#smartphone-free-childhood

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#parenting
Parenting
fromScary Mommy
8 hours ago

If Your Kids Lead Easy Lives, Do You Need To "Manufacture Hardship"?

Parents face a conflict between providing comfort and teaching resilience to their children.
fromSlate Magazine
9 hours ago
Parenting

My Kids' Cousins Beat Them at the Easter Egg Hunt. What My Wife Did to "Even" the Playing Field Is Despicable.

Parenting
fromSilicon Canals
2 days ago

Psychology explains the most important thing a parent can give a child isn't stability or education or opportunity - it's the experience of being genuinely delighted in, the specific and irreplaceable feeling of being someone's favorite thing in the room, and children who had that carry it as a foundation and children who didn't spend their whole lives building one - Silicon Canals

Being genuinely delighted in is a crucial gift parents can give their children, impacting their confidence and future well-being.
Parenting
fromSilicon Canals
3 days ago

Research suggests the 1960s and 70s produced adults who could self-soothe, entertain themselves, and tolerate boredom - not because their parents were wise but because their parents were simply elsewhere - Silicon Canals

Modern parenting emphasizes structured activities, contrasting sharply with past generations' unstructured play, which may have fostered resilience and independence in children.
Parenting
fromwww.businessinsider.com
1 day ago

'Let your kids be bored' is bad advice. Here's how I got my 10-year-old daughter off screens without the tears.

Setting limits on screen time and processed foods can improve family relationships and children's engagement with life.
Parenting
fromSlate Magazine
9 hours ago

My Husband Is Turning a Common Spring Annoyance Into a Lesson in Brutality for Our Kids

Teaching compassion to children is essential, even when dealing with pests in gardening.
Parenting
fromScary Mommy
8 hours ago

If Your Kids Lead Easy Lives, Do You Need To "Manufacture Hardship"?

Parents face a conflict between providing comfort and teaching resilience to their children.
Parenting
fromSlate Magazine
9 hours ago

My Kids' Cousins Beat Them at the Easter Egg Hunt. What My Wife Did to "Even" the Playing Field Is Despicable.

Stealing Easter eggs from cousins to balance the hunt is a poor lesson for children.
Parenting
fromSilicon Canals
2 days ago

Psychology explains the most important thing a parent can give a child isn't stability or education or opportunity - it's the experience of being genuinely delighted in, the specific and irreplaceable feeling of being someone's favorite thing in the room, and children who had that carry it as a foundation and children who didn't spend their whole lives building one - Silicon Canals

Being genuinely delighted in is a crucial gift parents can give their children, impacting their confidence and future well-being.
Parenting
fromSilicon Canals
3 days ago

Research suggests the 1960s and 70s produced adults who could self-soothe, entertain themselves, and tolerate boredom - not because their parents were wise but because their parents were simply elsewhere - Silicon Canals

Modern parenting emphasizes structured activities, contrasting sharply with past generations' unstructured play, which may have fostered resilience and independence in children.
Wearables
fromSilicon Canals
6 hours ago

Psychology says the people who still wear a wristwatch in a world of smartphones aren't behind - they have a specific relationship with time and intention that most people quietly abandoned without realizing what they gave up - Silicon Canals

Wearing a watch reflects a conscious decision about one's relationship with time, transforming from a necessity to a personal statement.
Mindfulness
fromSilicon Canals
1 day ago

Psychology explains people who always keep their phone on silent aren't hard to reach - they're hard to interrupt, and the difference between those two things is the difference between a person who decides when to be available and one who simply is, always, at whatever cost - Silicon Canals

Smartphone notifications disrupt concentration for about seven seconds, leading to significant cognitive costs beyond the immediate interruption.
Mental health
fromPsychology Today
1 hour ago

Nature Is a Prescription for Connectedness

Connectedness to nature significantly enhances psychological health, while increased digital exposure negatively impacts our relationship with the natural world.
Law
fromEdSurge
1 day ago

Why the Social Media Addiction Case Isn't Over Yet - EdSurge News

Meta and Google were found negligent in designing apps that contribute to youth mental health issues.
Dining
fromFortune
7 hours ago

Phones banned at the bar: Why Gen Z is actually cheering the no-screen dining movement | Fortune

