Parents are coming together to talk about the challenges of raising children in a digital age.
A community meeting will be held on Friday, May 15, in Bridge of Weir to discuss the impact of smartphones and social media on children and young people.
The event, organised by parents in partnership with Martin McCluskey MP, will take place at St Machar’s Hall at 7.30pm and aims to foster discussions around online safety, screen time and digital pressures on families.
It comes amid a national consultation by the UK Government into the online experiences of children and young people, including potential new restrictions on social media use for under-16s.
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The meeting will give parents an opportunity to share their experiences, learn about the ongoing government consultation, and explore practical ways to help children form healthier relationships with technology.
It is supported by local members of the Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) movement, a growing parent-led initiative that encourages families to delay giving children smartphones.
Locally, the SFC committee is made up of parents from Bridge of Weir and Houston, many of whom are part of the Gryffe High School feeder community.
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Ciara Driver, secretary of the group, said parental concerns often become more manageable when discussed openly.
She said: "Parents are under huge pressure and many feel like they're navigating this on their own.
"What we've found locally is that once parents start talking honestly about smartphones and social media, they often realise they share the same concerns.
"This isn’t about judgement or telling families what to do.
"It’s about creating a supportive community where parents can share experiences, ask questions and feel less alone in the decisions they're making around technology and childhood."
Martin McCluskey, MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West, said: "Social media and phone use are now part of everyday life for young people, but parents across Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West have made it clear to me that there are real concerns about the impact this is having on children’s wellbeing, sleep, exercise and learning. As technology changes we need to make sure that regulation keeps pace and that we do everything to protect children and young people. I would encourage anyone interested in the conversation to come along so I can represent your views to the Government."
Parents wishing to attend the event can RSVP by emailing martin.mccluskey.mp@parliament.uk.
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