How destructive can a simple iPhone that everybody owns be?

   
We have all read newspaper and magazine articles as well as heard TV news pundits expressing the threat that I phones present to our adolescents. Social media intimidation, bullying and gossiping have put many teens into a depressive funk. This leads to withdrawal from society and peers, school underachievement and even suicidal isolation.
   

As your teen becomes more mobile it is understandable that parents want a level of communication that provides a feeling of security for both parent and child. At the same time the modern iPhone allows for more than that. The current device brings TV shows, pod casts, etc. to their fingertips, no matter where they are or when it is.

   
It has become clear that the limitation of screen time is needed for the developing child to reach his or her potential. Admittedly it is not easy to control the use of these fascinating yet distracting “toys”. To this end, from a practical point of view, let us not forget the simple flip phone. It is indeed a phone that allows the level of parental-child communication for safety. It is much less a distracting toy and still provides surveillance. What’s more, it is less expensive.
   

If you feel the need to potentially tract your teen, this simple device provides that.

   
As parents we must do something to decrease the pressure social media places on our children. It would be a great service to hear from our readers on other ideas to decrease the emotional pressure placed on our offspring. Teen suicide must be prevented. That can only be done if parents truly become involved and take charge. It seems many parents have become financial sponsors and not guiding lights to lead their children into adulthood. To many it is easier to be a chauffeur, sports coach or a cook and cleaning person than to bit the bullet and PARENT.