Today I’m sharing a heartbreaking comment that one Grandma was posted under Sophie Winkleman’s YouTube talk Against Tech In Schools, last week.
The comment has 1,400 likes and has generated around a hundred overwhelmingly supportive responses, which pretty much makes it a unicorn on YouTube.
Here’s the comment, in full:
Amen! One of the saddest moments in my life just happened the other day.
My granddaughter has always loved to read and to be read to. What a joy it’s been for me to read piles of books to my grandchildren every time we were together. It was our very favorite thing to do.
I had to limit them to 5 books each before bed. When all 3 of them were spending the night they would agree to go up to bed over an hour before their bedtime so all their choices could be read as we cuddled in bed. Such precious memories. We also loved play games and exploring the outdoors.
Well…. it’s no surprise what happened when they were given smartphones. Grandma’s house isn’t so much fun anymore. Grandma limits phone time to 30 minutes when they’re over. Arguing and crying erupts when it’s time to unplug. Little excitement for all the fun we had. Not very excited to come to grandma’s. Not as many phone calls. I know their parents aren’t trying to hurt them or hurt our beautiful relationship. There’s resentment if I should say anything.
My story is being repeated all over our country (US) and it’s so sad and damaging. As for my sad moment…. My granddaughter, who always loved to read said to me, “I hate to read. It takes too long and I want time for my phone.” I cried.
Parents, if you read this I beg you to not give your child a cellphone and if they already have one, put severe limits on screen time. Don’t let it destroy real relationships between family and friends. Be the parent before it’s too late. God bless you.
I’m sure you’ll agree, this story is as disturbing as it is heartbreaking.
My friend Charles originally pointed the comment out to me, along with his own reflection:
This is a scary comment. It is showing the power the screen has over the printed word. The kids in this family already have had great experiences with books (unlike many children), and the grandma is motivated and experienced at using books with children (unlike many adults), but now that the phone has come in, it is all gone.
He’s absolutely right. While the headlines tell us that only 34.6% of children now say they enjoy reading, stories like this show the reality of what it actually means when screens win out; addicted children crying for a dopamine fix, hurt parents and grandparents, lost memories, and damaged relationships.
Do you have a personal experience of the struggle between screen time and reading to children that you’d be comfortable to share? Please email me or leave a comment.
Thanks for reading,
Graham