and inaccurate, Protect Young Eyes test the latest apps and provide detailed explanations for parents and caregivers.

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Screen time Guidelines: This website reviews the research behind digital device use in education. It explains why we need balanced, purposeful and evidence-based use of screens in schools, and how we can support students to develop healthier screen behaviours.

Alternatives

Our young people are navigating a digital landscape, and technology presents numerous benefits to them. However, often adult smartphones are passed down to them prematurely rather than as a final option.

We advocate for a gradual introduction to technology. Below are some alternative options for consideration. While we try to offer sound guidance it's essential to carry out your own research before purchasing or using any of these products.

(We do not get paid for recommending these products or resources).

DeMobile Phone - AGM M6

NZ/AUS version - exclusive seller.
The best rugged, old school phone on the market.
Perfect first phone for kids
Massive battery life.
Drop proof - water proof.
FM radio.
No internet.
Basic, low megapixel camera.
Powerful side button torch.
Tested in NZ to NZ/AUS specs.
Unlocked - use with any carrier.

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Flip phone- AGM M8

NZ/AUS version.
The best rugged flip phone on the market.
Perfect first phone for kids
Massive battery life.
Drop proof - water proof - dust proof.
FM radio.
Side button torch.
Basic, low megapixel camera.
No internet.
Three easy dial stored number keys.
Unlocked - use with any carrier.

Mobile Phone - AGM M9

NZ/AUS version.
Perfect first phone for kids
Good battery life.
Drop proof - water proof.
FM radio.
No internet.
Basic, low megapixel camera.
Key button torch.
Unlocked - use with any carrier.

Both the Light Phone II and III (Ships from US to NZ) have Bluetooth & wifi. Both also support wifi tethering as a personal hotspot. Although there is wifi, the device will never be able to browse the internet.

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Kid-Safe Smartphone – Galaxy A15 5G Designed in collaboration with Samsung, the Kid-Safe Smartphone is perfect for providing your child with a safer digital experience. Designed to unlock different apps at age-appropriate levels.

Filters

Internet filters are tools or software designed to block or limit access to certain types of online content, typically to protect children or other vulnerable users from inappropriate or harmful material. These filters are used to ensure that users, especially kids and teens, are browsing the internet in a safe and controlled environment.

Parents, here’s the reality: your kid is always going to find a way to stay a step ahead. Stop trying to outsmart them with tech solutions – it’s not going to work. You can literally ask chat GTP how to hack the parenting filters you have set up. The real key here is delaying smartphones personal devices and building a relationship. Have a conversation with your child. Acknowledge how clever they are, outsmarting both you and even companies worth trillions. Then, share a laugh about it, and use the moment to talk about what comes next...

A great read on12-ingenious screen time hacks how to beat them HERE