The Current How can you improve your and your kids’ smartphone habits?
Nov 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Kaitlyn Regehr, an associate professor and author of Smartphone Nation, unpacks the addictive design of our devices and its impacts on families. She shares vital tips for parents to foster healthier smartphone habits in their kids. They delve into the importance of understanding algorithms, the risks of sharenting, and the challenges of discussing online content like pornography with teens. Kaitlyn emphasizes moderation and education, providing listeners with practical strategies for navigating the digital landscape.
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Early Internet Promise Vs. Present Risks
- Early internet optimism ignored testing and regulation, which Matt Galloway says led to rapid, risky adoption.
- Kaitlyn Regehr argues the technology has become far more complex and now requires much more caution.
Cardboard Box Classroom Demo
- Matt Galloway used a cardboard box and yarn in a kindergarten class to demonstrate how algorithms feed repeated content.
- He taught children that algorithms start to make choices for us and they should want to make their own choices.
Audit And 'Game' Your Algorithm
- Open your partner's or family's most-used app and scroll together to reveal what your algorithm feeds you.
- Then actively decide what you want more of and unfollow or search to 'game' your algorithm accordingly.
