I’m a mom of two, and like most parents, I’ve been navigating the treacherous waters of tween technology. My 12-year-old, let’s call her Emma, is a typical preteen: glued to her phone, constantly scrolling through social media, and seemingly more interested in her online life than the real world.

Recently, I made a decision that surprised even myself – I took away Emma’s phone. Not because she was breaking any rules, not because she was failing in school, but because I saw a change in her that worried me.

It wasn’t a sudden realization. It crept up on me like the tide, slowly but steadily eroding the joy and energy that used to radiate from her. She was withdrawn, constantly comparing herself to others, and her anxiety levels were rising.

The phone wasn’t the sole culprit, but it was the main facilitator. Social media, with its carefully curated highlight reels, was feeding her insecurities and anxieties. It became a black hole sucking away her time, her focus, and her genuine self.

This was my breaking point. I wasn’t trying to be the “bad guy” or punish Emma. I was trying to protect her. I had to do something to reclaim her attention, her energy, and most importantly, her happiness.

The first day without her phone was rough. I saw frustration, anger, and even a hint of fear. But I also saw something else – a flicker of the old Emma, the one who loved to play, read, and spend time with her family.

The withdrawal symptoms are subsiding, and Emma is slowly rediscovering the joy of offline life. We’ve had meaningful conversations about the impact of social media, about how to use technology responsibly, and about the importance of prioritizing real-life connections.

This experience has been a wake-up call, not only for Emma but for me as well. It has forced me to re-evaluate our relationship with technology and to prioritize the things that truly matter.

My plea to other parents is this: Be mindful of the impact technology is having on your children. We live in a world where screens are everywhere, and it’s easy to get swept up in the digital tide. But we have a responsibility to guide our children towards a healthy and balanced relationship with technology.

It’s not about banning technology entirely. It’s about creating boundaries, fostering open communication, and prioritizing real-life experiences. It’s about reminding ourselves that our children are not defined by their online personas but by the beautiful, complex, and ever-evolving human beings they are.

Taking away Emma’s phone was a difficult decision, but it was the right one. It was a small step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life for my daughter, and it’s a message I hope other parents will hear.