The trend of phone-free dining is growing, appealing to younger patrons and promoting intimacy and focus on food.
Marketing
fromFast Company
8 hours ago

Consumer electronics are innovative but lack imagination

Consumer electronics have become less exciting despite advancements, as brands focus on specifications rather than meaningful storytelling.
#netflix
Games
fromThe Verge
2 days ago

Netflix is launching a new app for kids games

Netflix launches Netflix Playground, a family-friendly gaming app for kids under eight, included in subscriptions with no ads or in-app purchases.
Games
fromFast Company
2 days ago

Netflix just added free games for kids to your subscription. Here's how to access them

Netflix Playground is a new app for children that allows interactive experiences with favorite characters from popular shows.
Games
fromTNW | Corporates-Innovation
2 days ago

Netflix launches Playground, a standalone games app for young children | TNW

Netflix has launched Netflix Playground, a standalone gaming app for children under eight, included in memberships with no ads or in-app purchases.
Games
fromEngadget
2 days ago

Netflix just released a standalone gaming app for kids

Netflix launched Playground, a free gaming app for kids under eight, featuring no ads or in-app purchases and an offline mode.
Games
fromGadgets 360
1 day ago

Netflix Launches Playground App to Take on Apple Arcade

Netflix launched Netflix Playground, a kid-friendly app for children under eight, featuring interactive games and a safe, ad-free environment.
Games
fromThe Verge
2 days ago

Netflix is launching a new app for kids games

Netflix launches Netflix Playground, a family-friendly gaming app for kids under eight, included in subscriptions with no ads or in-app purchases.
Games
fromFast Company
2 days ago

Netflix just added free games for kids to your subscription. Here's how to access them

Netflix Playground is a new app for children that allows interactive experiences with favorite characters from popular shows.
Games
fromTNW | Corporates-Innovation
2 days ago

Netflix launches Playground, a standalone games app for young children | TNW

Netflix has launched Netflix Playground, a standalone gaming app for children under eight, included in memberships with no ads or in-app purchases.
Games
fromEngadget
2 days ago

Netflix just released a standalone gaming app for kids

Netflix launched Playground, a free gaming app for kids under eight, featuring no ads or in-app purchases and an offline mode.
Games
fromGadgets 360
1 day ago

Netflix Launches Playground App to Take on Apple Arcade

Netflix launched Netflix Playground, a kid-friendly app for children under eight, featuring interactive games and a safe, ad-free environment.
Psychology
fromPsychology Today
2 days ago

Managing New Online Compulsive Behaviors and Addictions

Addictive behaviors have become prevalent due to the accessibility of technology, impacting individuals' lives and relationships.
Productivity
fromSilicon Canals
1 day ago

I deleted every productivity app on my phone and my output doubled - because I'd been spending more time optimizing my system than actually doing the work - Silicon Canals

Deleting productivity apps led to increased output by eliminating the management of systems that masked actual productivity.
Running
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 days ago

The unlikely appeal of barefoot hiking: It makes you feel quite primal'

Barefoot hiking is embraced in South Korea for its health benefits, while in Australia, it remains a personal adventure for enthusiasts.
Exercise
fromInsideHook
2 days ago

Do You Have "Shortcut Syndrome"? Here's How to Fix It.

Challenging oneself is essential for personal growth, but not all challenges suit everyone, especially in a frictionless modern life.
Digital life
fromSilicon Canals
5 days ago

People who check their phone within five minutes of waking up are training their brain to start every day in reaction mode - and it's costing them more than they realize - Silicon Canals

Starting the day with phone use can negatively impact mental state and set a stressful tone for the day.
Online Community Development
fromTechCrunch
3 days ago

As people look for ways to make new friends, here are the apps promising to help | TechCrunch

The rise of friendship apps addresses increasing loneliness and social isolation, providing platforms for meaningful connections among individuals.
Fundraising
fromwww.businessinsider.com
3 days ago

I quit tech, bought 22 acres, and didn't look at my computer for years until AI brought me back

Ryan Courtnage transitioned from managing a donation platform to hands-on homesteading, finding fulfillment in physical work and a break from corporate life.
Relationships
fromSilicon Canals
5 days ago

I retired at 64 with a generous pension and a calendar full of plans - and by month three I was staring at my phone realizing I had nobody to call just to talk, not because I needed something - Silicon Canals

Retirement can lead to unexpected loneliness and a realization of the lack of genuine friendships built outside of work.
Parenting
fromIndependent
21 hours ago

My parents help lots with childcare, but they let the kids play with on screens too much. Can I raise this without sounding ungrateful?

