Paul Arithi 
- HMD Global Launches “The Better Phone Project” to Co-Create Child-Friendly Phones with Parents to Protect Their Mental Wellbeing;
Human Mobile Devices (HMD), the home of Nokia phones, is addressing growing parental concerns about the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s mental well-being with the launch of the Better Phone Project.
This initiative aims to co-create a new phone specifically designed for children, prioritizing their mental health and giving parents greater control.
Global Survey Reveals Parental Concerns
The launch comes amidst a backdrop of rising global concern about children’s relationship with smartphones. A recent survey of 10,000 parents across five countries, commissioned by HMD Global, revealed that over half regret giving their child a smartphone, citing negative effects and personality changes.
Key findings include:
- 70% believe their children would be more engaged with family if they had a smartphone-free childhood.
- Nearly 75% fear their children are exposed to online dangers through smartphones.
- Almost half believe mobile phone use has negatively impacted their child’s personality.
In response, HMD is alleviating these concerns by developing a phone that offers a safer and healthier alternative to traditional smartphones. The company is committed to collaborating with parents throughout the development process to ensure the final product meets their specific needs.
Building on the tech innovator’s experience in the digital detox space, the Better Phone Project continues the company’s mission of reimagining classic feature phones for modern consumers.
Key features being considered for the new phone include:
- Limited or no social media access: Reducing exposure to potentially harmful content and cyberbullying.
- Controlled screen time: Providing parents with tools to manage and limit their child’s daily phone usage.
- Enhanced privacy and safety features: Protecting children from online threats and inappropriate content.
- Durable and long-lasting design: Ensuring the phone can withstand the demands of active children.
Lars Silberbauer, CMO of HMD Global, said: “The Better Phone Project is a journey to discovering a variety of solutions that tackle digital overload, providing choice and balance. Our goal is to collaborate with parents and experts to develop solutions that truly meet people’s needs, driving innovation in this space.”
HMD is actively seeking input from parents, experts, and support groups through webinars and forums to ensure a collaborative approach. Parents and experts interested in participating in The Better Phone Project can learn more at The Better Phone Project.
HMD believes that by working together, we can create a phone that empowers children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, while giving parents peace of mind.
