Ep. 216: Is Outdoor Safety a “Benefit” of Smartphones for Kids?

Ep. 216: Is Outdoor Safety a “Benefit” of Smartphones for Kids?

From Brave Parenting by Brave Parenting

April 1, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

Kelly evaluates the benefits and downsides of smartphones for children's outdoor play.

Does having a smartphone during childhood make a child “safer” when they are outdoors? Is having access to a flashlight, GPS, and a phone to call 911 an essential addition to a child’s outdoor play? What are the downsides or detriments to having a smartphone while playing outdoors? Will children play outdoors as much if they have a smartphone? In today’s episode, Kelly evaluates this claimed benefit from both Dr. Peter Gray’s perspective and historical and biblical perspectives. Articles referenced: Helping Kids (and Ourselves) Use Smartphones Safely Why Did Teen Suicides (Especially for Boys) Decline Sharply from 1990 to 2005? The Age Four Transition into Responsible Childhood The Many Benefits of Video Games Risky Play: Why Children Seek it and Need it Scripture referenced: Psalm 119:89 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Matthew 5:45 Proverbs 22:3 1 Corinthians 6:12 Romans 5:3-4 Book a Speaking Event!! Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book : Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated) Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook , with video teachings for small groups. Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points…

People in this episode

Hosts: Kelly, Peter Gray

Topics covered

  • outdoor safety
  • smartphones
  • childhood
  • parenting
  • play

Keywords

  • safety
  • GPS
  • flashlight
  • 911
  • historical perspectives
  • biblical perspectives

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Managing Media Creating Character, Brave Parenting Merch

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