Smartphones vs. Social Media: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Credit: Freepik I’ve been really pondering the distinctions and listening to the debates around giving children smartphones versus access to social media. Smartphones vs. Social Media: Understanding the Debate for Parents In today’s digital age, one of the most critical decisions parents face is when—or even if—to give their child a smartphone. Layered within that decision is an equally pressing, yet distinct question: when should a child be allowed to access social media? While these two steps might seem intrinsically linked, they represent different milestones with unique implications. Here I explore the ongoing debate and provide insights to help you navigate these decisions for yourself. The Smartphone: A Gateway, Not Necessarily a Destination A smartphone is, at its core, a tool. It offers practical benefits such as staying in touch with family, accessing educational resources, and navigating the world through apps like maps or calendars. For many parents, the primary appeal of a smartphone is safety—being able to reach their child anytime and equipping them with the means to call for help in emergencies. However, smartphones are also gateways to the broader digital ecosystem, including social media, gaming, and online content. Giving a child a smartphone or a smart watch without social media can be a measured step. It allows them to familiarise themselves with technology, learn digital responsibility, and establish boundaries for screen time. Parents can leverage parental controls and monitoring apps to ensure the device remains a tool rather than a source of distraction or harm. Social Media: A Different Set of Challenges Social media, by contrast, introduces a host of psychological, social, and emotional complexities. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are designed to captivate and engage users, often encouraging comparisons, fostering fear of missing out (FOMO), and exposing young minds to unfiltered content. Studies have linked early exposure to social media with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and issues surrounding self-esteem. Social media opens the door to interactions with strangers, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate material. Unlike the controlled environment of a smartphone used for communication and learning, social media is a less predictable, more volatile space. This distinction makes the timing of social media access a critical decision separate from the question of smartphone ownership. The Debate Among Parents and Experts The debate often hinges on whether these decisions should be separated or treated as a package deal. Some argue that giving a child a smartphone without access to social media is a sensible compromise—a way to provide independence while safeguarding their mental health. Others contend that once a smartphone is in a child’s hands, social media access is inevitable, making strict controls unrealistic. Digital parenting experts generally advocate for delaying both smartphone and social media access. Organisations like Smartphone Free Childhood & Wait Until 8th encourage parents to postpone smartphone use until at least 14, emphasising the importance of peer support in this decision. Similarly, many experts recommend waiting until a child is at least 13—the minimum age for most social media platforms—and even then, only under careful supervision. Australia has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the move as a response to concerns about the negative effects of social media on children’s well-being. The world is watching how they implement the ban. I am not a fan of banning things – if I’m on a diet I immediately want to eat cake 😊 but I support a ban on social media use until 16 as it allows children to mature and prepares them to handle the challenges of digital spaces responsibly. Critics of such bans often advocate for alternative measures like better parental controls or education, but a strict ban eliminates ambiguity, placing the responsibility on platforms rather than families. Yes, kids will try and get round it, and some will, but it sends a clear message to kids that adults think social media isn’t good for them and it makes life so much easier for parents having to put up with all the begging, whining, sighing and tantrums! The policy sends a clear message: adults care more about children’s well-being than letting social media companies rake in millions. We ban children from alcohol and smoking because these substances harm their developing bodies and minds, increase the risk of addiction, and pose long-term health consequences. The same logic applies to social media, which research shows can negatively impact mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviours. Early exposure to social media also heightens risks like cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and unhealthy comparisons. Just as alcohol and smoking laws send a clear message that these activities are unsafe for minors, a social media ban until 16 would prioritise children’s well-being over corporate profits, allowing them to grow emotionally and cognitively before facing the pressures of digital platforms. Credit: Freepik Navigating the Grey Area For parents, the path forward involves understanding their child’s maturity level and needs. Here are some strategies