It’s that time of year again. Summer is winding down, back-to-school shopping has begun, and parents are simultaneously rejoicing and struggling as we pack away the wedding season, camping, and vacation gear and pull out backpacks and school supplies. Back-to-school can be stressful for parents due to schedule changes, but returning to routine can also be welcome. Surely, with September comes an opportunity for reflection and action, giving rise to a common concern: How can parents and caregivers, especially those with middle or high school kids, determine the right age for their child to have a phone and ensure it's used safely and healthily?
Most teenagers have smartphones, which can help parents stay in touch but have also led to increased anxiety, depression, body image issues, and cyberbullying, alongside social media’s influence, the spread of misinformation and online hate. Internet and gaming addictions are now recognized medical diagnoses in Europe, highlighting widespread concern among parents, teachers, and caregivers about their impact on youth.
Some parents have taken an interesting and new approach to this issue by investing in a “dumbphone” for their children. Dumbphones are classic cell phones with no internet. The lure of these specific devices is that they allow parents to more easily regulate content while still enabling contact. Phones have become a necessity, but this flashback to a simpler time is signaling a promising change in how we see the role of technology in our lives and the need to control its use, not have it control us!
According to CBC, technology market research firm Counterpoint reported that over 98,600 feature phones were sold in Canada in 2023, marking a 25% increase from 2022. The rise in demand for dumbphones like the Light Phone, Nokia, and Punkt is driven by their lack of distracting features found in smartphones, such as high-resolution screens, social media apps, and internet access. These simpler devices are also more affordable than mainstream options like Apple or Samsung.
From a mental, physical, and social health perspective, this trend is overdue, welcome, and essential. Kids do not need social media or the internet at their fingertips at all times, yet safety, connection, and communication with trusted adults are a necessity. If you’re thinking of switching to a dumbphone for your child, communication is key. A dumbphone is not a punishment but a tool to help give your child more freedom, keep them safe, and build towards more powerful devices.
While many teenagers may not love the idea at first, it’s important to keep having conversations around your ‘why’ and to find a dynamic that works for your family. If you have noticed that your child is experiencing behavioral disturbances, resistance to reducing screen time, missing out on social activities, and ignoring basic hygiene, it may be time to consider having a conversation as a family about switching to a dumbphone.
While dumbphones still make up less than 1% of Canada's total mobile handset market, the demand is increasing as people search for mobile alternatives with less harmful features. Only time will tell how popular and permanent this solution will be among parents and teens. Who knows? Buying a dumbphone may just be the smartest thing you do!
Manjot Mann
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Compassionate Journey Counselling
Manjot Mann is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She works with adults and families from various backgrounds, helping them navigate their past experiences while working towards a vibrant future. Manjot is passionate about supporting her clients as they uncover their strengths and potential. In addition to her counseling practice, she offers valuable advice through her successful column, ‘Ask Manjot’, where she discusses topics around mental health and navigating cultural expectations, boundaries, and more. You can find Manjot on Instagram at @askmanjot.
Dr. Shimi Kang MD, FRCPC
Mental Wealth, Addiction & Motivation Specialist
Global Speaker, Media Expert & #1 Best-selling Author
Clinical Associate Professor, UBC
Dr. Shimi Kang is an award-winning medical doctor, researcher, keynote speaker, and expert in the science of motivation. She believes the key to an optimal, joyous life is knowing the inner workings of the mind - an art and science that is simple yet not easy.
She is the founder of Future-Ready Minds, camps, counseling & coaching programs, host of the YouTube show ‘Mental Wealth with Dr. Shimi Kang’, and the author of the #1 bestseller The Dolphin Parent: How to Raise, Healthy, Happy & Self-Motivated Kids & The Tech Solution: Creating Healthy Habits for a Digital World. Dr. Kang offers assessments & treatment for mental health, addiction, chronic pain & concussion treatment, psychedelic-assisted therapy & all other brain-related conditions. Dr. Shimi Kang is a Clinical Associate Professor at The University of British Columbia and the current Principal Investigator of several ground-breaking research studies. She has received countless awards, including the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award & Governor General’s Medal, and Diamond Jubilee Medal for her years of community service and leadership in mental health & education.