The Smartphone Solution

When and How to Give Your Child a Phone

Dr Martha Deiros Collado author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Publishing:28th Aug '25

£16.99

This title is due to be published on 28th August, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

The Smartphone Solution cover

The Essential Self-Help Guide to Your Children Thriving in a Digital Age

‘The book us parents urgently need’ Dr Julie Smith

The smartphone dilemma: It’s on every parent’s mind. When should I let my child have a phone? What are the risks and how can I protect them? How can I encourage and nurture healthy digital habits for the future?

When faced with these questions, we often feel like the only options are to allow or ban phones. But in The Smartphone Solution, highly respected child and family psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado draws on the latest research in child development, brain science, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships, to offer another way. Introducing the Family Phone Pledge Plan, this book shows you how to cultivate a supportive environment and introduce phones when the time is right for your family.

In this practical and compassionate guide, you will discover how to:

  • determine the right age to give your child a phone
  • answer the questions they (or others) may have
  • distinguish the real risks and benefits of smartphones from the misinformation
  • turn smartphone conversations into moments that build connection and trust
  • teach older siblings to model healthy phone habits
  • encourage self-regulation around smartphones and screens to set the tone
  • navigate crucial topics like online safety, digital footprints, consent, and family tech boundaries
  • join the Family Phone Pledge and find a supportive community of like-minded parents!

Written with Dr Martha’s characteristic warmth and empathy, The Smartphone Solution will provide the information and tools you need to support your child and allow them to thrive in the modern digital world.

‘The book parents urgently need. A much-needed practical path for parents navigating the most urgent parenting challenge of our time.’ Dr Julie Smith, clinical psychologist and author

'When I don’t know what to do I turn to Dr Martha. This book is the support that parents so desperately need.' Sara Pascoe, comedian, actress and author

‘An absolute must read. Dr Martha has the rare ability to deliver her exceptional knowledge in a no nonsense yet entirely empathetic way. Extremely enlightening when it comes to doing the best we can for our kids.’ Anna Williamson, author, broadcaster and therapist

"This is the book I've been looking for. Dr Martha provides a common sense approach, with grace and understanding, alongside the science and practical solutions we are all searching for. A much-needed screen tech bible for parents of the digital age." Daisy Upton, author

'As parents, we can’t opt our children out of the digital world. But we can choose how we introduce them to it – and how we walk alongside them as they grow. This book helps us do just that.' Rhiannon Lambert, registered nutritionist and author

‘This is the book that I wish I’d written. It’s warm, engaging, judgment free. It’s exactly what’s needed at the moment.’ Professor Pete Etchells, psychologist and author

ISBN: 9780008773922

Dimensions: 234mm x 153mm x 18mm

Weight: 270g

288 pages