When and how to give your child a smartphone with Dr Martha Deiros Collado
- Adrian Bethune
- May 8
- 1 min read

This month we caught up with clinical psyhcologist and author, Dr Martha Deiros Collado. She is the author of The Smartphone Solution - When and How to give Your Child a Phone.
As a primary school teacher and also a parent to 8 and 10yr old boys, how and when children should have their own phones is very much on my radar. Which is why Dr Martha's book was so appealing to me. I found it a helpful and practical book which is why I reached out to her to see if she would be my latest guest on the Teachappy vlog and I was delighted when she agreed.
In the chat, we explore:
If there is a strong link between social media and mental health issues
Why most people don't understand mental health
Why smartphones and social media weren't designed for children
How parents can upskill their children with digital technology
Why having conversations with your children about their and your online lives is so important
How parents can feel more confident in using their authority to delay giving their children a phone
I hope you enjoy the conversation!
With huge appreciation to Dr Martha for giving us her time and sharing her insights.




Great insights on helping children develop healthy smartphone habits through open communication and clear boundaries. These practical tips are valuable for every parent. Just like choosing the right tools, whether it's digital safety or an online patch maker, making informed decisions leads to better long-term results.
I heard about this site from a friend in the UK who enjoys testing different gaming platforms during weekends, and while I usually ignore recommendations, his description of the game selection made me curious enough to give it a try. I signed up one evening, added a modest balance, and started exploring, and halfway through the session I found myself browsing lizaro casino and noticed how easy it was to switch between classic-style slots and newer releases without any confusion or complicated menus getting in the way. Nothing felt overwhelming, which suited me perfectly because I just wanted a straightforward experience without having to figure out complex layouts or hidden terms. I had a pleasant evening, discovered several games I…