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Finnish company HMD Global has launched a new HMD Fuse smartphone aimed specifically at children. According to the company, it is the world's first smartphone that prevents children from filming, broadcasting or viewing nude and sexually explicit content, even while streaming.
Nokia phone for kids to help them fight online addiction
26. 01. 2026 Monday / By: Robert Denes / Generic / Exact time: BST / Print this page
A father has revealed he gave his children an old-school Nokia "brick phone" instead of a smartphone to keep them off social media. Ben Pickles, 31, a teacher and father-of-two from Bradford, says his decision was driven by fears of online addiction and harmful content.
It comes as UK ministers launch a consultation on a social media ban for under-16s, following a landmark move by Australia to block young people from major platforms.
After long discussions with his wife Georgia, Ben opted for the basic Nokia phone - which can make calls, send messages and play the classic game Snake.
"He said: "My wife wasn't sold on it at first. She thought it would cause social isolation and she was worried they would miss out on friends' events.
"But I've been teaching high school for a decade and I've seen the difference social media makes to kids. It almost takes away their childhood."
The decision came as children Leo, 11, and Layla, nine, reached the age when many parents finally gave in and handed over their smartphones.
"Ben said: "They're right at that point in the primary and secondary transition where families need to think about it.
"They've just started walking home from school together, so I wanted them to have a phone. But I didn't want it to be something addictive - just because he calls and texts friends."
He admitted to getting questions from his eldest child Leo about when he'll get a smartphone like his peers.
"Ben said: "The age when kids get their first smartphone is getting younger and younger. I always thought it was around the 6th and 7th grade transition, but it seems that's changed."
Ben, who has been a teacher for the past decade, called the changes in students at that time "absolutely monumental."
"He said he had noticed the impact of children getting less sleep because of social media - and the "anxiety" he felt about missing out on online life.
He said: "Social media was around before, but it wasn't as bad as it is now - screen time is increasing exponentially. As a teacher, I see the effects every single day."
"Referring to violent content, he said: "I think once a young mind sees something harmful - it can't forget it. You just can't let go of the really traumatic images."
A campaign to restrict children's access to social media is gathering pace in the UK, with ministers launching a consultation on whether to ban under-16s. It is part of a package aimed at protecting the wellbeing of young people amid growing concerns about addiction and the impact of algorithms. The debate has intensified since Australia became the first country to introduce a social media ban for under-16s in December.
"Ben said he would support the proposed ban on under-16s, insisting the UK would be "an example of success for the world".
He explained that his children have access to some technology - including the family iPad - although it does not have social apps.
But a recent online gaming experience has confirmed his fears."Ben said: "Within a day of downloading it, I got three messages - but only one of them said who it was from."
"It scared me and reinforced my belief that what we're doing is right for our children. It's not taking anything away from them. "It means - we're the adults in the room and we're going to make that decision for them."
Via Link"He added: "As a parent, it's hard to say no to something that everyone else has. I want them to experience technology - but I don't think unlimited access is a good thing."