This back-to-school season, students across Québec are adjusting to a significant policy change: cellphones are now fully banned in elementary and secondary schools. This conversation, though contentious, is not new, nor is it unique to Québec.
With stories ranging from teenage suicide after conversations with ChatGPT to allegations of child exploitation on Roblox feeding parental anxiety, policymakers worldwide have been responding to rising concerns about the effects of digital technology on youth.
But as researchers of everyday technology use, we argue that a ban alone overlooks a key challenge that families face: once children return home for the day, parents must independently manage tech-related negotiations. But because much of children’s online activities are hidden, it’s difficult to set boundaries and maintain open communication.
