Bayview Family Revives Landline to Postpone Children’s Smartphone Use
A family in Bayview is resurrecting an antiquated technology to address a contemporary parental quandary: determining the appropriate time to introduce smartphones to their children.
The Gorelik family has incorporated a home phone system into their lives, embodying their commitment to defer smartphone exposure until their daughters are in the eighth grade. This initiative aligns with a burgeoning trend among local families confronting similar dilemmas.
“We’ve ignited a landline movement and are exhilarated by the momentum we’re experiencing,” stated Samantha Gorelik in correspondence with TMJ4.
Parents Samantha and Mike Gorelik are raising two young daughters, including Lilah, who is currently in the third grade and increasingly desires autonomy.
“It may be surprising, but children as young as this are already receiving smartphones,” remarked Samantha. “We have pledged to adhere to the ‘Wait Until 8th’ agreement,” she elaborated.
In conversations with other parents, the Goreliks discovered numerous families striving to be deliberate in their approach to introducing technology.
They encountered the “Wait Until 8th” pledge, a vow made by parents to delay gifting smartphones to their children until at least the conclusion of eighth grade.
The Goreliks are certainly not isolated in this endeavor, as over 125,000 families nationwide have taken the pledge.
Last spring, the Goreliks acquired their landline. This traditional communication method enables children to stay connected without the pitfalls of internet access, social media, or applications typically associated with smartphones.
“It profoundly influences various aspects of their lives, including focus, concentration, and emotional well-being. I believe there are numerous advantages to this approach,” Mike articulated.
“Interest in this initiative is undeniably on the rise,” commented Robyn Gruner of AT&T.
In response, AT&T has developed a dedicated resource page on its website, covering topics such as digital literacy and cybersecurity.
“They’ve even created a checklist for parents to evaluate, ‘Is my child prepared for a wireless device?’” added Gruner.
Samantha finds solace in the knowledge that they share the same objectives as other parents.
“In the initial days following the installation of our home phone, the children were thrilled to call relatives,” Samantha recollected.
“It’s truly gaining traction. We now have at least ten good friends in our area who have also adopted this approach, and the children eagerly connect after school.”
Lilah is part of a younger generation learning how to communicate without pervasive mobile connectivity.
“I call my friend Harlow. I call my friend Olivia. I call my friend Clara,” Lilah expressed.
Lilah relishes the opportunity to connect with her peers.
“I prefer not to use my mom’s phone to call my friends. This home phone feels like it’s mine. Having my own number brings me joy, and I love being able to pick up the phone when it rings,” she shared enthusiastically.
The Gorelik family emphasizes that the initiative is not intended to shame other parents; rather, it aims to promote responsible and safe technological education for children.
Source link: Tmj4.com.
