Fabio D’Andrea

Fabio, what inspired you to create the film Another Way, and how do you hope it will impact the conversation around teen smartphone use and cyberbullying?

The inspiration for much of my music is rooted in day-to-day life—both its beauty and its hidden struggles. Another Way grew from my concern about the growing impact of technology on young people. I wanted to tell that story through music and film in a way that feels relatable and truthful. I’m proud that the video has already resonated across the political spectrum—being supported by MP Joe Powell, Lord Nash and Baroness Stroud—which shows how universal and urgent this issue is. My hope is that Another Way sparks more open conversations, not only in Parliament but also in schools and families, helping young people make better choices about how they use technology and how they treat one another online.

Fabio, your films often highlight key social issues, such as domestic abuse, mental health, and multiple sclerosis. What drives your passion for using your platform to raise awareness about these topics?

I’ve always believed that music is a powerful medium for storytelling. Composers throughout history have used their work to reflect the world around them, and I try to continue that tradition. Speaking to families who have lived through issues like domestic abuse or illness has shown me how deeply art can connect with lived experience. That’s what motivates me—the chance to give a voice to those stories and, hopefully, to foster understanding and change.

What do you hope will be the outcome of the parliamentary screening of Another Way, and what steps do you believe need to be taken to address the issues of teen smartphone use and cyberbullying?

The first step is awareness. Lord Nash’s recent bill amendment is an important move in the right direction, and I’m encouraged that many voices are asking for Another Way to be shown in schools and colleges. I would love to see that expanded much further. The real solution lies in education and dialogue—equipping children with the tools to make wiser decisions online, and ensuring parents and teachers feel empowered to guide them. Change won’t come from legislation alone; it will come from building a culture where respect and responsibility extend into the digital world.

Peter Andre

Peter, why was it so important for you to be a part of this film and did the fact that you have children of your own make this project even more important to you?

“As soon as I was aware of this project, I wanted to do it. Working with Fabio and playing Jack has been incredible, although tougher emotionally than I had predicted. I know there are many different families out there and different scenarios, and of course, anyone can have mental health problems. In teenage years, it can feel difficult to talk, and I know that as I’ve experienced it myself, but there are now the extra pressures of smartphones and social media. As a dad, this is something I am really aware of, and want to let teenagers know they are not alone.”

Joe Powell MP

Joe Powell MP, as the Member of Parliament for Kensington & Bayswater, and a father yourself, how important was hosting this event to you, and using your position as an MP to raise further awareness around this subject?

“I am very proud to have hosted this important event with Lord Nash. To bring together a key group of people, along with Fabio, who will be able to raise vital awareness of this issue and influence those who need to take action. Yes, we need government regulation, but we also need social media platforms to step up and take responsibility for the reality of what their profit-making products are doing to the mental health of our young people. Their success comes with responsibilities, and we need to see action from everyone on this important issue.”

“…we need government regulation, but we also need social media platforms to step up and take responsibility for the reality of what their profit-making products are doing to the mental health of our young people.”

Mark Saxby

Mark, what did you take away from the event in Parliament, and how does the work that you do impact children and parents on this subject?

“It was wonderful to be in a room with so many people passionate about making a change. There were lots of different approaches to tackling the issue of social media and children, but we all agreed that through collaboration, we can make a real difference. Our sessions in schools and with parents open eyes to the negative impact of social media—and how we can live more fulfilling lives if we’re not glued to our screens.”

Lord John Nash

Lord John Nash, why is it so important to you and society that changes are made and there are new laws brought in around social media and smartphones?

“The damage that social media and smartphones do to our children is now well evidenced. I am proposing an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to ban social media before the age of 16.”

Teresa Parker

Teresa, as the mum of two boys, how do you navigate the issue of smartphones?

My eldest son Ben, who is nearly 12, has had a phone since he went away to PGL camp two years ago, and it was for the very practical reason that we wanted him to be able to get in contact with us on the evening when they were allowed phone access if he wanted to. It speaks volumes that he did for the first two nights, then completely forgot about us because he made a load of new friends and “Bristol Ben” (his PGL name) left his phone in the bag on the shelf.

That sums up his attitude to his phone—he likes having one but often has too much going on to want to be on it all the time. We’ve had to keep an eye on use of social media and out-of-control WhatsApp groups, and have deleted the odd thing—but as long as we are actively parenting and thinking about safety, phone use in moderation in our house is ok.

The event with Fabio has really made me think about how many people have a role in making smartphones and social media safe, from social media providers, to government regulation, to parents and communities.

Practically, I think it would be hard to remove smartphone use completely, because Ben’s football season ticket is on a phone, as is his Merlin annual pass, his bank card and his schedule for school now he has started Year 7. I have just received an email from the school to say which app his English homework will be on, and he scans QR codes to get more information—I think phone use in everyday life is already integrated so much in both education and social activities, simply removing smartphones from under 18s would be easier said than done.

As a parent who, in the next few years, will be considering what to do with my younger son, I think considering safety, boundaries and being transparent about what phones are being used for is key. And having red lines on when you lose access—if there are any behaviour issues in our house, the three things that get immediately addressed are the “3 S’s”—screens, sugar and sleep!

I was proud when Ben recently helped me with my work and screen recorded a social media short on how to turn off emergency phone alerts for survivors of domestic abuse who have a hidden phone. Phones can be used for good in different ways, from sharing information to learning a language; they just have to be used safely and with ongoing supervision and guidance for young people. And as parents, we all have a role to play in making sure that if our children have access to phones, it is as safe as it can possibly be. If there are apps or social media platforms where we do not feel our children are safe, we need to take steps to make sure they are not accessing them.