There’s a reason 90s-style parenting is everywhere right now for smartphone free childhood. It’s a resistance to what’s happened to childhood since they were kids. They are the last generation who can clearly remember: it didn’t used to be like this. While every parent wants to give their children more than they had, the tech-heavy childhood that’s become the norm doesn’t always feel like progress.
More often, it’s something else entirely – something we didn’t choose, and isn’t easy to opt out of. It takes ongoing, sometimes hard, effort. Which is why more and more parents are becoming intentional. Holding the line. Making difficult choices to protect something that matters.
So – do you recognise yourself in this parenting tribe?
Smartphone free childhood.
- Sending them outside at every opportunity
- Eating out without iPads (even if you question your life choices halfway through)
- Letting them be bored (and trusting something will come of it)
- Encouraging independent play with friends (and saying yes to a bit more risk)
- Books, comics and magazines instead of scrolling
- Giving them real responsibility – helping, exploring, figuring things out
- Holding off on smartphones and social media
- Digging out old tech – gameboys, ipods, walkie talkies
- Watching the slower films and TV of old
- Board games, crafts and making things – not just consuming
Government consultation: more dads needed
Over 45,000 people have already responded to the government’s consultation on children’s online safety – a huge show of public engagement. So far, most responses have come from women, and ministers are keen to hear more from dads. Children aged 10+ can also share their views. Every voice counts, male and female – add yours here.
