Chapter 1: The Struggle Begins

Today, I made a significant decision: I took back the devices. I removed all technology from my children's lives and am determined to enforce this change.

My daughters are nearing 9 and 11 years old. Their father gifted them a phone and a gaming console at the onset of the pandemic, and since then, our lives have spiraled into chaos.

Gone are the days when they relished bedtime stories. Instead, they are glued to screens and craving every toy imaginable. I grew up without a television, back when having a landline was the norm, and voicemail was merely an option. It was the 1980s; while others watched TV, I immersed myself in books.

I desired the same for my children. However, in moments of exhaustion and vulnerability, I allowed their father—who views child support as a mere suggestion—to introduce these troublesome devices into their lives.

My children’s behavior has changed drastically; they are often irritable and disrespectful to one another. Just last month, my eldest managed to spend £500 on Robux from his bank account. When he informed me, he was shocked to learn that she had been draining it. I had warned him this would happen.

It's incredibly frustrating.

I feel immense anger towards myself for allowing this situation to develop. I knew better but ignored my instincts, which feels foolish.

Today, I discovered that my youngest had downloaded an app called Rec Rom on my phone, a chat room where she was explicitly forbidden to interact with strangers online. I can't believe she casually mentioned it, seemingly unaware of my outrage. Despite my repeated warnings about online dangers, I now realize I’ve made a grave error.

I confiscated the eldest's phone and prohibited the youngest from touching mine. I’ve declared that no devices will be allowed until they can earn their own money. I don't care what other children are doing; if necessary, I will sell their tech and consider getting them a small TV for their rooms, though I'm hesitant about that too.

Sometimes, I despise this world, filled with predatory individuals targeting children.

Until things change, I’m donning my metaphorical superhero cape and resisting the allure of screens. The television can go to hell along with its endless stream of distractions.

If given the choice, I would revert to a landline. It may be time to return to simpler times. Technology disrupts my peace, and even this computer is a source of tension. I often find myself aimlessly browsing, falling into rabbit holes that provide little fulfillment. I want my children to aspire to greater things.

As a parent, I have stumbled in many ways. Each day, I strive to improve, even though I often fall short. The saying about raising daughters being akin to pouring water into the street resonates deeply—these girls have so much potential that they could nourish an entire nation. There’s no waste in sending them into the world; they will be blessings. I must protect them more fiercely from the damaging effects of social media.

Wish me luck; the weekend is just hours away, and my children will undoubtedly test my resolve. I’ve fortified myself and begun reciting my mantra for the week: “No.”

Chapter 2: The Impact of Technology on Children

This video explores the effects smartphones have on the developing brains of children and teenagers, shedding light on the cognitive and emotional consequences of excessive screen time.

In this video, experts discuss how smartphones may alter children's thinking patterns, emphasizing the potential long-term implications on their cognitive development.