A new parent-led movement aimed at supporting parents in the fight against teen smartphone addiction held its first public event at Castle Hill RSL in October.
Educator and positive psychology practitioner Katrina Alvir says the initiative, named Connect IRL, is aimed at helping families re-connect with each other better and promote stronger friendships as “childhood doesn’t belong online”.
The movement (IRL is short for ‘in real life’), focuses on raising awareness about the use and impacts of the overuse of technology, particularly smartphones, on children and teenagers.
One main goal is to support parents in delaying giving their child a smartphone by teaching them about the negative impacts of early use, the alternatives available, and how to remind their children there is a world beyond their phone.
The event in Sydney was attended by 150 people who enjoyed keynote addresses from Alvir, clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Einstein, and general practitioner Dr Lilijana Gorringe.
These were followed by a well-received panel discussion with Jessica Kwak providing a parent’s perspective, Chehade Richa speaking as a student mentor, and student Natalia Nader representing the Gen Z view.
“Connect IRL is a movement committed to reclaiming childhood, restoring real-life connection, and addressing the mental health crisis fuelled by smartphone overuse,” Alvir told The Catholic Weekly.
“We are a community-driven committee of parents, educators, and advocates working together to create tech-free spaces, promote face-to-face friendships, and reintroduce families to the joy of being present.
“Through workshops, resources, events, and school partnerships, we empower families to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other in real life.”
The Connect IRL team are all supporters of the Federal government ban on social media for children under 16 years old, which comes into force on 10 December.
Committee member Milad Khalil said the response to the event was positive, with parents left feeling “excited and energised” about helping their teens to curb their phone use.
He said some students are also concerned their own usage was harming their academic performance and ability to socialise with peers, something he said Connect IRL’s strategies could help alleviate.
“If parents and families support each other in this smartphone delay, we are actually encouraging each other in continuing to connect in real life,” he said.
“Children don’t need – and they shouldn’t need – a smartphone to be able to socialise.”
Khalil said the need for initiatives such as Connect IRL would be ongoing and urged parents to keep talking to their children about their phone usage.
Contact Connect IRL by email at connectirl2025@gmail.com
This article updates an earlier version published 12/11/2025, now removed, which incorrectly stated the event location and keynote speakers, and it also includes additional information.
