This post began as a raw rant I wrote back in May 2013 — when my kids were still young, smartphones were just entering every household, and the digital world was starting to creep into childhood in ways that made me uncomfortable.
Now, standing at the start of 2026, it’s unsettling to see how much I got right… and how much worse the situation has become.
Where Will the Lives of Our Children Be Three Generations From Now?
Way back when children used to be married off as soon as they “came of age.” As soon as girls menstruated, they were considered old enough to take on the day-to-day duties of women — cleaning, keeping a home, caring for a husband.
Generations fought to abolish that.
We agreed children should stay children longer.
We said they weren’t mentally or physically developed enough for those responsibilities.
And now look at us.
We’re reverting back to the old ways, just in a different costume.
Children walk around with cell phones that cost more than my Walmart-purchased BlackBerry.
Young people are sexting, and six-year-olds are playing video games with 18+ ratings — full of violence, gore, nudity, and language no child should be exposed to.
Some argue kids are “more mature now,” and that we’re preparing them for the future.
I argue we’re creating generations who lost their childhood entirely — kids who are underprepared and overwhelmed because we handed them the adult world before they were ready.
Children naturally imitate adults — that’s why they play dress-up.
But no, it is not cute that your ten-year-old looks, talks, and is treated like they’re twenty.
End rant!
2026 REFLECTION: I WASN’T WRONG — I WAS EARLY
Reading this again twelve years later feels eerie.
In 2013, I thought kids were growing up too fast.
In 2026, childhood feels almost non-existent.
The phones got smarter.
The apps got addictive.
The content became endless.
And while adults insisted kids were “more mature,” what really happened was this:
We dropped adult pressures, adult access, and adult standards onto children whose brains are still under construction.
As a mom who raised eight kids, blended family chaos and all, I’ve watched childhood shrink year after year. The innocence curve shortened. The mental health curve declined. The expectation curve skyrocketed.
What worried me in 2013 became normal by 2026.
This isn’t progress.
It’s erosion — slow, steady, and often unnoticed until you step back and compare.
THE REALITY CHECK WE DIDN’T WANT
Back then, we worried about kids seeing the wrong movie.
Now they carry the entire uncensored internet in their pockets.
In 2013, phones were a luxury.
In 2026, phones are practically a limb.
Kids don’t “occasionally” stumble onto adult content — algorithms push it.
They’re not comparing themselves to classmates anymore — they’re comparing themselves to millions.
And the most dangerous shift?
We’re numb to it.
We treat what should be alarming as ordinary.
If adults are overwhelmed by the digital noise, how do we expect children to handle it?
SAFEGUARDING CHILDHOOD IN A DIGITAL WORLD
We don’t need nostalgia.
We need awareness.
Parenting today requires a completely different lens:
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Kids cannot self-regulate what their brains cannot understand
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Boundaries aren’t controlling — they’re protective
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Conversations about comparison, body image, and mental health need to start early
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Screen time matters, but screen content matters more
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Offline time is not punishment; it’s grounding
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Kids need boredom, creativity, and unstructured play — the things that build resilience
You can’t bubble-wrap childhood.
But you also can’t hand a child the weight of the adult world and expect them to stay balanced.
2013 VS 2026 — THE HARD COMPARISON
Screen Exposure
2013:
Mostly controlled — shared computers, slow tablets, limited access.
2026:
Kids average 6–9 hours of screen time daily. Phones are common even in early elementary grades.
Social Media Use
2013:
Facebook, maybe Instagram. Age limits enforced more often.
2026:
Kids under 10 are on TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram — through loopholes, shared accounts, or fake birthdays.
Filters and editing apps hit children before puberty even starts.
Mental Health
2013:
Growing concern, but manageable.
2026:
Globally rising anxiety, depression, self-harm, and behavioural issues — consistently linked to social media pressure and digital overwhelm.
Sexual Exposure
2013:
Sexting existed but wasn’t normalized. Adult content required effort to access.
2026:
A few clicks, a wrong hashtag, a random DM — exposure is instant.
Kids are sexualized younger in both media and peer expectations.
Violence & Gaming
2013:
Concerns existed around mature console games.
2026:
Violence, graphic language, and online strangers are accessible on handheld devices at all hours, with real-time messaging and zero supervision.
WHAT I WISH WE HAD UNDERSTOOD BACK THEN
If I could speak to my 2013 self, I’d say this:
You weren’t overreacting.
You were witnessing the beginning of a shift that would swallow childhood faster than we expected.
