Coaches charge big bucks to help kids kick the smartphone habit

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Not everyone thinks using a smartphone is smart.
Not everyone thinks using a smartphone is smart.
Photo: rawpixel.com/Pexels CC

Forget about Screen Time. Some affluent families are hiring special coaches to help wean kids off their devices.

These coaches can charge anywhere from $80 to $250 per hour, with parents typically signing up for eight to 12 sessions.

In The New York Times, Nellie Bowles writes:

“A new screen-free parenting coach economy has sprung up to serve the demand. Screen consultants come into homes, schools, churches and synagogues to remind parents how people parented before.

Rhonda Moskowitz is a parenting coach in Columbus, Ohio. She has a master’s degree in K-12 learning and behavior disabilities, and over 30 years experience in schools and private practice. She barely needs any of this training now.

‘I try to really meet the parents where they are, and now often it is very simple: ‘Do you have a plain old piece of material that can be used as a cape?’” said Ms. Moskowitz. ‘‘Great!’’

‘‘Is there a ball somewhere? Throw the ball,’’ she said. “‘Kick the ball.’”

The article, which is well worth a read, also describes the “no phone” pledge being taken by a growing number of parents. This involves parents making a public promise to deny their kids smartphones until eighth grade.

Is smartphone addiction a big problem?

The New York Times article certainly makes for interesting reading. For anyone who’s planning to pack in their day job and become a screen time coach, however, it’s worth noting that the story doesn’t give exact figures detailing how widespread this trend is.

I’ve got no doubt that parents with a whole lot of money to burn will seek out expert help to solve problems they perceive in their kids. That dates back to long before smartphones even existed.

But, nonetheless, it’s an intriguing data point. Researchers like Jean Twenge studied the effects of smartphones on kids. Some of the results, particularly with regard to social media use, seem pretty scary. It’s also worth noting that Steve Jobs and Bill Gates both took steps to stop their kids from getting hooked on devices.

For me, the question of screen use and its dangers is too broad. There’s a big difference between using your phone to play endless games and using it to learn a language. Similarly, you must acknowledge the difference between bullying via social media and searching the web for information.

That’s not to say that there aren’t reasons to be concerned about smartphone addiction in children. But it still seems like it’s too broad a question right now. Not that that’s going to stop someone who can make $250 per hour treating folks for their smartphone fixations.

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