Like many young New Yorkers, Jameson Butler received her first mobile phone at the age of 10 in 2017. It was a smartphone, offering access to a myriad of social media apps that, by the age of 12, had consumed much of her attention. “My screen time [then] was around five to six hours, which is a pretty decent chunk of my day, especially considering the fact that I was in school for eight hours,” she told ABC Radio National’s Science Friction.
By 14, Butler made a bold decision that few her age would consider: she deleted her social media accounts and ditched her smartphone. Instead, she opted for a “dumbphone” to remain reachable in emergencies. “The flip phone just made so much sense,” she explained, highlighting a growing trend among teens seeking to reduce screen time.
The Rise of the Luddite Club
Butler soon met Logan Lane, a high school student who shared her views on technology. Together, they formed the Luddite Club, promoting “conscious consumption of technology” among teens. The club’s name is a nod to the original Luddites, textile workers in England who opposed industrial machines threatening their jobs during the Industrial Revolution. However, Butler and her peers don’t see themselves as revolutionaries. Their goal is to “empower young people and give them the tools they need to help themselves.”
The concept of creating safe offline spaces is gaining traction globally. In France, a town implemented a ban on public phone use, and in Australia, a law will soon restrict under-16s from accessing certain social media platforms by December 2025. This raises the question: who should enforce these restrictions—governments, organizations, or individuals?
Challenges and Criticisms
Now 18, Butler plans to avoid smartphones as long as possible, despite acknowledging the difficulties it presents in a digital world. “Especially as we now see QR codes, links to websites everywhere. A lot of my schoolwork is online,” she noted. Her commitment has surprised her parents, who doubted her ability to forgo a smartphone for long.
Critics argue that the Luddite Club’s philosophy is classist, as living without a phone is seen as a privilege. Butler counters this perception, stating, “We have all these rules for Luddite Club and requirements to join, when in reality, that’s not true.” The club’s sole rule during meetings is to put devices away, fostering spontaneous and meaningful conversations.
Global Perspectives on Phone Use
In Australia, more than half of children aged 10 to 13 own a mobile phone. The debate on social media’s impact on youth has intensified, with initiatives like The Phone Pledge program in Victoria, founded by high school teacher Steph Challis. Challis argues for age limits on phone access due to developmental risks. “Social media is harming their brain; it’s changing the way their brains develop,” she said.
Stanford University’s Dr. Anna Lembke describes the overconsumption of digital media as a “collective problem” needing “collective solutions.” She emphasizes the value of physical spaces without internet, stating, “It’s amazing that in this day and age you can have a spiritual experience just by not carrying your phone with you.”
Case Study: Seine Port’s Phone-Free Initiative
In France, the town of Seine Port attempted a smartphone ban, spearheaded by Mayor Vincent Paul-Petit. Although initially successful, the ban became a voluntary charter due to legal limitations. “The shopkeepers are very happy with the progress we’ve felt in the town,” Paul-Petit noted, highlighting improved interactions with customers.
This experiment underscores the ongoing debate over who should regulate phone and social media use. As Australia prepares to implement its under-16 social media ban, critics like Elon Musk argue it’s a “backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians.”
The Future of Tech-Free Movements
Professor Lembke commends Australia’s approach, recalling her past advocacy for phone bans in schools. “Now it’s happening, so I’m super hopeful. Humans are adaptable,” she remarked. However, some teens plan to bypass the upcoming restrictions, underscoring the challenge of enforcement.
Butler believes decisions about technology use should be personal and empowering, not mandated. “I remember being very annoyed every time my parents would try to tell me how bad the smartphone was,” she confessed. It wasn’t until she recognized the negative impact herself that she took action, leading to the formation of the Luddite Club.
As discussions continue worldwide, the question remains: will more communities embrace tech-free initiatives, or will personal choice prevail in navigating the digital age?
