Another viral photo is circulating the internet today featuring parents who dare to glance at their phones near their children. Posted on Facebook with the hashtag #modernparenting, it depicts two kids snuggled up next to their parents on the NYC subway, while both adults are absorbed in their devices.
The reactions to this image are nothing short of dramatic:
- “This is a huge issue; put those stupid things down!”
- “How infuriating!”
- “What a pitiful scene.”
- “Zombie kids in action?”
- “Such a sad sight.”
But let’s consider: those parents might be lovingly scrolling through pictures from their day out, organizing childcare, or simply working. Or maybe they’re just bored—after all, adults are entitled to check their phones while riding the subway. When did we collectively decide that parents must devote their full attention to their children every moment, or they are deemed negligent? It’s curious that there’s no outrage when a parent flips through a magazine or engages in a conversation while their kids are nearby. Why, then, the disdain for phone usage?
What’s even more unsettling is that a stranger felt justified in snapping a photo of this family, sharing it online, and adding a judgmental hashtag. The collective shaming toward parents who use their phones is amusing, especially since it’s commonplace for everyone to be glued to their devices. While it’s true we are all somewhat attached to technology, outrage seems to intensify when the phone user is a mother or father.
There’s an entire Tumblr account dedicated to shaming parents for being on their phones in front of their kids. Parents On Phones posts anonymous images of families and adds self-righteous commentary about their phone habits. One caption reads, “Look at this mom who has no clue where her child is,” while another says, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on the kid while you’re on your phone.”
One wonders what the person behind this account is doing with their own children while they’re busy uploading judgmental photos online. Could it be that they, too, are gasp using their phone?
Certainly, we all could benefit from moments away from our devices. And guess what? Parents are no more guilty of tech addiction than anyone else.
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In summary, it’s high time we stop expecting parents to be constantly engaged with their children. They deserve the same liberties we all enjoy, including the occasional phone check.
Keyphrase: Stop Expecting Parents to Engage 24/7
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