Well, here it is—the first consequence of the mobile phone pandemic that has swept through society this decade.
For those who don’t know, I’ve been locked in a constant battle with my children over their access to social media through smartphones. I made the tough decision to confiscate their phones until they turn 18. As you can imagine, this did not go over well.
The rebellion has led to full-blown defiance and a breakdown in family relationships. Was it worth the pain and strain? Honestly, yes. My only regret is not implementing this rule sooner and not believing in the decision I made with more conviction. One of my children now struggles with social anxiety—unable to have face-to-face conversations or relationships and only able to communicate over the phone. On the other hand, my other child isn’t reliant on their phone and has accepted the rule. She has a phone, but it’s not a smartphone, and as a result, she’s a better communicator and a more social individual.
As a single mum, trying to enforce this rule alone with little to no outside support has been HELL. To any parent wondering if it’s the right choice, only you can make that decision for your family. I wish you all the best.
04/01/2022
In light of the recent Olly Stephens tragedy, I’m even more certain I made the right decision—and I hope more parents now consider doing the same. We need to protect our children, even from themselves, because they don’t fully understand the dangers they’re exposed to. Social media and the internet are desensitising our children to crime, drugs, sex, and violence.
My thoughts go out to the families who have lost children to this madness
10/12/2025
I periodically revisit some of my pages to see whether my views have changed.The pain is still raw, although the world seems to be catching up. The release of Adolescents and My Violent Child are hopefully just the beginning. Unfortunately, it all comes too late for me, the damage has already been done, and I’m still living with the consequences.
Real Talk: Diary of a Seriously Fcked Off Parent 