My childhood

I grew up in a village near Berlin, in a big house with a spacious garden, and I can say that my childhood was the happiest time of my life.

My parents were always too worried to give us four daughters smartphones with internet or social media.

They felt that, even at 15, children were too young for the “harsh world” of the internet. As a result, my three sisters and I grew up without phones, and I am incredibly grateful to them for that decision.

Close-knit family life

Another essential factor in our happiness, along with growing up without smartphones, was our close-knit family life. My siblings and I spent so much time together, and we were almost always with our parents.

Had my parents been separated or constantly working, I don’t believe we would have been nearly as happy – even without phones. The time we shared as a family created a strong sense of togetherness that I know shaped my childhood positively.

Feeling left out without a phone

Looking back, I realize that my parents’ choice to keep us phone-free had a huge positive impact on our mental health. There were, of course, moments in school when I felt left out, especially when classmates questioned why I didn’t have WhatsApp or social media. They sometimes called my parents overprotective or controlling.

But aside from those brief moments, I was very happy. We had a strong sense of family, spent lots of time playing outside, and lived without the pressure to always be online.

The lack of internet and social media kept our minds free, allowing us to immerse ourselves in books, explore our imagination, and enjoy uninterrupted time with each other.

Getting a smartphone at 17

At 17, I finally got a smartphone with access to the internet and social media, and I soon noticed how my mindset started to change. Worries, comparisons, and constant distractions began to affect me. Like many people I know, I started “overthinking” – something I never did before.

The more I spent time scrolling through other people’s lives and absorbing random content, the more I felt I was losing my individuality and peace of mind.

I spent less time with my family, and I gradually lost the joy I once had in things I loved.

Ditching social media, keeping the basics

About a year ago, I decided to take a step back and reflect on my life. I realized that my smartphone had become a major source of stress and negativity. I deleted all social media apps, keeping only the basics like email and my alarm clock.

While it took time to unlearn the habits of overthinking and procrastination, I eventually started to feel like my old self again. Today, I can confidently say that I live a more fulfilled, joyful life – just like before my smartphone. I see a clear contrast between my life before the smartphone and afterward.

Most of my friends, who have had smartphones from a young age, often don’t recognize the impact it has because, to them, the constant connectivity feels “normal.”

Advice to parents who are not giving their children a smartphone

I’m writing to encourage you to hold strong in your decision. Even if your children don’t understand it now, they might come to see the value of it one day.

Sometimes, as kids, we can’t see the full impact of what we consume.

So please don’t give up – the benefits of this choice are truly invaluable.