Why My Grandchildren Don’t Have Smartphones—And Why That’s Brilliant
In a culture where handing a child a device has become the easiest way to occupy them, my son and daughter-in-law are swimming against the current.
My son and daughter-in-law decided years ago that their children would not have smartphones. Not as a birthday gift. Not as a Christmas surprise. Not even as a hand-me-down when mom or dad upgraded.
From the very beginning, they were clear — smartphones were not for their kids, and we as grandparents were asked not to gift them one either.
Today, my grandchildren are 10 and 12. They don’t carry smartphones, and yes, they beg for them. They cry about it. They say the familiar words: “But all my friends have one!” Still, their parents stand firm. The rule is simple: You only get a smartphone when you can buy it yourself and pay for the monthly bill.
It’s not a punishment; it’s a principle. And as I watch this unfold, I have to say—it’s brilliant.
In a culture where handing a child a device has become the easiest way to occupy them, my son and daughter-in-law are swimming against the current. Their decision is not always easy. Their kids face peer pressure daily. The begging and tears are real. But so is the lesson. By setting this boundary, they are teaching their children patience, financial responsibility, and the difference between wants and needs.
But perhaps the biggest lesson isn’t financial or even about discipline. It’s about awareness.
I’ve noticed something remarkable about my grandchildren. When we walk together, they look around. They notice the color of the sky, the sound of the birds, and the way the wind feels on their faces. They aren’t bent over a glowing screen. When we sit at a restaurant, they talk to me. They’re present. They’re curious. They’re engaged. They love to spend hours reading a book. They absolutely love handwriting me letters and walking to the mailbox to post the letter. 😊
This stands in stark contrast to so many kids today, who are absorbed in TikTok or texting, barely aware of their surroundings. My grandchildren know what’s happening around them—on the street, at the bus stop, in the park—because they’ve been given the gift of not being constantly distracted.
This reminds me of a talk I watched recently on YouTube about the danger’s technology poses to children’s development. The speaker shared how constant digital stimulation affects attention spans, emotional regulation, and even social skills. The talk has since become one of the most widely viewed presentations, close to 2 million views—and for good reason. Worth listening to…
The Most Compelling Argument Against Tech in Schools | Sophie Winkleman
This powerful video features actress and education advocate Sophie Winkleman, who delivers a compelling 20-minute talk at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. She argues that integrating screens in schools—through tablets, laptops, and other EdTech tools—often undermines rather than enhances learning. Drawing on her firsthand experiences visiting schools, Winkleman highlights how digital devices distract students, erode attention spans, and disrupt social interactions. She also cites mounting data linking excessive screen exposure with declining academic outcomes, increased anxiety, and rising mental health concerns among children. Her message is clear: it’s time to reconsider our blind embrace of technology in education and prioritize human-centered, screen-light learning environments.
💬 Quote of the Week:
I wouldn’t change my grandchildren for the world. But I wish I could change the world for my grandchildren. -Unknown
🎉 Until Next Time…
💖 Stay vibrant, stay modern, stay YOU.