What is it with parents, schools, and even government officials banging on about how kids should spend less time staring at screens?
Kids should spend less time on social media.
We should restrict their access to platforms. We should limit their time on devices.
Here’s a radical thought: just take the devices off them. Better yet, stop handing them over in the first place.
A few years ago, my wife and I stopped at a café for coffee. Across from us sat a couple of young mums with their kids. One of them handed her iPhone to a toddler whining under the table – couldn’t have been more than three years old. That was her solution. Hand over the phone, shut the kid up, carry on chatting.
I’m sorry if this sounds harsh, but if you don’t want to deal with your child, why did you have one?
You see it everywhere now. Kids aged 8, 9, 10 walking around with their faces glued to phones. Sitting in parks with their mates, all on their devices. Not talking. Not playing. Just scrolling.
The Answer Is Simple
Take the phones off them.
No wonder they’re becoming obsessed with social media. No wonder they’re being influenced by whatever rubbish some influencer is peddling on Instagram or YouTube.
You want to know why your kid is hiding in their bedroom all night and all weekend? Have a look at the gadgets you bought them to keep them quiet.
We Managed Without
I know this sounds old-fashioned, but we grew up differently. We communicated when we were outside playing, at school, doing sports, or visiting friends. The phone was bolted to the kitchen wall, and no, you didn’t use it just because you fancied a chat.
You read a book. You did a puzzle. You played a game. You went outside. You played hide and seek. You went for a walk or a bike ride.
Yes, we had the TV on sometimes. I’m not claiming we were perfect. But there’s a difference between an hour of telly while you make dinner and handing a three-year-old an iPhone because you can’t be bothered.
It’s Not the Platform’s Fault
Nowadays, you get adults blaming the platforms. Blaming the availability of technology. Blaming everything except themselves.
Be a parent. Provide real attention. Give them actual toys. Get them involved in local activities. Get them playing sports. Get them outdoors.
I get it – parenting is hard. My wife and I both worked when our kids were young. Sometimes it was bloody difficult. But we didn’t solve problems by handing them a screen every time things got tough.
Pick up your child. Interact with your child. Be present.
The Uncomfortable Truth
This might sound aggressive. It probably is a bit aggressive. But some truths need saying plainly.
If you’re wondering why your children are struggling with screen addiction, social media obsession, or spending all their time online, the answer isn’t complicated. Look at what you gave them. Look at how early you gave it to them. Look at how often you use it as a substitute for actual parenting.
The platforms aren’t raising your kids. You are. Or at least, you should be.
Maybe life was different 20 or 30 years ago. Maybe it’s harder now. But the principle hasn’t changed. Children need parents, not devices. They need attention, not distractions. They need boundaries, not unlimited screen time.
So stop blaming everyone else. Stop waiting for the government or schools to fix it. Just take the bloody devices off your kids.
And if that sounds harsh, good. Sometimes the truth is.
I’m Sure You Have Questions
Should parents take phones away from young children?
Yes, if phones are being used as constant distractions rather than tools. Children under 10 rarely need unrestricted phone access, and parents should set clear boundaries about when and how devices are used.
What age is appropriate for a child to have a phone?
There’s no universal answer, but many experts suggest waiting until at least secondary school age (11-12). More important than age is whether the child understands responsibility, boundaries, and appropriate use.
How can parents reduce their children’s screen time?
Set clear rules about when devices can be used, create phone-free zones (bedrooms, dinner table), lead by example with your own device use, and provide engaging alternatives like outdoor activities, sports, and family games.
Is all screen time bad for children?
Not necessarily. Educational content, video calls with family, and creative apps can be beneficial. The problem is when screens replace human interaction, outdoor play, and parental attention, or when they’re used as a constant pacifier.
Why do parents give young children phones?
Often it’s convenience – phones keep kids quiet in difficult moments. But this creates dependency and teaches children that boredom or frustration should be immediately solved with a screen rather than learning to cope or interact.