Preventing Sextortion: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Children Safe Online
May 11, 2025
In her Channel 3 interview, Katey McPherson shares why children under 13 shouldn't have smartphones, citing new research that links early tech access to mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. As a mom and digital wellness advocate, she recommends starting with basic devices that allow calls and texts—like the Bark Phone—while avoiding social media and web access. Katey emphasizes that technology is a privilege, not a right, and encourages parents to work backward from age 18, building digital trust in stages. She also highlights the importance of parental collaboration and setting boundaries as a united front.
Watch My Channel 3 Interview
I recently appeared on Arizona's Channel 3 to discuss a topic that hits close to home: when to give your child a smartphone. A new study confirms what many of us already suspect: children under 13 shouldn't have smartphones. The mental health risks are real and well-documented.
As a mom of four and someone who works with families and schools every day, I've seen firsthand how early access to social media can overwhelm a child's developing brain. We're talking about:
- Cyberbullying
- Predatory behavior
- Exposure to explicit content
- Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts
When we hand kids these devices too early, it's like tossing them the keys to a Ferrari with no driver's ed. They don't have the tools yet to steer safely.
Start Small. Stay Involved.
I'm not anti-tech. I'm pro-training wheels. That's why I recommend devices that let kids call and text—but skip the social media, web browsing, and app stores.
There are several great options:
- Bark Phone (my personal go-to and the one I work with professionally)
- Gabb Phone
- Pinwheel
- Troomi
- Or yes—just a good old-fashioned flip phone
These tools give you access without opening the door to every corner of the internet. Many even send parents alerts if there's bullying, drug references, or mental health red flags. That's the kind of backup every parent deserves.
Tech Is a Privilege, Not a Right
I always tell parents: start at age 18 and work backward.
If your child is 11, what do you want them to know and be able to handle by the time they're 18? What habits do you want in place? What trust do they need to earn?
Technology should be something our kids work up to—not something we hand over the moment they ask. Setting boundaries isn't controlling. It's parenting.
Build Your Parent Crew
One of the biggest challenges is the "But all my friends have one!" argument.
I get it. One parent caves, and suddenly it feels like a domino effect. But you don't have to cave. Talk to the other parents. Agree to wait together. Coordinate your game plan. Movements like Wait Until 8th exist for a reason—because saying "not yet" is a lot easier when you're not saying it alone.
Parents today are smarter and braver than ever. You have access to the research, the tools, and the support. Use them. Set a different standard.
You Don't Have to Hand Over the Ferrari
Smartphones aren't going away. But you can control the rollout. You can take baby steps. You can give access without giving it all.
The key is staying connected—to your child and to your values.
Let's Do This Together
I know this isn't easy. I've lived it. And I'm here to help.
Whether you're a parent figuring it out, a school looking for training, or someone who wants to create healthier tech habits at home, I'd love to connect with you.
- Explore tools like the Bark Phone
- Check out my blog for more ideas and strategies
- Reach out if you want to work together
Let's raise kids who know how to navigate technology—without getting lost in it.
