Landlines are ringing in homes again. Why parents are happy about that
7 hours ago
- #communication
- #technology
- #parenting
- Kara Alaimo, a communication professor, advocates for managing screen time and discusses the toxicity of social media for women and girls in her 2024 book.
- Alison Lundberg reintroduced a landline to her home to ensure her 4-year-old daughter could call 911 in emergencies, sparking joy and nostalgia.
- Landlines help children like Ava maintain relationships with out-of-state grandparents independently, fostering communication skills.
- Parents like Lundberg and Eliza Bianco report that landlines teach kids phone etiquette and delay social media exposure.
- Landlines facilitate genuine, distraction-free conversations among kids, aiding social development, as seen in a case where two boys resolved a conflict over the phone.
- Dr. Shayl Griffith suggests creating a media plan tailored to family needs before opting for a landline, emphasizing the importance of preparing kids for online safety.
- Landlines can promote independence and reduce early social media use but require coordination with other parents to be effective for social connections.
- Alternatives to smartphones, like landlines, encourage meaningful family discussions about technology use and safety.