Unplugged and Unfiltered: Delaying Smartphones for Kids

On this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Jenny Perez, entrepreneur, mother and founder of Unplugged an organization whose mission is to raise awareness about the impact of smartphones and social media on children.

Perez shares her insights on how constant device use can affect physical health, emotional well-being, and family communication, while also contributing to challenges such as bullying and social isolation. Drawing from both research and lived experience, Perez discusses the benefits of delaying smartphone access until at least age 14 and emphasizes the importance of consent and independence in young people’s digital lives.

The conversation explores the realities of raising children in a hyper-connected world and examines practical strategies that parents can use to foster healthier relationships with technology.

• The rise of smartphones and social media has profoundly impacted the emotional and mental health of our youth, highlighting the need for proactive parenting approaches.
• The importance of delaying smartphone access for children until they are developmentally ready, ideally around the age of 14.
• Incorporating a community-driven approach can empower parents to take a stand against the normalization of device usage among young children.
• The comparison of social media to tobacco illustrates the potential dangers of device exposure on child development and independence.
• The significance of communication between parents and children regarding consent and their online interactions.
• Parents are encouraged to seek knowledge and resources to better understand the implications of technology on their children’s physical and emotional health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com
• unpluggedcanada.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Unplugged Canada
• Wait Until 8
• Brooke Shannon

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.