A mum has sparked a fiery debate among parents after flaunting the “smartphone” she bought for her three-year-old daughter.
Parenting is an art of negotiation, with many striving to find peace and quiet, often resorting to letting their young ones use tablets or watch television. Despite the common divide amongst parents regarding screen time for kids, there’s no denying children enjoy engaging with their favourite programmes or indulging in playful apps. The challenge, however, lies in limiting their device usage without a fuss.
Alanis Dyble, who has three children, has stirred up a debate on social media after revealing the “perfect” Christmas gift she’s prepared for her little girl – a ‘smartphone’. Renowned for sharing bargain finds on TikTok shop and dishing parenting advice through her account @alanisdyblexoxo, Alanis has attracted a significant following.
Recently, she amassed over one million views and 43,000 comments, where after sharing: “I bought my three-year-old her first phone, because I am that mum.”
In her video, she unveils the gadget, extracting it from a box resembling iPhone packaging and showcasing the black handset with a purple trim. Additionally, the phone sports a unicorn-themed case, comes with a charger, and a lanyard. Alanis describes it as: “So, it is a children’s smartphone. It is absolutely adorable.”
Upon activating the device, users see the date and time displayed, alongside a selection of applications. Much like its mainstream counterparts, this children’s phone features a home button and a suite of kid-friendly apps ranging from audiobooks, games, time-learning tools, a voice recorder, flashlight, music, video capabilities, camera functions, and a photo gallery.
The mum explained: “It’s basically a phone, but not a phone because you can’t do anything crazy on here but obviously it helps my three-year-old.”
Over four thousand Unicorn Design Smart Phone Toys have been snapped up from the TikTok shop to date. The toy phone, priced at £24.47, has garnered several four and five-star reviews.
Alanis’ video sparked a flurry of differing opinions. One individual remarked: “The perfect gift for Lazy parents who want their kid in a corner not disturbing them.”
Another user suggested: “Children should be out playing not playing on a phone. Take her to the park or something.” One person reminisced: “When I was three I was going outside and I didn’t know what a smartphone was until age 8,”.
Responding to some comments, Alanis clarified: “It doesn’t make calls or have internet access so not technically not a phone but it’s made to look like one.” She confirmed that the device is not a real phone, but a toy.
A parent who supports the mum’s choice shared: “I gave my son my old iPhone. It has no Sim, but it has games on Disney+ on it. I love seeing the little photos he takes. He doesn’t have it very often, we only use it when we go on holiday.”
Another added: “I think its a good little toy to keep your kids entertained,”.
Someone else chimed in with a sympathetic note, saying: “I don’t think some of the people realise just how difficult it is to raise a 3 year old, you’re doing amazing!! I might buy one of these for my niece, we can’t leave our phones without it being taken.”
Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments below.