Kelly Ripa Says Parents Should “Hold Off As Long As Possible” On Giving Kids Cell Phones

Kelly Ripa recently came onto the Jerry O Show to talk about a multitude of topics. However, one that is making headlines is some parenting advice. Ripa is a mother to Michael, 22, Lola, 18, and Joaquin, 16. Ripa believes that it’s best to hold off for as long as possible before giving your child or children a cell phone.

Jerry O’Connell, the host of the show, has two 10-year-old daughters himself so he must know the pressure of a cell phone. But, Ripa has a very good reason for this advice!

Kelly Ripa’s rules about phones

“The phone becomes the parent — the best friend, the social engagement,” Ripa explains to the show host and audience. “Now … everybody’s self-worth is wrapped up in the ‘gram and Snapchat… You just have to monitor it — I would say hold off as long as possible.”

Of course, she had to poke fun at O’Connell, the dad of two girls. Ripa talks about the tactics kids may use in order to convince their parents to let them have a phone. “Don’t let your kids tell you that it’s ‘in case of an emergency,'” she says. “It has hit the fan in our house, and I cannot reach my child on that phone that is constantly in her hand.”