Could your child live without their smartphone for one week this summer holiday?
The Phones Down challenge is a fundraiser from the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project, timed to coincide with the start of the six-week break
Last updated 14 hours ago
A new national campaign is calling on children across the UK to switch off their smartphones for the first week of the summer holidays, in a bid to improve mental health, sleep and real-world connection.
“Phones Down”, launched by the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project, invites young people to take part in a 7-day 'digital detox' challenge while raising money for children’s mental health support.
Participants will create fundraising pages and be sponsored by friends and family to stay off their phones for the week, replacing screen time with activities such as outdoor play, socialising, helping at home and creative hobbies.
The campaign runs from July 26th until the 2nd August
Children spending 35 hours a week on their phones
The campaign comes amid growing concern about the impact of smartphones on young people. Research shows children are spending around 35 hours a week on their phones, while some receive more than 200 notifications a day.
Screen use before bed has also been linked to a loss of up to 1–2 hours of sleep per night.
Campaign organisers say even a short break can make a significant difference.
“A week might not sound like much, but it can be transformative,” Esther Ghey from the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project said. “Better sleep, less stress, more connection and crucially, it shows young people that life exists beyond the screen.”
The BGLP was set up by Esther, following the murder of her daughter Brianna in 2023, and promotes mental wellbeing for children and their families.
The initiative also encourages a return to simpler, offline activities described by organisers as a “90s-style week” of bike rides, baking, games and time spent with friends and family.
Children can sign up individually or as part of a group, with schools also encouraged to take part.
Money raised to go towards mental health support
Funds raised will go towards supporting programmes that improve young people’s mental health, build resilience, and help families navigate the challenges of growing up in a digital world.
Parents are being reassured that the campaign is not about removing technology entirely, but about creating space for balance.
“This isn’t about banning phones,” organisers said. “It’s about giving children the chance to pause, reset, and reconnect with themselves and the world around them.”
The challenge will take place during the first weeks of the summer holidays in England, with sign-ups now open.