Parents are opting for landlines over smartphones to protect their children from online risks. Lindsay Matheson from Toronto encouraged her daughter to use the family’s landline instead of giving her a smartphone right away. Matheson and her friend, Maggie O’Connor, chose this approach to limit their children’s exposure to social media and harmful online content.
Concerns about children’s safety online are driving this trend. Maddie Freeman and Isabella Wen shared their negative experiences with social media addiction and exposure to harmful content. Freeman founded NoSo November, a non-profit promoting a break from social media, while Wen, a NoSo youth leader, advocates for a healthier digital environment.
The shift towards landlines and “dumb” phones reflects a growing pushback against excessive screen time in children’s lives. Adam Dubé, an educational psychology professor, emphasizes the importance of monitoring children’s device usage and focusing on their readiness rather than age. He stresses the need for digital literacy and ethical online behavior education from a young age.
While individuals can work on healthier social media habits, Freeman believes tech companies bear responsibility for the negative impact of their platforms. She calls for stricter regulations to compel these companies to prioritize user well-being over profits. Ultimately, she believes meaningful change must come from within the tech industry to create a healthier digital landscape.