Following the holiday break, I want to give a shout-out to all the parents whose elementary and middle school children went back to school without a phone. In an age when screens seem to dominate every aspect of our lives, your decision reflects both wisdom and courage. You recognize that children at this age don’t need devices that so often create more problems than they solve.
As a parent of young children and a teacher of more than two decades, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges that smartphones bring into kids’ lives. They distract from learning, disrupt sleep, and often expose children to social pressures and content they are not ready to navigate. By choosing to delay introducing your kids to phones, you are prioritizing their focus, creativity, and emotional well-being. You are showing them that the joys of childhood - exploring the world, building friendships, and learning in a more mindful way - are too valuable to be sacrificed to screen time.
I also applaud you for standing strong in the face of societal and peer pressure. The voices urging parents to hand over devices are loud: advertisements, social media, even the children themselves often plead for what they see as a necessity. But your commitment to your child’s best interest, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient, is a powerful act of love. You’re teaching your children an invaluable lesson about thoughtful decision-making and resisting trends that don’t align with their well-being.
Your example sets an inspiring precedent for other parents who may be grappling with this decision. The time for a phone will come eventually, but letting kids grow up without one for as long as possible is a gift that will serve them far better than any app or device ever could.
Thank you for your wisdom and strength. You are doing the right thing for your kids, and that is something to celebrate.
Jeremy Barrett
Chattanooga