This year, parental concerns about smartphones have surged, raising an interesting question: How do kids without smartphones view their lives? Are they feeling deprived, or are they more engaged in their surroundings?
To gain insight, I chatted with several kids navigating their daily lives without the constant presence of a smartphone.
**Annabel, 13:**
“I’m the only one I know who doesn’t have a smartphone, and I can see why they can be so addictive. Some friends spend hours on Snapchat—one of them has a three-hour screen-time limit, but she maxes it out on that app alone. When we hang out, I often catch others scrolling through TikTok or YouTube, and sometimes I do feel a bit left out.
Social media has its perks, like connecting with new people, but it also carries risks. Thankfully, I haven’t faced online bullying myself; my friends usually block anyone they don’t know.
One positive is that I feel more connected to my real-world friends. I use my mom’s phone for WhatsApp to stay in the loop in our class group chat. I sometimes wonder if having my own smartphone would distract me from my hobbies. I see my friends getting caught up in trends and products that everybody claims are must-haves. It made me realize how much time I spent learning guitar and singing last summer—activities I likely wouldn’t have pursued if I had a smartphone.
At school, we have the Yondr program, which keeps our phones locked away. If someone is caught with a phone, they get detention. It’s surprising how many struggle to keep it away for just five hours. But I’ve noticed that many do manage to keep them tucked away, allowing for real conversations.”
**Henry, 11:**
“I got my smartphone when I turned 11, but my mom took it away because my behavior changed, and we started arguing more. I’d get so absorbed in games or chats that I ignored her whenever she asked me to take a break.
I missed out on connecting with friends during the holidays without my phone. My mom mentioned getting me a Nokia, but that hasn’t happened yet. I think I agree with her—I’m kinder without a smartphone. Life feels simpler when I’m not constantly thinking about it.
I have younger brothers who steal my phone, which leads to little fights. I’m hesitant to get a simpler phone because I rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with my friends. I was invited to so many group chats, but I had to leave many because I couldn’t keep up with the flood of messages.
If I do get that Nokia, it would be great for after-school communication since my parents are often out when I get home. I’ve learned how to work around restrictions, so I hope they consider making it tougher for me in the future.”
**Jack, 13:**
“I’ve decided against getting a smartphone. Watching my parents deal with constant notifications seems annoying. All I really need is a way to contact them and my friends, so I make do with an old Nokia.
Sometimes I feel left out when I see my friends on WhatsApp and Snapchat, but honestly, when I look at what they share, it seems so tedious and uninteresting. The online humor often just confuses me.
I’m the only one in my friend group without a smartphone, which puzzles many of them. Adults usually commend my choice, but my peers don’t seem to get it. Luckily, I’ve been able to steer clear of bullying, so that’s not an issue for me.
I also read a lot, and I’m one of the top readers in my class. I can’t help but think this might be because I often choose books over scrolling through my friends’ feeds in the evening.”
**Mikey, 11:**
“My parents won’t let me have a smartphone because they think it’s too dangerous, but they haven’t explained what those dangers are. I wish they would at least share that with me.
I feel like I’m missing out on sharing meaningful moments with my friends, especially since I can’t FaceTime them. They still call occasionally, but our conversations have dropped off since they mostly use WhatsApp now.
I don’t think my friends are addicted to their phones; they’re just at that age where they’re starting to get them. That’s part of why I feel left out. I believe the transition from year 6 to year 7 is the right time for kids to have smartphones. We’re maturing and facing important school decisions, so I don’t see the risk in having one by then.
I’ve tried to come to terms with not having a smartphone, but with so many friends getting them, it’s honestly tough. The fear of missing out is a real struggle for me.”