to consider: Define Clear Boundaries: If a smartphone is introduced early, set clear rules about what it can and cannot be used for. Consider devices like “dumb phones” or kids’ smartwatches that allow communication without internet access. Use Parental Controls: Modern smartphones offer robust parental control features to limit app downloads, manage screen time, and monitor activity. Start Conversations Early: Discuss the pros and cons of social media before your child expresses interest. Teach them about online safety, privacy, and the curated nature of social media content. Delay Social Media Access: Even if your child has a smartphone, hold off on introducing social media. Encourage offline hobbies and face-to-face interactions as alternatives. Model Healthy Behaviour: Children learn from observing their parents. Demonstrate balanced tech use and a healthy relationship with social media. There’s a distinction between giving a child a smartphone and granting access to social media and I think it is an important one. Giving a child a
Here are Digital Jungle Scripts for Parents to Start Important Conversations about Polarising Figures like Alex Jones, Andrew Tate, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump
Here are scripts you can use to start important conversations about polarising figures like Alex Jones, Andrew Tate, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump, tailored for children of different ages. These scripts aim to foster critical thinking and protect children from dangerous influences. For Ages 6–9 Key Focus: Introduce the idea of role models and how not everyone in the public eye is a good example. Script:“Have you ever heard of people like Andrew Tate or Elon Musk? Some of them have big ideas or say things that can make others upset. It’s important to think about what people say and whether it helps others or hurts them. Who do you think is a good role model, and why?” Scenario: Child Repeats Something They Heard Online Age Group: 6–9 Script:“I heard you mention something about [influencer]. Where did you hear that? Sometimes people say things to get attention, even if it’s not true or kind. Let’s think together: how does what they said make others feel, and is it something we agree with?” Scenario: Child Expresses Admiration for the Influencer Age Group: 6–9 Script:“It sounds like you think [influencer] is cool. What do you like about them? Sometimes, people who seem interesting may not always make the best choices. What makes a person truly someone we can look up to?” Scenario: Child Feels Peer Pressure to Follow These Influencers Age Group: 6–9 Script:“I noticed you’re talking about [influencer] like your friends are. Did your friends mention them? It’s okay to want to fit in, but we can always think about whether we really agree with someone before we follow what they do or say.” For Ages 10–13 Key Focus: Explore critical thinking and how to evaluate what influencers say. Script:“You might hear people talking about Donald Trump, Alex Jones or Andrew Tate online. They say things that some people agree with and others find harmful. What do you think it means to check if someone’s words are true or helpful? Let’s look up some of their ideas and decide together if they make sense or if they could hurt others.” Age Group: 10–13 Script:“That’s interesting that you heard [influencer] say that. What do you think about it? Did they explain why they think that way? Sometimes people online only tell part of the story. Let’s try finding more about it together and see if we can understand both sides.” Age Group: 10–13 Script:“It’s great that you’re curious about [influencer]. Why do you think they’re so popular? Some people like them for their confidence, but others think they can be harmful. Let’s explore together how their actions match what they say.” Age Group: 10–13 Script:“Are your friends talking about [influencer]? It can feel like we have to follow what others are doing to fit in. But remember, being independent means thinking for yourself. Let’s talk about what you agree with and what you might question about what they’re saying.” For Ages 14–17 Key Focus: Discuss media literacy, influence, and social responsibility. Script:“I saw a clip about Donald Trump or Andrew Tate the other day. They can be really persuasive, but not everything they say is always helpful or true. Have you seen anything about them online? Let’s talk about how people like this influence others and how we can decide what’s worth listening to.” Age Group: 14–17 Script:“You mentioned [influencer] earlier. They’re known for saying things that get people talking, but some of it can be harmful or misleading. Why do you think people like them get so much attention? Do you think their ideas help or hurt society? Let’s dig into that.” Age Group: 14–17 Script:“You admire [influencer], and I get that they have some interesting ideas. But let’s talk about their full story. What do you think about the things they’ve said or done that have caused harm? How can we separate good ideas from harmful ones?” Age Group: 14–17 Script:“It sounds like there’s a lot of talk about [influencer] among your friends. What do you think about what they’re saying? Have you ever felt like you had to agree with someone just because others did? Let’s discuss how to stand firm in your beliefs.” Tips for All Ages
Why Calling Them ‘Dumb Phones’ Won’t Win Kids Over!

