Leighton-Linslade parents design 'responsible smart phone' for children

Ben Humphrey and Ami Penolver are the founders of Sayph – a system built on a modified Samsung Galaxy A16 5G that shuts out the open internet, addictive algorithms, and social media pressure.

Children can text and call, add contacts pending parental approval, access maps, music, and a camera (optional). But – to the relief of mum and dad – there's no unrestricted web search, no social media, and no group chats.

Ami said: "Ben and I have known each other for 12 years now, and Sayph was really born out of our eldest children reaching secondary school age.

"We we aware that there was a space for a phone which had some functionality, whereas things like Xplora watches just didn't have the street credit."

Ben said: "Children were given these devices which gave them access to an adult world – without any sufficient safeguards in place."

The product comes as the government prepares to ban social media for under 16s in spring 2027, following a similar model to Australia.

The aim is all about "reducing harm, improving wellbeing and giving young people more time for a healthier childhood," says the Gov.uk website.

It also follows much social and cultural interest in the subject, including programmes such as the Channel 4 documentary Swiped – an experiment in which children gave up their smart phones for 21 days – reporting better sleep, better mental health, and improved concentration at school.

Ami said: "I think schools have found themselves in unchartered territories, and 90 per cent of the problems are associated with group chats. We would welcome any sort of engagement with schools."

Ben added: "It's scary that a system developed by the smartest minds in Silicon Valley is as addictive as possible. We're then giving it to a child who hasn't developed as much impulse control."

But thanks to Sayph – a phone that "passes the playground credibility test" – much of these worries could be put on hold.

Sayph’s restrictions are hardwired into the phone, and its use (apart from emergency calls) can be restricted – such as during the school day. There's also no app store.

Parents, on the other hand, can download the accompanying 'Sayph Space' app to their own phone, giving them access to their child's GPS location and AI activity summaries about phone use – which can even detect potential bullying or grooming.

Ben and Ami concluded: "Sayph doesn't reject modern life; it simply slows down the digital noise.

"It gives kids the independence they crave without the toxic elements of the digital world."

Sayph costs £189 (one-off payment for the handset with free UK delivery), plus £4.99 per month for the Sayph Space companion platform, which works with major UK networks.

You can disocver more about Sayph here. Schools and parents can click here to get in touch with Ben and Ami.