We are pleased to announce the pilot launch of the Family Smart Start project, developed in partnership with the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI). Family Smart Start is an engaging unboxing experience designed to help families navigate the use and safe setup of a child’s first smartphone.
This pilot aims to encourage open conversations around digital safety while providing easy-to-follow guidance for parents and carers on setting up parental controls, an essential step as children begin to explore smartphones and the digital world around them.
By the age of 11, and as they transition to secondary school, 9 in 10 children in the UK own a smartphone. As concerns around device use continue to grow, this project focuses on three key principles: empowerment, engagement, and conversation, which are all crucial as a child takes this important step into the digital world.
Inspired by the popular format of online ‘unboxing’ videos, participants across the UK have received their Family Smart Start boxes, containing interactive materials and guidance. The experience is further enhanced through our dedicated website.
The unboxing format creates an exciting and curiosity-driven experience for children, allowing them to explore something new alongside their families, making digital safety education more engaging and approachable.
What’s Inside the Box?
As part of the pilot, each Family Smart Start box includes:
- Step-by-step setup guides for Android and iOS devices (UK and US versions)
- Advice for parents and carers on fostering Good Digital Parenting
- Access to a child-friendly unboxing video for children to watch with parents or carers, featuring key safety tips and resources from the Family Online Safety Institute
David Wright CBE (CEO of SWGfL) said ‘’At SWGfL, our mission is to ensure that everyone can benefit from technology free from harm. This new partnership with FOSI furthers that mission by equipping families with the tools and knowledge they need for safe and confident smartphone use.
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways children interact with it. The Family Smart Start project helps families start this journey the right way, through guided exploration, shared learning, and open conversation.’’
‘’We’re thrilled to be part of this effort to turn the unboxing of a child’s first phone into a powerful teaching moment,” said Stephen Balkam, CEO and Founder of the Family Online Safety Institute. “This initiative gives parents tools like our Online Safety Contract to spark essential conversations about responsible phone use and digital wellbeing right from day one. It’s a creative, practical step toward safer and more informed use of technology by kids and teens.’’
SWGfL and FOSI are working together to make online safety a priority in every home. To explore the Family Smart Start project in more detail, please visit the dedicated website.
