We need some technical wizardry

to solve the "problem" of children spending so much time on social media.

"But they need their phones!" is the cry from parents who are now so alarmed that their children might not be safe without them. (Are they safe with them might also be asked.) One parent recently told me that they were concerned they themselves might be charged with "neglect" if their child had no way of contacting said parent when they were apart. 

Surely, with all the technical experts and wizardry around, it should be possible to make a phone which meets specific requirements? It could still look good couldn't it? It could be made in psychedelic colours if necessary.

What about a phone which allowed the youngest users to do nothing more than make a call to a specified range of numbers? Then, as they get a little older, allow it to send and receive text messages? Gradually go on adding whatever features are actually needed for the purposes of safety and school? 

This is surely technically possible? Playing "games" and "watching videos" could be removed couldn't they? Later a time limit "app" is surely possible?

Yes, I know there are people who will say, "It's not possible." The big players, those who provide the computer games and the "Tik Tok" type sites will be fiercely opposed to it.  They would be set to lose billions every year. 

But surely if a child is only given limited access to begin with they would find it easier to control it themselves? Some would not of course but many more would. They would have discovered the value of face-to-face friendships and organising activities. Parents would have more control. There would not be the sort of blanket ban that causes people to try and find ways around it. 

As an adult (or supposedly an adult) I manage to live without a fancy phone. I do have a mobile phone but only because it is almost impossible to live life without one now. Mine, thanks to my nephew, is a very basic one. I want to do nothing more than make and receive calls. My "texting" skills are almost non-existent. The phone is there for actually talking to people. The computer is there for rants like this - and work.