Landlines Make a Comeback: Keeping Kids Connected Without Smartphones

In an increasingly digital world dominated by smartphones, some parents are turning to an unlikely solution to delay their children’s access to these devices: landlines. This resurgence of analog technology is driven by concerns about the impact of smartphones on mental and physical health, as well as a desire to foster healthier technology habits in the younger generation.

The Appeal of Analog Interaction

Four years ago, Summer Haycock, an Auckland mother of four girls, reintroduced a landline into her home. “The original thought behind it was safety: what if something happened at home and one of my girls needed to call 111?” she explained. Now, the landline serves as an choice to smartphones for her daughters (aged four to 11) to connect with friends.

“My daughter is almost 12 and I’m feeling like I want to hold off on getting her a smartphone for as long as possible,” Haycock said. The novelty of not knowing who is calling and the joy of learning how to use the phone have delighted her daughters. “They think it is such a novelty factor, which to me is hilarious,” Haycock remarked.

beyond Safety: Limiting Smartphone Exposure

The decision to embrace landlines is part of a broader trend of parents seeking ways to limit their children’s smartphone use. This shift gained momentum following the National government’s ban on mobile phones in schools at the start of 2024. Moreover, the US Surgeon General called for tobacco-style warnings on social media and for increased phone-free time for children, citing research linking smartphone and social media use to poor mental and physical health.

Holly Brooker,a parent of a 13 and 9-year-old and an online child safety advocate,opted for a “dumb” mobile phone instead of a conventional landline. This phone, a Samsung Safe Surfer designed for kids, allows only texting and calls. “We actually have some really good chats on the phone,” she added, of conversations with her son when she’s out and he’s at home.

The “Healthy Mind Platter” Approach

Dave Atkinson, Chief Executive of The Parenting Place, acknowledges that installing a landline might not be a suitable solution for everyone, but emphasizes the importance of parents taking an active role in their children’s technology use. The organization recommends delaying smartphone use until year nine but recognizes that this might not be feasible for all families.

“It’s one thing to limit smartphone use, but parents also need to consider what their kids are doing instead, calling it the ‘healthy mind platter’,” atkinson explained.

“Are they engaging with friends? Are they doing well with school? Are they involved in sports? Are they getting exercise? Do we have quality time with the family?”

A Wider Trend: Embracing Analog

The resurgence of landlines aligns with a broader trend of young consumers rediscovering once-popular analog items. Physical magazines are making a comeback, polaroid and film cameras are considered cool, and even vintage clothing from the 1990s is trending.

The Need for Careful Consideration

While landlines offer a tangible way to connect children with friends, parents must carefully consider their approach to technology. Balancing screen time with other healthy activities, promoting open communication about online safety, and setting clear boundaries are crucial for fostering a healthy relationship with technology in the younger generation.

What prompted Summer haycock to bring a landline back into her home?

Interview with Summer Haycock: A Landline Refurbisher

Summer Haycock, an Auckland mother of four girls, has been making waves with her unconventional approach to her children’s communication technology. Four years ago, she reintroduced a landline into her home, sparking a conversation about the resurgence of analog technology in an increasingly digital world. We caught up with Haycock to discuss her experience and thoughts on the subject.

Summer Haycock: Landlines, Safety, and Novelty

Archyde: what prompted you to bring a landline back into your home?

Summer Haycock: Initially, it was about safety. I wanted my daughters to be able to reach emergency services easily. But now, it’s become a fun and educational tool for them to connect with friends.

Archyde: How have your daughters reacted to having a landline?

Summer Haycock: They love it! It’s such a novelty for them. They love not knowing who’s calling, and they’re learning how to answer the phone.

Beyond safety: Limiting Smartphone Exposure

Archyde: Your decision is part of a wider trend of parents seeking ways to limit their children’s smartphone use. Why do you think this trend is gaining momentum?

Summer Haycock: I believe it’s because of the growing concerns about mental and physical health issues tied to excessive smartphone and social media use. Parents want to delay their kids’ exposure to these potential risks.

The “Healthy Mind Platter” Approach

Archyde: Dave Atkinson, from The Parenting Place, emphasizes the importance of parents being actively involved in their children’s technology use. What’s your take on this?

Summer Haycock: Absolutely.As parents, we have to consider what our kids are doing rather of using smartphones. It’s about creating a ‘healthy mind platter’ – ensuring they engage with friends,do well in school,participate in sports,and spend quality time with family.

A Growing Trend: Embracing Analog

Archyde: Landlines aren’t the only analog items seeing a resurgence among young consumers. Why do you think this is happening?

Summer Haycock: I think it’s a backlash against the constant connectivity of digital life.People are realizing the importance of simple,offline pleasures.

The Need for Careful Consideration

Archyde: Summer,what advice would you give to parents considering this approach?

Summer Haycock: carefully consider your approach to technology. Balancing screen time with other activities, promoting open communication about online safety, and setting clear boundaries are key to fostering a healthy relationship with technology in the younger generation.