Nostalgic millennial parents are increasingly rejecting modern technology in favour of a 1990s-style upbringing for their children, a trend that has exploded this year according to parenting commentators. The movement involves limiting smartphone use, embracing physical media and allowing children more unsupervised freedom, mirroring the childhood experiences of today's parents.
Justin Flom, a father of two from Las Vegas, built a replica Blockbuster video store in his home to recreate the ritual of choosing a film together. He argues that the physical experience of selecting a movie from shelves, rather than scrolling online, fosters anticipation and family bonding. Flom also restricts screen time to specific places and times, contrasting with constant on-demand access.
The trend extends beyond entertainment. Some parents and schools are giving children landline phones to call each other, creating a 'retro bubble' of resistance against screens. A group in South Portland, US, uses landlines to organise outdoor activities like water fights, with smartphones locked away. Proponents believe this encourages active play and social interaction.
Jess Russell, a former primary teacher and stay-at-home mum, campaigns for learning through play via her Instagram account. She advocates for more unstructured playtime, reminiscent of 1990s childhoods when children roamed freely without adult supervision. The movement aligns with campaigns like Smartphone Free Childhood, which raise concerns about the effects of excessive screen time on young minds.
