How to start a class Whatsapp chat about smart phones without sounding judgemental.

There are so many great conversations going on about kids and smartphones at the moment.

People obviously have different opinions and experiences and it can feel awkward to start conversations with others if you aren’t sure where they are at on the topic. Here are some suggestions that have worked for me:

Be ‘that’ parent

My 12-year-old went through primary school with no smart phone but that was a lucky situation of alignment with some of his friends parents. It wasn’t fully agreed or planned out as a ‘pact’.

My daughter is in Y5 and I have been more vocal and open about my desire to delay smart phones.

I talked to a number of parents about smart phones and had some really interesting conversations about them. Not everyone shares my views on delaying but that is okay. Many do. Don’t expect everyone to get on board.

Just do it - send the message

The data shows it is easier for kids if they delay smart phones in a group so if you feel strongly be the one to start the chat. I would write a short message that shares that you will be delaying giving your child a smart phone until they are older. State that your child won’t have a smart phone at primary school but that you understand it’s a personal choice for each family. You can mention what your plans are. Share if you are planning to give them a ‘dumb’ phone or whatever you are planning to do if you think it might help others too.

I don’t think a class Whatsapp group is the place to start spilling out lots of data about the mental health harms early access to these device can lead to for some kids. So I would personally save that for in person conversations. In my messages to my daughters class Whatsapp I suggested that Johnathan Haidt’s ‘Anxious Generation’ book is a brilliant read for anyone wanting more information.

Be Brief

Tell people you are up for a chat if they want to talk more. Leave it there and see how conversations unfold.

Be realistic. The whole class is not going to get on board with agreeing to delaying smart phones until their kids are 14 but if a couple of your child’s friends do then it’s all you need.

Find the Right Moment

In life finding the right moment for some conversations can be key to getting traction for your ideas or suggestions. Maybe look and see if your school is sharing info about an online safety event they are doing or sharing info about social media safety in a school newsletter.

Or is there a school trip / event coming up where the kids have been told not to bring phones? These could be great opportunities and times to start a conversation with other class parents as it might be front of mind.