We can’t undo what’s already happened.
But we can start paying attention.
We can slow the erosion.
We can challenge the idea that “kids these days are just mature,” when really, they’re overwhelmed.
Childhood is still worth protecting.
And it isn’t gone — but it is fading if we don’t actively fight for it.
This post is part time capsule, part warning, and part reminder:
We shape the world our kids inherit — whether we pay attention or not.
Reblogged this on Writings of a Mrs and commented:
I don’t know, maybe it’s because the Leafs lost last night but I needed to blow off some steam. Check out my rant here!
NNever apologize for ranting, and certainly don’t apologize for one like this that is right on!
Amen, Jennifer! What really gets MY goat is Parents that want to be their children’s “best friends…” NO! I’m your FATHER, not your friend… you have school for them. Drives me NUTS!!!
Kids need PARENTS, not friends.
I like to be close with my kids and warm and friendly but they know that I am Mum and treat me like I am Mum which I like.
As do I, Jennifer. They know I can be loving, and goofy, but strong and consistent also. Kids need this.
Yup, you are right and young children are often sexualized. It is gross.
Thank you for taking the time to share you thoughts.
Totally agree. Since when is it normal for pre-schoolers to demand and expect expensive iPads/phones??
Adam is turning 6 in 2 days and he wants games for his 3DS and an ipod. While my children can all work an ipad and iphone better than I can, I don’t think it necessary to have their own so young.
I think the smaller iPods are fine for a 6 year old, music rocks, the younger the better.
Well said! It is a constant battle and I keep reminding my children of their ACTUAL age. They seem to think they are entitled to watch things that are for older people and would literally play on any type of games console 24/7 IF I LET THEM…apparently I am a mean Mum for not allowing this, although I try to explain that ‘A good parent is not one that lets their children do whatever they want all of the time, but one who guides and sets boundaries and doesn’t always take the (short term) easier option of giving in’ . I am hoping that this will all fall into place at some point…My two and 11 and 13.
Noah is almost 9. He loves to play outside, hockey, ball hockey and soccer but he loves video games as well. I enjoyed video games as a kid as well but I think watching the rating and how often they play is really important.
Well said! I couldn’t agree with you more!
😀 Thank you for taking the time to comment Michelle Marie. I’m glad to hear that you agree!
You are rhyming…a poet! 🙂
Yes I tend to do that! I like poetry check out my other blog http://writingsofamrs.wordpress.com There is a lot of poetry there.
Cheers!
Well, look at it this way…it would be worse losing to the Red Wings, eh?
It would have been worse having Toronto lose to the Canadians! 😉
Everything you ranted is true but you as the parent can control what goes on in your own home. Watch over your children’s activities, friends and computer use. There are lots of technology to parent control devices nowadays. Children will copy what you do by example and you sound like a very concerned and attentive parent who will lead your children down the right path. Praying helps especially when they reach the teens. God bless you.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and advice. I appreciate it.
The situation is more than frustrating, It’s heartbreaking.
Yes, I agree!
I dropped my 13 soon to be 14 year old daughter off at middle school the other day and both of us stopped and stared at a girl walking in to the building. The school has 6th-8th grade my daughter being in 8th and she didn’t know this girl, but we both decided that she was dressed way too…..ummmm….IMmaturely for her age. She looked like a college student looking for a good time. I told my daughter, wearing her standard jeans, t-shirt and ponytail, how much I loved her and was glad she is the way she is. She was still in staring mode so I said it several times to make sure she heard me. Yes, kids are growing up way too fast these days and when other kids stare, you know it’s a problem.
Yes it’s terrible isn’t it? Kids, tweens and teens can look fabulous and fashionable while remaining ‘wholesome’ and youthful…
I agree! My husband and I have talked about what we will do when our kid(s) reach the age where they want phones and facebook. *sigh* We may be those super strict parents that have insane rules. I think I’m okay with that.
I’m flexibly strict 🙂
With good communication you’ll have a good idea of how you want to parent. It’s great that you are discussing such things before the children arrive. You will be that much more prepared when they do.
Reblogged this on 5 Degrees Of Inspiration and commented:
My thoughts exactly…..
Thank you for the re blog Lilith. 🙂
poignant point jennifer. the “techno-regression” happening is like that, like a step or 3 back to growing up twice as fast as is natural.
Our updated way may be less direct and therefore more insidious…
wow nice jen
Jim
Thanks Jim. 😀
😉 moon in the north.
you’re welcome.
It’s not a rant when it’s 100% on point! Great post!
