### Breaking News: Only 3% of UK 12-Year-Olds Don’t Have a Smartphone—Here’s How Four of Them Feel About It
In a striking revelation, a recent survey has found that only 3% of 12-year-olds in the UK are without a smartphone. As digital devices become increasingly integral to daily life, the survey sheds light on the experiences and feelings of those few who navigate their teenage years without the ubiquitous technology that defines the lives of their peers. Here, we explore the perspectives of four 12-year-olds living smartphone-free.
#### Meet the Non-Smartphone Users
**1. Emily, 12 – The Outdoor Enthusiast**
Emily, an avid nature lover, enjoys spending her time outdoors. Without a smartphone, she embraces activities like hiking, reading, and art.
*”I see my friends on their phones a lot, but I prefer being outside or creating something,”* she shares. *”Sometimes I feel left out when they talk about apps or games, but I love that I can focus more on what’s around me.”* Emily values her phone-free life, seeing it as a way to engage more deeply with her surroundings.
**2. Sam, 12 – The Tech-Savvy Creative**
Sam, a budding artist, has chosen to forgo a smartphone for the time being. He expresses a sense of freedom in not being tied to constant notifications and social media.
*”I think it’s cool that I don’t have one,”* he says. *”I get to be creative without distractions. My friends often ask me why I don’t have a phone, and I just tell them I prefer drawing and painting.”* While Sam acknowledges some social pressure, he appreciates his unique perspective on creativity.
**3. Mia, 12 – The Social Butterfly**
Mia, who enjoys spending time with her friends, sometimes feels the weight of not having a smartphone. *”I do feel a bit out of the loop sometimes,”* she admits. *”All my friends are on social media, and I can’t keep up with their lives. But my parents think it’s better for me to wait.”* Mia balances her feelings of exclusion with her family’s rationale, expressing a blend of curiosity and understanding.
**4. Leo, 12 – The Sports Fan**
Leo, a passionate soccer player, has opted out of smartphone ownership in favor of sports. He enjoys playing with friends and feels that his time is better spent on the field.
*”I know a lot of my friends use their phones, but I’d rather practice soccer or hang out,”* Leo states. *”Sometimes, it can be hard to coordinate things without a phone, but we manage.”* For Leo, the benefits of staying active far outweigh the potential connectivity offered by a smartphone.
#### A Broader Perspective
The experiences of these four 12-year-olds highlight a growing conversation about technology’s role in childhood. While smartphones can foster communication and access to information, they can also create pressures and distractions. For the 3% without these devices, life remains rich with interpersonal connections and hands-on experiences.
Parents and educators are increasingly discussing the balance between embracing technology and encouraging traditional forms of play and creativity. As these young individuals navigate their smartphone-free lives, they demonstrate that different pathways to connection and fulfillment are not only possible but can also be enriching.
#### Conclusion
As society continues to embrace the digital age, the experiences of these four 12-year-olds offer valuable insights. Their stories remind us that while smartphones have become a significant part of childhood, the absence of such technology can lead to unique and meaningful life experiences. Whether it’s through art, sports, or outdoor exploration, these young individuals illustrate that life beyond the screen can be equally engaging and fulfilling.
