I’m not big into making New Year resolutions but this year I’ve decided on one. I’m going to limit my time on my mobile in front of my daughter.
It’s easier said than done because like many people I have become so dependent on the thing I am typing on right now. Camera, communication system, fitness trainer, railway booking line, travel documents, the list goes on and on.
The other day I was travelling into London by tube and there were only two people in my part of the carriage not looking at their phone. I was also recently in a cafe where a family of four were all on their phones rather than talking to each other. It’s become such a part of our lives that we don’t even think about it.
And we know it does harm especially to young growing minds. I hate that I can talk about going on a holiday and a little while later I start getting more and more ads for holidays. We know the algorithm is going to feed us more of the same and I don’t like that feeling of being snooped on.
I worry that I’m setting a bad example to my young daughter. If she sees me constantly like this, then down the road she’ll expect to be the same. It’s so difficult because in a way we have become addicted to a device that knows so much about us.
My plan is to try and use it less and as far as is possible, not at all, while I am around her. You might think I’m Mr meanie but I don’t think she should have one until she is 16 – whatever the rest of the kids in her class say. From speaking to some other parents though I know many of them feel the same as me.
I wonder if the UK and Europe will go the same way as Australia and have such a ban until 16.
At the moment it’s a simple step, just me watching myself when I’m around her. I want her to be safe but most of all I want her not to be forced to grow up too quickly.
