Imagine a typical evening in a Kathmandu home: the family is gathered, but they aren’t truly together. A teenager is hunched over their phone, lost in the world of social media. The younger child is glued to a tablet, watching cartoons. The parents, after a long day’s work, might be on their own phones, scrolling through news or messages. Conversation, once the heart of the home, has gone silent, replaced by the hum of technology and a growing sense of digital distance.
This is a scene playing out in homes across Nepal, a country that has leaped into the digital age at a breathtaking pace. We’ve gone from a society where a phone call was a rare luxury to one where smartphones are in nearly every pocket, connecting families across the country’s diverse terrain and with relatives working abroad. It’s an incredible leap—but it comes with a new set of questions parents are grappling with: How do we raise our children in a world of screens? How do we protect them from digital dangers without disconnecting them from the world?
In a surprising twist, families in some parts of the world are finding an answer in the most unexpected place: the old-fashioned landline. An article by Stephanie Ganz, recently published on the Parents website, highlighted a trend in the US where parents are reactivating landlines to help their children reduce screen time and develop communication skills. It’s a low-tech solution to a very modern problem.
While the landline itself is in decline in Nepal—with household usage dropping to just 4.5%—the lesson behind this “comeback” is more relevant than ever.
The Unspoken Challenges of Nepal’s Digital Leap
Nepal’s technological shift hasn’t been a slow evolution; it’s been a revolution. For many of us, the jump from a time of limited connectivity to one of omnipresent internet access happened in just a few short years. This rapid pace has created a significant “digital divide” within the family itself. Children are digital natives, intuitively navigating a world of apps, algorithms, and online trends, while many of their parents—the digital immigrants—are still struggling to understand.
Parents face a tough situation. While smartphones make it easier to stay in touch and give kids access to useful information, parents still feel anxious. They worry about their children seeing harmful content, becoming addicted to screens, or being bullied online. Groups like ChildSafeNet—which work to keep Nepali children safe online—have found that many parents don’t know enough to guide their kids effectively, even as online risks are rising. In many ways, parents today are learning to navigate a whole new world—one with no clear map to follow.
This is where the true value of the landline comes into play—not as a replacement for the smartphone, but as a philosophical guide. It represents a parenting philosophy centered on conscious use and intentional connection. It’s about using an old tool to build new, healthier habits.
More Than a Device: The Landline as a Family Hub
A landline is more than just a device for making calls; it is a symbol of a shared, communal space. Unlike a smartphone, which is private and personal, a landline is for everyone. It sits in a common area—the living room, a hallway, or the kitchen—making every call a potentially shared experience. This simple placement creates a natural and powerful boundary between a child’s private digital life and the shared, communal space of the home.
For a generation accustomed to communicating through emojis, acronyms, and short-form text, a landline is a powerful teaching tool. It forces children to speak in full sentences, listen attentively to tones and pauses, and learn the art of back-and-forth conversation—a skill they may not even realize they are losing. Think of it as a training ground for communication skills. The landline is a place to practice being a good listener and a clear speaker, qualities vital for success in school, work, and personal relationships.
A landline can also serve as a “digital detox” zone. By implementing a simple rule around its use, families can create a natural separation between online and offline life. Imagine a dinner table where phones are put away, and the only thing that rings is the landline. This creates a sacred space for conversation and connection, providing a much-needed break from the constant stream of notifications and the pressures of online social circles.
Making It Work: The “Landline First” Rule
While the idea sounds simple, parents must take the lead in making it a reality. The landline isn’t just an outdated tool—it’s a shared family hub and a valuable part of daily life. Here’s how to make it work:
1. Make it a Family Decision. Sit down with your children and explain the “why” behind the new rule. Discuss the importance of family time, the benefits of better communication, and the potential dangers of excessive screen time. Present the landline as a positive choice, not a punishment. This conversation empowers children and makes them partners in the process.
2. Lead by Example. This is the most important step. A parent glued to their own smartphone sends a mixed message. Put your phone away when you get home from work. During dinner, keep all phones off the table. Let your children see you valuing family time over screen time. Children learn far more from what you do than from what you say.
3. Create a Central Hub. Designate a “parking spot” for all family phones—a charging station in a common area like the kitchen or living room. Once the phones are docked, the landline becomes the default communication tool. This creates a clear physical boundary between screen time and family time.
4. Address the Resistance. Children might resist, arguing that their friends are all on apps. Acknowledge their feelings but stand firm. Explain that this isn’t about isolation, but about teaching them a healthier way to communicate at home. The landline is a designated space for conversation, while smartphones can still be used for schoolwork or approved apps at other times.
Beyond the Device: A Broader Parenting Philosophy
Ultimately, the landline is a tool, not the ultimate solution. The true challenge for Nepali families is fostering a healthy relationship with technology itself. The landline rule is a starting point, introducing discipline and structure into a world that can often feel chaotic. It should be part of a broader parenting philosophy that includes:
·Parents’ Digital Literacy: Understand the apps, trends, and risks that children encounter online. You can’t protect what you don’t understand.
· Trust and Open Dialogue: Children should feel comfortable talking about what they see online, both good and bad.
·Focusing on Life Skills: Reduce screen time by replacing it with engaging real-world activities—hobbies, family outings, and face-to-face social interactions.
The return of landlines in other countries shows families want to keep their homes special. In Nepal, we can choose our own way. By reviving this simple idea, we can teach children that the best relationships start at home, not on screens. The goal isn’t to go backward, but to use old tools to build a kinder, more connected future.
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