Technology

Human Mobile Devices (HMD), Europe’s leading smartphone manufacturer, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling the adverse effects of smartphone use and social media on children’s mental health. Dubbed the 'Better Phone' project, this initiative invites concerned parents to collaborate with HMD in creating a safer, more controlled phone for children. This move follows the results of a global survey commissioned by HMD, revealing widespread parental concerns about the impact of smartphones on young users.

The survey, which polled 10,092 parents across five countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Germany, and Australia, highlighted several alarming trends. More than half of the respondents expressed regret over giving their child a smartphone, and almost 75% feared that these devices exposed their children to online dangers. Additionally, 64% of parents reported that smartphone use negatively impacts their child's sleep, while 61% observed a decrease in their child’s physical activity due to excessive screen time.

Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President of HMD in the AMEA Region, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing these concerns, particularly in the Middle East, where cultural and family values are paramount. "We fully understand the importance of managing mobile and social media screen time for children in this region. Our goal is to offer innovative solutions that meet the needs of parents and provide credible alternatives to traditional smartphones," Kochhar stated.

The 'Better Phone' project will see HMD working closely with parents, experts, and support groups to co-create devices that offer parents greater control over their child's screen time and social media use. HMD plans to introduce these new solutions immediately in Middle Eastern markets, targeting parents in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

Lars Silberbauer, Chief Marketing Officer of HMD, reiterated the company’s commitment to protecting young generations from the negative effects of digital overload. "Our aim with the Better Phone Project is to discover and develop solutions that provide balance and protect children’s mental health. We are dedicated to collaborating with parents and experts to create phones that truly meet the needs of today’s families," Silberbauer concluded.

The findings of the survey underscore the urgent need for such solutions. Among other concerns, 55% of parents reported frequent family arguments over their children’s constant use of mobile phones, and 70% said smartphones were alienating their children from quality family time. Moreover, 54% of parents worried that smartphones were reducing their children's social interactions with friends, while almost half believed that mobile phone use had negatively altered their child’s personality.

HMD’s initiative comes at a critical time, as the digital detox movement gains momentum, particularly among Generation Z. By involving parents in the development process, HMD aims to create devices that not only limit screen time but also resonate with younger users who are increasingly seeking alternatives to conventional smartphones.

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