Grandparents providing childcare may need guidance on implementing parental rules regarding screen time.
Writing
fromFast Company
6 days ago

The unexpected childhood activity that predicted my career path

A childhood fascination with weddings evolved into a career in wedding planning, driven by a desire to streamline chaotic logistics.
#boredom
Mental health
fromSilicon Canals
1 day ago

Psychology says people who intentionally limit their social media use aren't more disciplined than everyone else - they became more honest about what the unlimited version was replacing, which was the interior life, the undirected thought, the boredom that produces things, and once they understood what was being replaced they didn't need discipline, they needed only the honesty to stop - Silicon Canals

Boredom can lead to meaningful engagement and creativity, rather than being a sign of lack of activity.
Mental health
fromSilicon Canals
1 day ago

Psychology says people who intentionally limit their social media use aren't more disciplined than everyone else - they became more honest about what the unlimited version was replacing, which was the interior life, the undirected thought, the boredom that produces things, and once they understood what was being replaced they didn't need discipline, they needed only the honesty to stop - Silicon Canals

Boredom can lead to meaningful engagement and creativity, rather than being a sign of lack of activity.
#child-safety
NYC parents
fromBig Think
1 week ago

The quiet disappearance of the free-range childhood

Child protective services investigated a couple after their son rode his scooter to a nearby playground alone, leading to a finding of neglect.
Parenting
fromComputerWeekly.com
1 day ago

Tech can't wait for regulation to protect children online | Computer Weekly

Harmful online content for children results from profit-driven algorithms, not parenting or education failures.
NYC parents
fromBig Think
1 week ago

The quiet disappearance of the free-range childhood

Child protective services investigated a couple after their son rode his scooter to a nearby playground alone, leading to a finding of neglect.
Parenting
fromComputerWeekly.com
1 day ago

Tech can't wait for regulation to protect children online | Computer Weekly

Harmful online content for children results from profit-driven algorithms, not parenting or education failures.
Mindfulness
fromWIRED
1 day ago

My Blissful, Unbothered Life as a 'Do Not Disturb' Maximalist

Ignoring push notifications through Do Not Disturb mode can enhance life quality by reducing distractions and setting boundaries.
Psychology
fromSilicon Canals
2 days ago

Psychology suggests people who were never taken seriously as children grow into adults who either compulsively over-explain or go completely silent - and both responses are the same wound wearing different clothes - Silicon Canals

Over-explaining often stems from trauma and anxiety, leading to chronic justification of one's presence in conversations.
Media industry
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 week ago

Social media needs a health warning': Readers on tackling phone addiction

Quality journalism is essential for understanding critical issues like reproductive rights, climate change, and the impact of Big Tech on society.
Digital life
fromAxios
3 days ago

Phone-free bars and restaurants on the rise across the U.S.

Smartphones and social media negatively impact learning and self-esteem, prompting a shift towards analog experiences among younger generations.
Parenting
fromIndependent
21 hours ago

My parents help lots with childcare, but they let the kids play on screens too much. Can I raise this without sounding ungrateful?

Grandparents should align with parents on childcare rules, especially regarding screen time.
Silicon Valley
fromFortune
2 weeks ago

The growing problem of 'tech addiction' spawns a new detox economy | Fortune

Technology can lead to severe addiction, impacting personal relationships and daily life.
Mindfulness
fromSilicon Canals
2 days ago

Psychology says the people who look back at the end of their lives with the least regret aren't the ones who made the fewest mistakes - they're the ones who were most fully present for the life they were actually living, who didn't spend it waiting for a better version to begin, who loved the people in front of them rather than the idea of people, and who understood, early enough to act on it, that this was always the whole thing and there was never going to be another one - Silicon Canals

Presence, not perfection, leads to a life without regret at the end.
Wearables
fromFuturism
3 days ago