Why Calling Dumb Phones Isn’t a Compelling Message to Kids Wanting Smartphones In today’s digital age, smartphones have become a central part of life for both adults and children alike. For kids, owning a smartphone isn’t just about having a device to communicate—it’s about being connected to friends, having access to entertainment, and feeling included in the social fabric of their peer groups. As more parents look for alternatives to smartphones to delay their children’s screen exposure, “dumb phones” have emerged as a popular option. However, calling them “dumb phones” may be one of the least effective ways to encourage kids to embrace these devices. Here’s why. 1. The Negative Connotation Let’s start with the obvious: the term “dumb phone” is inherently negative. It suggests the device is inferior, lacking, and outdated compared to its “smart” counterpart. For kids, who are often more focused on social status and fitting in, branding a phone as “dumb” can make it feel like a punishment rather than a positive choice. The comparison to smartphones only reinforces the idea that a child with a dumb phone is missing out. When kids hear that they’re getting a “dumb phone,” they can feel like they’re being denied the same opportunities for entertainment and connection that their peers enjoy. The term simply doesn’t resonate with kids who value being part of the digital conversation. 2. It Undermines the Benefits Calling these devices “dumb phones” reduces the conversation to what they don’t do, rather than highlighting what they can do. While it’s true that basic phones lack the flashy apps, games, and constant notifications of smartphones, that doesn’t mean they have no value. In fact, they offer important benefits that are easily overshadowed by the negative label. For example, these phones allow kids to communicate with parents and friends without the distractions that come with smartphones. They promote independence, responsibility, and focus. Instead of framing them as “dumb,” the messaging should focus on how these devices give kids freedom—freedom from social media pressures, cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of constant screen time. By shifting the focus to what kids gain with these devices—such as more time for real-world activities, improved focus on schoolwork, and fewer online distractions—the narrative becomes more compelling. 3. It Misses the Cool Factor Smartphones are appealing to kids because they’re seen as cool, trendy, and social. They come with a sense of status, allowing kids to participate in group chats, social media, and online games. Calling a basic phone “dumb” completely misses this cultural component. If parents want their kids to feel good about using a phone that’s simpler, they need to highlight its cool factor, not downplay it. Kids respond better to messaging that frames these phones as giving them control and independence rather than framing them as something outdated or less desirable. Positioning these devices as tools for young people who are confident, focused, and don’t need to follow every trend can help make them more appealing. 4. Peer Pressure Plays a Huge Role Another reason why the “dumb phone” label doesn’t work is because of the intense pressure kids feel to fit in with their peers. In many cases, kids want a smartphone not because they need one, but because their friends have one. Being part of group chats, sharing memes, or staying connected on social media can be essential to feeling included. When a child is given a phone that’s labeled as “dumb,” they may feel left out or embarrassed. This feeling of exclusion can actually drive kids to rebel against the idea of a basic phone even more. Instead of positioning it as a lesser device, it’s important to frame the decision as empowering—a choice that puts them in control of their digital habits and shows they’re mature enough to handle the responsibility. 5. Messaging Matters: Focus on Benefits, Not Limits So, how do you make the idea of a basic phone more appealing to kids who want smartphones? The answer lies in the messaging. Instead of focusing on what the phone doesn’t have, the conversation should focus on what it does offer—autonomy, balance, and freedom from digital distractions. Here are some positive angles to consider: Conclusion: A New Way Forward The term “dumb phone” not only fails to resonate with kids but also reinforces the very reasons why they want smartphones in the first place—connection, status, and the fear of missing out. By rethinking how we frame basic phones and focusing on the real benefits they offer, parents can make these devices a much more compelling option for children. Instead of labeling them as “dumb,” let’s empower kids to make choices that help them stay balanced, focused, and in control of their digital lives.