“I never imagined that such a simple moment would go viral, but the response showed how much people are craving nostalgia and connection,” one mother tells PEOPLE
By Tereza Shkurtaj Tereza Shkurtaj Tereza Shkurtaj is a writer-reporter at PEOPLE.She has been working for PEOPLE since 2025.Her work has previously appeared in The U.S.Sun.People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 11, 2026 06:30AM EST Leave a Comment Meg Kate McAlarney’s daughter, Maddie.Credit : Courtesy of Meg Kate McAlarney
NEED TO KNOW Meg Kate McAlarney and her husband, Kyle, are parents of three living in Northbrook, Ill.
With children aged 4 to 10, the pair have remained committed to delaying smartphone usage until high school In December 2025, a video of their now-8-year-old, Maddie, receiving a landline for Christmas went viral, amassing more than 3 million views on TikTok For parents Meg Kate and Kyle McAlarney, delaying smartphone use has become a deliberate choice rooted in both community and nostalgia.
In their then-7-year-old daughter’s first-grade year, the McAlarneys, along with other parents in the class, signed a “Wait Until 8th” pledge, an agreement among families to hold off on giving their children smartphones until the end of eighth grade.
“For us, it’s about delaying that step as long as we can and letting [our children] enjoy real conversations before introducing all the distractions that come with screens,” Meg, 40, tells PEOPLE exclusively.
Maddie and her friend, McKenzie.
Courtesy of Meg Kate McAlarney
This past Christmas, as a meaningful and nostalgic compromise, the McAlarneys and a group of other parents from their daughter Maddie’s third-grade class all decided to get their children Tin Can landline phones for Christmas.
“We wanted [Maddie’s] first experience with having a phone to feel simple and intentional, not overwhelming,” Meg explains, noting that her daughter’s landline was gifted to her by her grandmother living in New York.
“The Tin Can phone felt like a great middle ground, it gives her a way to stay in touch with friends when school’s out and connect with family who live out of state, without jumping straight into a smartphone,” the mom of three adds.
According to the company’s website , Tin Can is a screen-free, kid-friendly home phone that allows children to call and receive calls only from approved contacts, offering a sense of independence without internet access or smartphone risks.
Maddie’s friends: Kristiana, Lilli, and Jilly.
Courtesy of Meg Kate McAlarney
“The longer they can stay off social media, the better in our eyes, but again, we know it’s hard because so many kids are, so you don’t want your child to feel left out of things; it’s a true balancing act,” Meg admits.
Still, the McAlarneys felt that the colorful, easy-to-use landline could turn necessary phone time into something both fun and nostalgically charming for their daughter.
“I grew up with a landline, and I remember the nervous excitement of calling a friend and hoping a parent or older sibling wouldn’t pick up.Those little moments made conversations feel special,” Meg shares.
Meg captured her now-8-year-old daughter using her new landline on Christmas and shared it on TikTok, and the video has already amassed over 3 million views.
“When the video took off, it was really touching to see how many people resonated with that same nostalgic feeling, and we’re excited that Maddie will get to enjoy those moments as well,” Meg shares.
Maddie’s friends: Ellie, Ivy, and Nora.Courtesy of Meg Kate McAlarney
Given that Maddie has had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) since kindergarten, the landline has helped her strengthen friendships through spoken conversation rather than text, her mom says.
“Hearing her on the phone, giggling, chatting, and speaking confidently with her friends has honestly been the biggest gift this phone has given us,” Meg says.“Watching her confidence grow in such a natural, joyful way has been really meaningful for us.”
Since Dec.24, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing, and the landline has instantly become Maddie’s “favorite” Christmas gift.
Maddie’s friends: Sabella, Charlotte, and Mila.Courtesy of Meg Kate McAlarney
Aside from smartphones, the McAlarneys prefer a slow, thoughtful approach when introducing any type of technology to their children.
“We don’t have personal smart devices for the kids at home; they use iPads for school, so they’re definitely tech-savvy, and they enjoy watching TV like most kids do,” Meg reveals.
Our new app is here! Free, fun and full of exclusives.
Scan to download now! It was only when their son, James, turned 10 that he received a smartwatch as a way to support his growing independence, given that he rides to school on his own.
“For Maddie, who’s two years younger, it can be harder to navigate; you don’t want your child to feel left out when friends start getting watches and phones,” Meg says.
“Luckily, the other parents in her grade were on the same page, and the Tin Can felt like a really thoughtful, age-appropriate way for her to stay connected without rushing into a smartphone.”
Maddie’s friends: Alex, Belle, and Zoe.
Courtesy of Meg Kate McAlarney
Nevertheless, the McAlarneys admit that keeping their children away from smartphones and limiting technology is easier said than done, especially in today’s digital age.
They acknowledge that there is no perfect approach – every family navigates this differently, and that’s okay.
“There’s so much pressure to give kids devices,” Meg emphasizes.“But a lot of the research coming out shows how negatively constant access can impact kids, especially when it comes to comparison and self-esteem.”
The McAlarney Family.Stephanie T.
Adams
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Living in a community where many families share similar tech values has made these decisions somewhat easier, but it is still a lot to figure out.
“I’d just encourage parents to trust their instincts and choose what feels right for their child and their family,” Meg tells PEOPLE.“There’s no right answer, we’re all just trying our best and figuring it out as we go.”
Close Leave a Comment.