We Can't Even Imagine the Eating Disorders This New Meta Smart Glasses Feature Will Cause

Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses may exacerbate eating disorders with features that track and log food intake automatically.
Psychology
fromSilicon Canals
4 days ago

Psychology says people who feel like they've been living someone else's life aren't confused or ungrateful - they're often the ones who were so good at adapting in childhood that they never stopped adapting long enough to find out who they actually were - Silicon Canals

Adapting to others' needs in childhood can lead to feeling disconnected and lost in adulthood.
#deadzoning
Digital life
fromHuffPost UK
5 days ago

What Is 'Deadzoning'? The 2026 Travel Trend All About Logging Off For Real

Deadzoning is a cultural shift towards disconnecting during travel to combat burnout and prioritize mental health over constant connectivity.
Digital life
fromHuffPost UK
5 days ago

What Is 'Deadzoning'? The 2026 Travel Trend All About Logging Off For Real

Deadzoning is a cultural shift towards intentional disconnection during travel, prioritizing mental health over constant connectivity.
Digital life
fromHuffPost UK
5 days ago

What Is 'Deadzoning'? The 2026 Travel Trend All About Logging Off For Real

Deadzoning is a cultural shift towards disconnecting during travel to combat burnout and prioritize mental health over constant connectivity.
Digital life
fromHuffPost UK
5 days ago

What Is 'Deadzoning'? The 2026 Travel Trend All About Logging Off For Real

Deadzoning is a cultural shift towards intentional disconnection during travel, prioritizing mental health over constant connectivity.
Mental health
fromSilicon Canals
1 day ago

People who hate phone calls aren't being rude - they grew up in homes where the phone ringing meant something was wrong - Silicon Canals

Phone calls often evoke anxiety due to their association with bad news and unpredictability, reinforcing a sense of threat over time.
#phone-use
fromDaily Mom magazine
19 hours ago

Toddler Fun: Engaging Outdoor Activities For 2 Year Olds

Outdoor sensory play is a fun and educational way for babies and toddlers to explore the world. Activities like digging in soil or feeling different textures promote hand-eye coordination and early science learning.
Parenting
#family
Relationships
fromBuzzFeed
2 weeks ago

How I Escaped The Digital Trap And Rediscovered Authentic Human Connection

Family time is overshadowed by technology, leading to a longing for genuine connection during holiday gatherings.
Parenting
fromSilicon Canals
2 days ago

I'm 66 and the thing that broke me open this year was not a loss or a diagnosis or anything large - it was my grandson falling asleep on my chest on an ordinary afternoon, his whole small weight trusting me completely, and I sat there unable to move and understood that this is what all of it was for, not the career or the mortgage or the decades of doing the right thing, just this, just him, just now - Silicon Canals

Life's true value lies in small moments with loved ones, not in achievements or material success.
Relationships
fromBuzzFeed
2 weeks ago

How I Escaped The Digital Trap And Rediscovered Authentic Human Connection

Family time is overshadowed by technology, leading to a longing for genuine connection during holiday gatherings.
Parenting
fromSilicon Canals
2 days ago

I'm 66 and the thing that broke me open this year was not a loss or a diagnosis or anything large - it was my grandson falling asleep on my chest on an ordinary afternoon, his whole small weight trusting me completely, and I sat there unable to move and understood that this is what all of it was for, not the career or the mortgage or the decades of doing the right thing, just this, just him, just now - Silicon Canals

Life's true value lies in small moments with loved ones, not in achievements or material success.
Psychology
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 days ago

Stop the brain rot! 12 ways to stay sharp in a mind-frazzling world

Brain rot, characterized by cognitive decline from easy information, is rising due to social media and shortform videos, leading to exhaustion.
Mental health
fromSilicon Canals
14 hours ago

Psychology says boomers didn't develop resilience because they were stronger than the generations that followed - they developed it because they were raised in a time when the alternative was never presented, and a generation for which stopping was simply not on offer developed a relationship with difficulty that later generations have been trying to replicate but have not yet managed - Silicon Canals

Resilience in boomers stemmed from necessity, not inherent strength; they faced discomfort and hardship as a norm, shaping their character.
Digital life
fromZDNET
6 days ago

