What Does the Generation Before Know?
We're all learning together.
Here's something I've noticed:
The people most worried about kids and technology are often the same people who don't fully understand technology themselves.
That's not a criticism. It's just worth thinking about.
Every generation worries about the next.
When radio became popular, parents worried it would rot children's brains.
When TV arrived, the same fears.
When video games took off — violence, addiction, isolation.
When the internet came — stranger danger, inappropriate content, wasted time.
Now it's smartphones, social media, and screens.
Some of those concerns were valid. Some were overblown. Most were a mix.
Here's what's different now
1. The technology is new to everyone.
Parents today didn't grow up with smartphones. We're learning alongside our kids — except they're learning faster.
That's uncomfortable. It's hard to set rules for something you don't fully understand.
2. The technology is designed to capture attention.
Social media apps, games, and content platforms are built by people whose job is to keep you scrolling.
That's not conspiracy. That's the business model. Attention = advertising money.
Kids aren't weak-willed. They're up against billions of pounds of design expertise.
3. Parents are affected too.
This is the bit nobody talks about.
Kids haven't changed. They still need presence, attention, and connection.
But parents now have screens in their pockets too. And those screens are competing for their attention.
How many times have you checked your phone while your child was talking to you?
I'm not judging. I'm just saying — it goes both ways.
So what do we actually know?
We know that:
- Excessive screen time can affect sleep, attention, and activity levels
- Content matters as much as time
- Connection with caregivers still matters most
- The long-term effects of smartphones and social media are still being studied
We don't know:
- Exactly how much is "too much"
- Whether today's kids will be harmed or just... different
- What effects we haven't even thought of yet
What helps
1. Be honest about what you don't know.
It's okay to say "I'm not sure about this" to your kids. Better than pretending.
2. Learn together.
Ask your kids to show you what they're doing. Be curious, not suspicious.
3. Look at your own habits.
The best screen time rules are the ones the whole family follows.
4. Focus on connection.
Kids need you — present, attentive, engaged. That hasn't changed. That won't change.
SimpleTech Kids isn't about controlling your children's devices. It's about the whole family finding balance together.
Because this is new for all of us.
Ready to find balance as a family?
Get in touch