About this episode

Kelly argues against Dr. Peter Gray's claim that smartphones are the greatest educational tool, emphasizing that they provide information and convenience but do not positively shape a child's character or work ethic.

Is the smartphone the greatest educational tool ever created? In today’s episode, Kelly counters Dr. Peter Gray’s claim, arguing that smartphones provide information and convenience, which are not the same as education. Even if you don’t define education as structured, systematic instruction by adults, the smartphone still isn’t a tool that positively shapes a child’s character, work ethic, and spiritual wisdom. Books referenced: The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning and How to Help Them Thrive Again Product referenced: Leap Frog Magical Adventures Globe Articles referenced: Helping Kids (and Ourselves) Use Smartphones Safely Self-Directed Education: What Is It and How Does It Work? What does the Bible say about Education? Cambridge Dictionary: Education Scripture referenced: Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 18:15 1 Corinthians 8:1 Acts 22:3 Acts: 17:28 Titus 1:12 1 Timothy 1:16 2 Timothy 3:7 Psalm 1:2 James 1:5 Jeremiah 17:9 Need a kids-safe phone? Pinwheel is our favorite! Book a Speaking Event!! Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book : Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated) Get Kelly’s new Study Guide &#38…

People in this episode

Hosts: Kelly, Peter Gray

Guest: Dr Peter Gray

Topics covered

• education
• smartphones
• children
• character development

Keywords

• smartphone education
• character
• work ethic
• spiritual wisdom

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Leap Frog, Pinwheel, Leap Frog Magical Adventures Globe

Books & works: The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning, Helping Kids (and Ourselves), Bible, Scripture, Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised, Brave Parenting

More episodes of Brave Parenting

• Ep. 218: Is Documentation a “Benefit” of Smartphones for Kids? · April 15, 2026 · 44 min
• Ep. 217: Is Navigation a “Benefit” of Smartphones for Kids? · April 8, 2026 · 28 min
• Ep. 216: Is Outdoor Safety a “Benefit” of Smartphones for Kids? · April 1, 2026 · 24 min
• “Moral Panic” Over Social Media Just Became Moral Accountability · March 29, 2026 · 7 min
• Ep. 215: Are the “Benefits” for Kids Having Smartphones Really Beneficial? · March 26, 2026 · 50 min
• YouTube Says They Don’t Want Addiction to Their Platform · March 18, 2026 · 7 min

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