Our Friend the Phone: Understanding Phone Addiction for Practical Parenting

Do you worry your child is addicted to their phone?
You’re not alone.

This timely, honest, and deeply reassuring guide explores the real causes of screen overuse in both children and adults. Instead of offering phone settings, apps or limits that don’t work, it poses a radical new question: What if the phone isn’t the problem? What if it could actually help?

As such, Our Friend, the Phone is more than an exploration into screen addiction in children. It is a gentle, practical book for parents who feel overwhelmed. With simple, step-by-step instructions, real-life examples, and tools you can use today, it helps you learn how to use your phone - and then teach your child to use theirs - in safer, smarter, more loving ways. It turns the phone from a source of stress into a trusted partner in parenting …because even a glowing screen can light the way home.


TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Addiction, Dependency or Necessity?

Of Crutches and Cars

What’s the difference between addiction, dependence, and necessity?

Addiction

Dependence

Necessity

Addiction, Dependency or Need?

eMail

Texting

Telephone

Portable Internet

Thinking Beyond Addiction, Dependency or Necessity

of Birds and Bees

What is “Cell Phone Addiction” Really?

Overuse

The Danger of Overuse

So why do we reach for phones?

Child's Play

The Birds and the Bees

Bees and Flowers

Fire and Flight, Playmates and Programming

Learning to Fly: a Lesson from Birds

Our Friend, the Phone

What is Held in Trust

A Friend Like None Other

“There's an App For That”

Whispers in the Night

Lifeline

How to Become an Expert in Using Your Phone in Less than 5 Minutes

How To Put Down the Phone

Why Can't You Stop?

Ask a Better Question

But What If I Don’t Have the Time?

Let Your Phone Help You Use Your Phone Better

Conclusion: Conversations to Have With Your Child (About Your Phone)