Brick vs. Bloom Card: I tested both for my screen addiction, and the winner depends on you

Phone addiction leads to significant time loss, prompting the development of tools like the Bloom Card to help users manage distractions.
Mental health
fromPsychology Today
1 day ago

Teen Sleep Is Worsening, and Screens Aren't the Whole Story

Modern society's influences lead to significant sleep disturbances in teens, impacting their mental and physical health.
Psychology
fromFast Company
1 week ago

How to tame your phone addiction without quitting modern life

Most people want to manage their phone use without letting it control their attention and mood.
Mental health
fromPsychology Today
2 days ago

The Quiet Pain of Growing Up With a Workaholic Parent

Growing up with a workaholic parent can lead to emotional struggles in adulthood, including intimacy issues and internalized distress.
Parenting
fromSlate Magazine
1 day ago

I Noticed an Upsetting Change in My 7-Year-Old. I Traced It Back to One Specific, Grotesque Segment of YouTube.

YouTube influences children's values, promoting materialism and superficiality through content focused on luxury and fame.
#screen-time
Digital life
fromThe Atlantic
1 week ago

The Tension That Defines Modern Life

Many people seek to reduce screen time while still valuing their smartphones for social connections and information.
Parenting
fromwww.bbc.com
1 week ago

Is screen time always bad and how do I manage it?

Parents should limit screen time for children under five to one hour daily, as recommended by the Department of Education.
Digital life
fromThe Atlantic
1 week ago

The Tension That Defines Modern Life

Many people seek to reduce screen time while still valuing their smartphones for social connections and information.
Parenting
fromwww.bbc.com
1 week ago

Is screen time always bad and how do I manage it?

Parents should limit screen time for children under five to one hour daily, as recommended by the Department of Education.
Parenting
fromPsychology Today
1 day ago

Stolen Childhoods: Divorce and Emotional Parentification

Divorce can lead to emotional parentification, where children provide adult emotional support, harming both the child and the parent.
Mental health
fromPsychology Today
1 week ago

When Screens Spike Stress: Cortisol's Tight Grip on Teens

Traumatic social media content can significantly impact adolescents due to their developing brains and hormonal changes affecting emotional regulation.
Parenting
fromPsychology Today
2 days ago

How to Not Mess Up Your Kid

Authoritative parenting, combining warmth and structure, leads to the best outcomes for children, while extremes in control can cause behavior problems.
Parenting
fromScary Mommy
1 day ago

What To Say When Someone Comments On Your Parenting, According To Experts

Responding to unsolicited parenting advice requires understanding the intent behind the comment.
fromDaily Mom magazine
1 day ago

Preschool Summer Camp For 3 Year Olds: Year Programs

A summer camp for 3 year olds should balance fun and learning with gentle structure and lots of play. At this age, preschoolers thrive on routines but also need time for imaginative exploration.
Parenting
Parenting
fromSlate Magazine
2 days ago

As a Mom, Vacations With My Kids Are Hell. A Radical Parenting Strategy Changed Everything.

Family members wanted to visit Disney World, but one parent felt dread about the experience despite wanting to see their children happy.
#smartphone-addiction
Digital life
fromEsquire
3 weeks ago

It's Now Lame To Be on Your Phone All the Time

Smartphones have become ubiquitous and addictive devices that were accurately predicted in 1990, though their negative health and social effects were not foreseen.
Digital life
fromEsquire
3 weeks ago

It's Now Lame To Be on Your Phone All the Time

Smartphones have become ubiquitous and addictive devices that were accurately predicted in 1990, though their negative health and social effects were not foreseen.
Parenting
fromPsychology Today
2 days ago

A Parent's Guide to Child-Centered Play Therapy

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) relies on the child-therapist relationship to facilitate therapeutic change through child-led play.
Parenting
fromPsychology Today
3 days ago

Stop Fixing, Start Strengthening: How to Raise Resilient Kids

Teaching children to navigate difficult emotions fosters resilience, confidence, and self-worth.
Mobile UX
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

We have lost so much of ourselves to smartphones: can we get it back?

