The Smartphone Solution: How to Mindfully Introduce Phones to Kids (and Ourselves)

Smartphones are everywhere but how do we know when (and how) to give one to our kids? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Dr Martha Deiros Collado to talk about her new book, The Smartphone Solution. Together we explore how to mindfully introduce smartphones to children, set healthy boundaries, and rethink our own relationship with screens.

From managing FOMO and group chats to being role models for digital habits, this episode dives into the real challenges families face. You’ll learn practical tips to reduce overstimulation, create phone-free zones, and help kids notice how screens affect their wellbeing.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, psychologist, or just curious about healthier screen use, this conversation will give you insight, reassurance, and tools to feel more in control.

⏱️ Highlights & Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introducing Dr Martha and The Smartphone Solution
• 02:10 – Fear messaging vs reassurance: starting the phone conversation well
• 03:50 – Why we scroll mindlessly and how it costs us time and presence
• 05:34 – Taking control: parents as role models for digital habits
• 06:31 – Peer pressure, FOMO, and the stress of group chats
• 07:27 – Case study: a 13-year-old overwhelmed by 200+ WhatsApp messages daily
• 09:17 – Alternatives to smartphones: why basic mobile phones still matter
• 11:05 – Helping kids notice how screen use impacts emotions and wellbeing
• 12:57 – When “helpful” parental boundaries can backfire
• 15:11 – Why constant connection becomes meaningless “white noise”
• 17:49 – Teaching kids good social skills before digital ones
• 18:34 – The power of voice notes and video calls for real connection
• 21:16 – Rest, overstimulation, and why we need phone-free zones
• 25:20 – The “Tamagotchi effect” of phones demanding constant attention
• 28:20 – Phones at the dinner table: should we be more offended?
• 31:00 – Phone-free zones, alerts, and reclaiming presence at home
• 35:48 – Tiny tweaks for big impact: practical steps for healthier habits
• 39:15 – Publication details: where to get The Smartphone Solution

Links:

📚 Grab Dr Martha's brand new book The Smartphone Solution here: https://amzn.to/4n1Mc5Z 📲 Follow Dr Martha here: https://www.instagram.com/dr.martha.psychologist/

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📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0

📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97

💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

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📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

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#SmartphoneParenting #HealthyScreenTime #DigitalWellbeing #ParentingTips #PsychologyPodcast