From “No Phone” to Troomi: Embracing Safe Digital Parenting

By Courtney Casper, courtneycasper.com

The Dream of a Screen-Free Childhood

When my kids were little, I had this grand vision: no phones, no social media, no screens stealing their attention. I pictured a home filled with books, art projects, and meaningful conversations. I thought if I could just keep smartphones out of my kids’ lives until they were older, I’d have done my part as a parent. We’ve all seen the scary statistics so I concluded that the less technology the better. Sound familiar? (insert crazy face emoji here). 

Facing Reality: Embracing Technology

But my kids grew, and I began to see the world they were going to be living in—the technology they’d be navigating daily, both at school, at church, with friends, even in sports, and eventually in work, where screens are everywhere. I couldn’t keep them from learning how to handle technology just because I found it overwhelming. I knew that sooner or later, they’d need to learn how to navigate it responsibly, safely, and confidently. So, as hard as it was, I realized that a phone was no longer optional. I started to really want to be able to get a hold of my teenager, to be able to utilize GPS to see where she was, and I wanted to be able to text her “Hi!” during the day! 

The idea of handing over a phone, though, with everything a typical smartphone can access? It felt like tossing her into the deep end of a pool without swimming lessons! There’s so much out there—apps, internet access, social media. It was enough to make my head spin. After hearing story after story from friends who’d tried giving their teens “safe” phones that didn’t actually live up to the hype, I started to feel that nothing out there would really work for us. We tried other brands of “safe” smartphones and they did not work for us. They either didn’t have enough safety features or restricted it so much that even MY texts to her weren’t always going through! I started to feel hopeless and like as a parent, I was just going to have to give in to a regular phone. 

The Turning Point: Discovering Troomi

But I kept looking, and eventually, I discovered Troomi. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first—it seemed too good to be true. But then I started reading about how it’s not just a “phone with restrictions.” Troomi was designed as a whole platform for digital well-being, specifically for families like ours. I decided to give it a shot, and I can honestly say it’s been the best tech decision we’ve made as a family.

With Troomi, I didn’t have to choose between “no phone” and “all phone.” Instead, I got this beautifully flexible system that puts me in control. I decide what apps she uses when she uses them, and for how long—all from my phone. (read that again!!)  I don’t even have to ask her for her phone if I want to make an update, which feels like the best parent hack in the history of ever. The trust we’ve built through this is something I didn’t know I was missing with other phones. I don’t feel like I’m invading her space; I’m partnering with her in a way that feels mutual and empowering.

Troomi in Action: Real-Life Game Changers

One of the moments I knew we were a Troomi family forever happened this summer. My daughter was at a youth camp, and they wanted the kids to use a specific app for part of the activities. Now, in a different scenario, I’d be scrambling, feeling guilty because, without her actual phone, there would be nothing I could do. She would miss out on the activity. If you’ve been in this situation, you know! Ugh! But with Troomi, I just went to my Parent Portal, downloaded it to her phone from my phone, and she had what she needed without me physically needing her phone. It’s so refreshing to know that I can support her with a few taps, no matter where she is. I wanted to cry. It was such a relief to be able to navigate the world and the world of technology in a way that truly worked. 

Striking the Balance: Freedom with Gentle Boundaries

And then there’s her bus ride to school, which is a good stretch of time every day. Sometimes, I’ll approve Disney+ on her phone for the ride to make it a little more bearable. I’ve set up time limits, too, so she can watch for a bit and then move on to other things. It’s this balance between giving her freedom and having those gentle boundaries.

Books have become another big part of her phone use. She’s been devouring titles on Libby, an app that lets her access our local library’s collection. I love that she’s able to cultivate a reading habit even on her phone! It’s not just a screen—it’s a portal to learning and growth. And then there’s the way she uses Marco Polo to chat with her grandma. They’re building this beautiful relationship through those little video exchanges, and it makes my heart so happy to see them connect like that.

Empowering Digital Parenting Through the Parent Portal

The real game-changer, though, is that I can adjust all these settings from the Parent Portal. I can approve or disable apps with a click, and I’ve set up time limits to help her balance screen time with everything else. And when she occasionally needs a web browser for school, I can turn it on and off based on what she needs that week. I feel like I’m able to empower her while still giving her the guidance she needs to use tech responsibly.

The crazy part is that I was once that parent who thought any phone at all was out of the question. But I’ve come to realize that my home is the ultimate training ground for technology. I’m the one who can guide her into this world in a way that’s safe, responsible, and intentional. She doesn’t need to go from zero phone to fully unrestricted access. She needs practice, and she needs me alongside her. With Troomi, I feel like I finally have a tool that supports that journey.

Final Thoughts: Transforming Tech Challenges into Opportunities

Digital parenting can feel like a massive, overwhelming task, but Troomi has helped me feel like, “I’ve got this”. It’s more than just a phone—it’s a tool for building trust, empowering safe independence, and fostering digital well-being. I don’t have to worry constantly or feel left out of her digital life. Instead, I’m able to be part of it, without sacrificing her sense of independence.

If you’re a parent feeling exhausted by the search for the right solution, I encourage you to explore Troomi. It’s not just a phone; it’s a platform that empowers parents and teens alike. It’s made such a difference in our family, and I hope it can do the same for yours.

Written by: Courtney Casper

Use Courtney’s code COURTNEYCASPER to receive a discount on your Troomi purchase.