Smartphone Free Childhood: Why Waiting Is A Great Parenting Hack
In a world where smartphones are everywhere, even in little kids’ hands, I’m all about a smartphone free childhood! In this Quick Chat blog, I’m sharing why I won’t give my kids smartphones and why I think you can hold off too.
I hope a smartphone free childhood is becoming more of the norm. It makes me cringe when I see 8, 9, 10, even 11 year olds with smartphones. I truly believe they should be held off through at least middle school, maybe even longer. Hey mama! I’m Alessandra, a stay at home mom of 3 kids, ages 10, 8, and 5 and my husband and I will die on the proverbial smartphone free hill. Keep reading to learn why, especially if you’re on the fence and need a little support.
*Welcome to my “Quick Chat” blogs, where I write a short essay about an unpopular opinion that I can’t stop thinking about! This is a new series I’m starting in 2025, so if you’re enjoying it make sure to like this blog, comment below your opinion (be nice please!) and sign up for my email list.*
*This blog contains affiliate links, you can learn more at my terms. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Why I’m Choosing A Smartphone Free Childhood
Alright, let’s dive into this Quick Chat blog and talk about something I’m really passionate about: waiting to give our kids smartphones.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably either on the fence about giving your kid a smartphone or you’re feeling the same way I am. Everywhere I look, I feel like kids younger and younger are getting their own phones. And along with them, they’re gaining access to social media, unlimited internet access, and texting, leading to a whole lot of pressure they don’t need yet! I get it too, it feels like everyone else is doing it, and we don’t want our kids to feel left out. But here’s the thing: sometimes the best parenting hack is doing what feels a little uncomfortable for everyone in the moment, knowing it’s better for them in the long run.
That’s why my family is choosing a smartphone-free childhood. If you’ve made it this far and you’re on the fence about giving your child a smartphone, keep reading as I share why I think other parents might want to consider it too. Plus learn about a great alternative that can allow you to chat with your child while they are away from you without getting a smartphone!
The Importance of a Smartphone Free Childhood
I saw a meme once that said something along the lines of, “If you want to take away your child’s childhood, give them a smartphone.” Below are just a few important reasons kids shouldn’t have smartphones.
1. Childhood is short — and I want my kids to actually experience it
Being a kid doesn’t last very long at all. I don’t want my kids to trade bike rides, imaginative play, and real-life friendships for scrolling TikTok or comparing themselves to Instagram or YouTube influencers! Childhood should be full of exploration and fun, not algorithms. There is no need for children to compare themselves to random strangers on the internet or scrolling TikTok trends. Period.
2. Their mental health matters more than fitting in
Sorry, but it’s true, fitting in isn’t everything. Mental health is way more important. And the research shows again and again that early smartphone and social media use can increase anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Between doom scrolling and bullies in group text chats, there’s way too many horror stories of kids harming themselves over it! If I can delay those risks until they are older and more mature, why wouldn’t I?
3. Boundaries teach resilience
It’s hard being a minority in this whole smartphone free childhood movement! It’s hard to say “no” when your kid is the only one without a smartphone, I feel it and I get it. But setting that boundary now is teaching them that they can survive discomfort. That’s a life skill they’ll carry forever. For now, I explain to by kids why they cannot have a cell phone yet and I cross my fingers and hope that someday they will understand and be grateful that I held off on giving them a phone.
4. I want to model healthy tech habits
Let’s be honest, even us adults struggle with screen time. How can we expect kids to navigate it well when we, as adults, are still figuring it out? For now, I’m setting as best an example as I can by limiting my own screen time, especially when my kids are around and watching. I also explain to them that I am an adult and just like I don’t let them drive a car because they are not old enough or ready to drive a car, I also won’t let them use a phone. But yet, I’m doing my best each day to model healthy tech habits for my children in the future.
There’s power in community
As I said above, it definitely feels like parents who are holding off on giving smartphones are in the minority. And it stinks!! But there’s power in community. Movements like Wait Until 8th and #SmartphoneFreeChildhood exist for a reason: we’re stronger when we set these boundaries together. So fine your smartphone free tribe of mamas because when our kids see that they’re not “the only ones,” it will all feel easier.
Here’s my advice if you’re on the fence:
- Start the conversation early. Explain to your kids why you’re waiting. It’s not about punishment, it’s about protection. They might not understand right away, but that’s ok.
- Find your tribe. Again, there’s power in numbers. Connect with other parents who are making the same choice. Support makes it so much easier!
- Offer alternatives. If you need communication, start with a simple watch or flip phone. No social media attached.
Speaking of alternatives…I recently got my 10 year old the Cosmo JrTrack 4 Smartwatch and it’s been great! It allows him to call or text me and my husband only (I get to choose the contacts he can reach out to!) It’s completely safe, no internet access, but still allows him a bit of independence and offers me peace of mind. Learn more about this awesome smartwatch for kids at my blog or purchase one below.
Final Thoughts
It can be hard for both you and your child to not get a smartphone. But waiting to hand over a smartphone isn’t about being the “mean mom.” It’s about protecting our kids’ mental health, giving them a childhood they won’t get back, and teaching them to navigate tech with intention when they’re truly ready. And honestly, in a world where everyone is rushing to grow up fast, choosing a smartphone free childhood might just be the ultimate parenting hack, I think! You and your kids will be better for it at the end of the day. Stand your ground. You got this, mama!
Use the image below to save this blog to Pinterest so you can come back to it later!
Related Blogs:
- Meeting Basic Needs Is Self Care, Mama & Here’s Why
- Mommy Wine Culture Isn’t Cool, It’s Harmful
- The All Or Nothing Mentality In Motherhood Needs To Stop
- Can We Stop Inviting The Entire Class To Kid’s Birthday Parties?
- Cosmo Watch Review: The JrTrack 4 Smartwatch For Kids
- Stay At Home Mom Goals For 2025 To Help You Thrive
- Controversial Parenting Topics That Shouldn’t Be Controversial
Sharing is caring! If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to share it with a mom friend who’s on the fence by using the share buttons below. Drop your thoughts in the comments —are you waiting too? Thank you for supporting my blog! You can also support me by following my on Instagram @justabasicmama for more stay at home mom life.
Leave a Reply