On this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, a listener named Deedee writes in with a dilemma many Catholic parents will recognize: what do you do when your spouse wants to give the kids smartphones, but you believe it’s a serious mistake?

Deedee shares that her husband buys each child a phone as soon as they start seventh grade. Patrick’s response is direct – giving kids smartphones at that age is a terrible idea. He explains that it exposes children to pornography, social media pressures, cyberbullying, and a wide range of dangers they are simply not ready to handle.

Patrick compares it to cigarettes or alcohol. Those substances may be legal for adults, but society restricts them for children because of the harm they cause. In the same way, Patrick says he would gladly sign a petition banning smartphones for minors. To him, it’s just common sense.

At the same time, he recognizes the dynamics of marriage. A husband may have a leadership role in the family, but that role should never be used in ways that harm the children. Patrick encourages Deedee not to stay quiet, but to voice her concerns calmly, respectfully, and consistently. He suggests gathering real research and examples that highlight the risks of smartphones, since many parents assume, “Nothing happened to me, so my kids will be fine.”

His advice is simple but firm: don’t give up, don’t stay silent, and make sure your children know you are standing guard for their good. Patrick even invites Deedee’s husband to call into the show to hear his perspective directly.

In the end, he reassures Deedee that – even if her husband never changes his mind – her children will know their mother stood up for them.

This episode hits home for any parent asking the big question: Should kids have smartphones? Patrick Madrid’s answer is clear – put your children’s protection first, and never be afraid to raise your voice with love.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

On this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, a listener named Deedee writes in with a dilemma many Catholic parents will recognize: what do you do when your spouse wants to give the kids smartphones, but you believe it&rsquo;s a serious mistake?
Deedee shares that her husband buys each child a phone as soon as they start seventh grade. Patrick&rsquo;s response is direct &ndash; giving kids smartphones at that age is a&nbsp;terrible idea. He explains that it exposes children to pornography, social media pressures, cyberbullying, and a wide range of dangers they are simply not ready to handle.
Patrick compares it to cigarettes or alcohol. Those substances may be legal for adults, but society restricts them for children because of the harm they cause. In the same way, Patrick says he would gladly sign a petition banning smartphones for minors. To him, it&rsquo;s just common sense.
At the same time, he recognizes the dynamics of marriage. A husband may have a leadership role in the family, but that role should never be used in ways that harm the children. Patrick encourages Deedee not to stay quiet, but to voice her concerns calmly, respectfully, and consistently. He suggests gathering real research and examples that highlight the risks of smartphones, since many parents assume, &ldquo;Nothing happened to me, so my kids will be fine.&rdquo;
His advice is simple but firm: don&rsquo;t give up, don&rsquo;t stay silent, and make sure your children know you are standing guard for their good. Patrick even invites Deedee&rsquo;s husband to call into the show to hear his perspective directly.
In the end, he reassures Deedee that &ndash; even if her husband never changes his mind &ndash; her children will know their mother stood up for them.
This episode hits home for any parent asking the big question: Should kids have smartphones? Patrick Madrid&rsquo;s answer is clear &ndash; put your children&rsquo;s protection first, and never be afraid to raise your voice with love.
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The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.