Thank you crankycaregiver!
I refuse to allow my 10 year old daughter to have a cellphone or any online accounts. Kids these days are growing up way to fast. Let them enjoy their youth because once it’s gone they can never get it back.
Exactly. I agree.
Grade 7 is our age for cell phones in our house hold and even then they are pay as you go and not top of the line.
Like what is there for kids to look forward to when they grow up if they have it all by 5?
Go check this out. You are a recipient of these no-strings-attached awards
http://themotherofnine9.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/blog-awards-straight-from-the-heart/
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it!
Jennifer
It is your responsibility as a parent to rant on this subject. Thank God for parents like you. Keep up the good work, you and your children will not be sorry.
Thanks Grumpa Joe! 😉
Don’t get me started… 😉 Great read, great writing!
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
Jennifer
Yes it seems like many parents don’t seem to realize you can make sure your children are prepared for adult hood without trying to make them in the adults at twelve.
There is a balance. The children need to be prepared and learn about technology etc but they don’t need everything and all at once, what is there to look forward to if that is the case..?
So true! We have also taken away there need to be creative and the joy of being outside. When we had to use our imagination and develop the ability to interact with others. I don’t know of a child that built a fort in the woods out of sticks and straw or uses a cooking pot for a helmet and a stick for a gun to play army. There brains have become atrophied. They do not know how to entertain themselves and rely solely on technology to stimulate them. Remember the song 2525?
I had never thought of it that way. This is brilliant.
I completely agree! Kids are doing things way before their time and when they act a little TOO old then parents get upset; but the reality is that they have taught their kids to act grown and now they’re doing just that.
100% with you on this, it breaks my heart to see our children growing up before their time, this age of technology is not always the blessing most believe. My eldest is obsessed with what I call the ‘eggbox’ (xbox 360?) and tries to sneakily play games on his phone thingy (an ipod or ipad or something?) whilst waiting for a game to load! I walk in the city and see young ladies, that look barely more than girls, wearing what can only be described as a belt rather than a skirt and unflattering make-up that has them resembling… never mind what they resemble. I’m 34 and talking like an old man. I saw a very near miss yesterday, where a young lady walked in to oncoming traffic and caused an accident because she was playing on some mobile device and had headphones in. Rediculous and dangerous! What I guess I am trying to say is, I agree, you have my complete empathy on these matters. *steps down from one’s soapbox* 🙂
I can totally relate. Great blog!
Such a good post and great comments, you started a conversation. Most people that write on wordpress are the ones who would be like you, concerned for the way the world is affecting their children. Used to be an expression, “preaching to the choir.” We are on your side, for sure!
Keep ranting please..you make alot of sense….
Amen!
I couldn’t agree with you more. I want my daughter to be a little girl for as long as possible. She doesn’t need a cell phone and thong underwear at 8 years old. I am afraid for her childhood.
You are absolutely right. It’s time for Moms and especially Dads to stand up to pop culture and the college brainwashed “child psychologists” and tell them they’ve got it all wrong. Only parents know what’s best for children not the weirdos who never moved off campus.
I am about to turn 30 this year and almost all my friends are on their second kid. When they turn 6 or so, they get cell phones or iPad minis to play games on. It’s insane. I am just glad the internet hit when I was 14 years old and not when I was born so that I could enjoy “staying out until the street lights came on”. Nice rant!
Agreed! Children don;t know how to be children anymore. When is the last time you saw a group of kids out side playing a pick up softball game, or a little girl playing with dolls. If they play ball now, it’s little league, or they are sitting in front of a computer playing video games. At the rate it’s going , between , email, IMs, and texting, people will forget how to converse face to face…sighhhhhh
I know it is a real problem. I’m lucky that my kids enjoy things like skipping and playing at the park, we are in a small town across from a school so it’s nice that they can play.
It needs to be moderated.
Lovely ranting, if I may say so! It’s the same reason we don’t let our 10 year old watch the Disney Channel, among other things. She doesn’t have her own cell phone, but she is permitted to use Mommy’s Kindle but only with permission. If she goes on there without authorization, she’s in deep sheep dip! Please keep up the good work!
Thank you.
Well it’s important to monitor the children use.
I remember working at a video store that rented video games and many parents let their very young children (6 years old) play with mature rated games 18 and over! They are rated as such for a reason…
Oh, oh here I go again 😉
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Jennifer
YES! Thank you for sharing. India Arie sings a wonderful song called Better Way that adds to your rant.
Love for you and your writing. Thank you for sharing.