MonkeySide Chat: Smartphone-Free Childhoods - Courageous Leadership for People and Plane
Monkey Rock: A Species Corner for Nature at Climate Hub Davos is a temporary public art installation presented during World Economic Forum week in Davos.
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MonkeyRock is about courageous leadership - the kind that questions defaults and is willing to push back when something no longer makes sense. Smartphone Free Childhood, who we’re delighted to welcome for this monkeyside chat, is a powerful example of that kind of leadership in action.
Most conversations about delaying smartphones focus on children’s wellbeing. That matters. But there is a bigger story too. When childhoods are less shaped by screens and algorithms, they are not only healthier for young people — they are often lighter on the planet.
Fewer early smartphones can mean fewer devices overall, slower upgrade cycles, less extraction and less e-waste. At the same time, delaying smartphones creates more space for outdoor play, attention, curiosity and real connection — with people and with nature.
This short, informal conversation will explore what it takes to challenge powerful commercial and social norms, why childhood is such a critical place to do that, and how reframing “progress” can unlock benefits for both people and planet.
The session will also serve as an open invitation to collaborate on an upcoming communications project focused on encouraging and normalising the delaying of smartphones for young people — working with partners across civil society, research, culture and leadership.
Recording Notice
These events may be recorded. By participating in the event, you consent to audio and possible video capture. These recordings may be used for various purposes including research, promotional and documentation. If you have any concerns, please reach out to us at [email protected]
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The installation was conceived by Joep van Lieshout and Prof. Gail Whiteman.
Climate Basecamp, Atelier Van Lieshout and Cats Do Climate are thankful to Minderoo Foundation, GreenUp, Climate Hub Davos, Arctic Basecamp, and the Nature and Climate Impact Team at the University of Exeter for their support, contributions and tireless work to bring the Monkey to Davos. Thank you.