Drew Barrymore recently shared a parenting experience that many can relate to: giving her daughter, Olive, a mobile phone, only to take it back three months later.
Like many parents, Drew felt the pressure from Olive’s peers. Initially, the phone was meant to be a “dumb phone” with no apps or social media, used only on weekends.
However, Drew soon regretted the decision after making a shocking discovery. Despite the lack of social media, Olive’s mood and happiness became heavily tied to the device. Drew described how the phone seemed to become a life source for her daughter, sparking emotional highs and lows.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Drew explained how she printed out Olive’s texts and data to show her the impact of the phone. She wasn’t condemning Olive’s character; rather, she wanted to protect her from becoming too dependent on technology. Drew humorously noted that even without social media, phones could feel like “the ultimate party” kids don’t want to leave.
Drew’s experience has turned into a personal project to find ways for kids to stay connected without the digital pitfalls. Until then, the answer is a firm “no” to phones. She encourages other parents to embrace the discomfort of saying no, stressing the importance of a slower, safer approach to technology.
By sharing her story, Drew hopes to empower parents to make tough decisions for their children’s well-being, reminding them it’s okay to be the “unpopular” parent.
