Gliwice launches campaign to reduce smartphone use in children

The city of Gliwice and the Psychological and Pedagogical Counseling Center in Gliwice have launched a new phase of the “Childhood Without a Smartphone” campaign. The initiative encourages parents to dedicate at least 15 minutes of undivided attention to their children daily by putting away mobile devices to foster better emotional connections and listening.

This campaign follows a previous effort titled “Love Wisely – Without a Smartphone,” which highlighted the risks of excessive screen time for young children, including delays in psychomotor and speech development, sleep disturbances, concentration issues, and difficulties in emotional regulation. Educational materials will be distributed to local health clinics, schools, kindergartens, and selected catering establishments.

In a broader social context, discussions regarding smartphone use in schools emphasize the need for digital breaks. Educators and citizens note that phone bans can improve interpersonal communication among students and reduce distractions such as live-streaming classroom activities. Observers suggest that schools should serve as environments where children can build real-world relationships away from screens.