The Tech Exit: Raising Children Without Smartphones | Clare Morell | Ep. 42

What if giving your child a smartphone wasn’t a rite of passage—but a risk too great to ignore?

In this episode of All Things Possible, Bethany and Adam sit down with author and policy expert Clare Morell to unpack the hidden costs of handing our children a smartphone. From personal stories to shocking statistics, Clare reveals why moderation doesn’t work, how tech companies design devices and apps to be addictive, and why parents can, and should, choose a smartphone-free childhood for their children.

This conversation tackles:

• Why screens act more like drugs than sugar, and why limits don’t work
• The dangers of predators, sextortion, and hidden in-app features
• The difference between dopamine “hits” and oxytocin connection
• How to start a 30-day digital detox as a family
• Two simple steps parents can take today to set better boundaries

Whether you’re already battling tech in your home or just beginning to think ahead, this episode offers both conviction and hope: it’s never too late to reset.

Guest Bio:

Clare Morell is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., where she focuses on technology policy and protecting children online. A wife and mom of three, Clare is passionate about equipping parents with practical tools to raise thriving children in a digital age. She is the author of The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Your Child from Smartphones and Social Media, a book born out of her years working in policy, public speaking, and listening to families on the frontlines. Clare’s work combines research, real family stories, and hope-filled strategies for building stronger connections at home.

Resources:

The Tech Exit Book: https://thetechexit.com

Blogs by Clare Morell: https://claremorell.substack.com & https://eppc.org/author/clare_morell/

Screen Strong: https://screenstrong.org/

Dr. Victoria Dunkley – “Reset Your Child’s Brain”

H2Tab (use code BETHANY for 10% off): affiliates.drinkh2tab.com/BETHANY

Sharkbanz: https://www.sharkbanz.com

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The Bethany Hamilton Network: https://bethanyhamilton.com/network