Smartphones and persuasive design have transformed portable devices into addictive systems that shape behavior, increase screen time, and raise public health and social concerns.
Parenting
fromFast Company
5 days ago

Parents: A valuable source of AI intelligence

AI-assisted parenting tools are being developed by parents who understand the real challenges of childcare.
Gadgets
fromBusiness Insider
2 months ago

I'm raising my kids with '90s and retro-style tech. VHS tapes, DVDs, and more are helping us slow down and connect.

Parents introduce '90s analog items—film camera, typewriter, Tin Can phone, VHS and Blockbuster-style movie nights—to balance modern tech and foster kids' independence.
Board games
fromABC7 Los Angeles
2 months ago

Embracing board games as a winning strategy for digital detox

Long Island's tabletop gaming expo celebrates handcrafted, tactile board, card, miniature, and role-playing games, highlighting physical interaction and indie creators.
Digital life
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Harmful Smartphone and Social Media Use by Children

Multiple countries are banning social media for minors due to documented harms including sleep disruption, bullying, and predation, sparking conflicts with tech companies over revenue and regulation.
Parenting
fromMindful
5 days ago

The Easiest Way to Deepen Your Yoga Practice? Teach It to a Child.

Parenting transformed yoga practice into a consistent, shared experience of mindfulness and presence with a child.
Gadgets
fromBusiness Insider
2 months ago

Bricking your phone is the hot new digital detox

More people, especially Gen Z, are reducing smartphone use and using physical devices like Brick to block apps as a form of digital detox.
Parenting
fromScary Mommy
2 weeks ago

Why One Mom Says Taking Your Teen's Phone Away As A Consequence Is Never A Good Idea

Taking away a teen's phone as punishment stops immediate behavior but shuts down communication, fails to teach lessons, and damages the parent-child relationship.
fromScary Mommy
3 weeks ago
Parenting

Why Experts Say Boredom Is Actually Good for Kids

Unstructured boredom activates the brain's default mode network, fostering creativity, emotional regulation, and self-reflection essential for child development.
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Why Kids Struggle to Focus in an Indoor World

Parents tell me this all the time, often with a mix of frustration and worry: My child just can't focus the way I could at their age. School feels harder. Emotions escalate faster. Distraction seems constant. But attention isn't a moral trait. It isn't a virtue some children have and others lack. Attention is a cognitive capacity-and it is deeply shaped by the conditions surrounding a child: sleep, stress, sensory overload, and the environment in which we're asking focus to happen.
Mental health
Digital life
fromBustle
2 months ago

Want To Lower Your Screen Time? Pack An "Analog Bag"

An analog bag gathers non-digital hobbies and tools to reduce screen time and provide tangible alternatives to scrolling.
fromBusiness Insider
1 month ago

My daughters were secretly tracking my location and I had no idea. I'm actually relieved they care about where I am.

Most parents of high schoolers spend hours checking their kids' every move, but I didn't want a smartphone when my children were teens. Instead, I insisted they tell me their destination when they went out at night. I'd sometimes follow up with another parent for confirmation, and I'm sure my kids weren't always where they said they'd be. But they usually came home by curfew and always paid their cell bills on time.
Parenting
Digital life
fromBustle
2 months ago

TikTokers Are Using This Nostalgic Hack To Lower Their Screen Time

People are limiting smartphone use by tethering phones like old landlines, creating physical boundaries to reduce screen time and encourage offline habits.
fromBusiness Insider
1 month ago

My family gave away our TV before our cross-country move. It's been 5 years, and we still haven't replaced it.

On a recent trip, my daughter and I were tossing her stuffed animal around the hotel room. The toy spun around near the ceiling and came to rest on the corner of the TV, high above our heads. My daughter pointed and tried to explain where the animal landed, on the, the, the ... she didn't have the word for "TV." Yep, we had to tell our 4-year-old what that big, black rectangle was called.
Parenting
fromBusiness Insider
2 months ago

I gave my 8-year-old a landline. It has parental controls, but gives him the freedom he craved.

For years, my 8-year-old son has been asking for a phone. I'm sure he likes the idea of being social and playing games, but he also loves talking. Copper FaceTimes with friends on my phone (calling their Mom's phone) and regularly calls his grandparents to check in. We wanted to give him an age-appropriate amount of freedom and stumbled across a landline-esque phone for kids, the Tin Can.
Parenting
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