Dr. James McDonald urges parents across New York to think carefully about smartphones and protect children’s health this holiday season

Albany, New York – As the holiday season approaches and gift lists grow longer, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald is asking families to take a thoughtful pause before placing a smartphone under the tree. In a heartfelt message blending medical insight with personal reflection, Dr. McDonald — both a pediatrician and a father — emphasized that the decision to give a child a phone should come with care, intention, and guidance.

“As both a dad and a pediatrician, I understand the excitement of the holiday season — and the challenge that comes when your child asks for a smartphone. It’s a request I’ve faced myself,” said Dr. McDonald. “These devices are remarkable tools that connect us, inspire creativity and open doors to learning. But as I’ve seen in my practice and in public health, they can also open doors to distraction and anxiety if not introduced thoughtfully.”

His message arrives at a time when many parents are navigating the tension between wanting to keep their children connected and worrying about the growing influence of screens in their daily lives. With new studies linking heavy device use to disrupted sleep, shortened attention spans, and mental health concerns among children, Dr. McDonald’s advice serves as a gentle reminder that digital access should be earned through maturity, not simply age.

A Shared Responsibility

Dr. McDonald urged parents to treat the introduction of technology as a family project rather than a solo journey for the child. “Make it a shared responsibility,” he advised, suggesting that the phone remain in the parent’s name and that clear expectations be set early on. This approach, he noted, helps establish trust while ensuring that the child understands boundaries.

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The Commissioner also recommended taking a gradual approach. “Start small,” he said. “A basic phone can help children master communication before introducing apps and social media.” By focusing first on calling and texting, families can build healthy habits before opening the door to more complex online interactions.

Setting Limits and Leading by Example

Dr. McDonald emphasized that boundaries are not a punishment but a framework for balance. “Set boundaries. Establish time limits, filter adult content, and keep phones out of bedrooms and off the dinner table. Do not allow App’s to be downloaded without your permission, that might mean you have the password to the App store.”

These small but consistent rules, he explained, can make a world of difference in a child’s relationship with technology. Encouraging open conversations about online experiences — both positive and negative — can help children develop a sense of responsibility and digital literacy.

“Stay involved,” he urged. “Talk regularly about what your child is seeing, sharing, and learning online.”

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. McDonald reminded parents that children learn by observing. “Model balance,” he said. “Children learn by watching us — how we use our devices teaches them how to use theirs.” When adults demonstrate mindful screen habits, kids are more likely to mirror that same respect for time and attention.

No Perfect Age, Just the Right Approach

“There’s no single ‘right age’ for a smartphone,” Dr. McDonald pointed out. What truly matters, he said, is the child’s readiness to handle responsibility and to understand that technology should serve them, not control them. Each family, he noted, must decide based on their child’s maturity, lifestyle, and ability to self-regulate.

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The statement highlights a growing consensus among pediatric and mental health experts: technology, when introduced thoughtfully, can be beneficial, but when left unchecked, it can disrupt key aspects of development — from sleep patterns to emotional well-being.

Reclaiming Connection Beyond the Screen

Dr. McDonald closed his statement with a warm reminder about the true spirit of the holidays. “This holiday season, I hope families across New York will focus on connection — the kind that doesn’t rely on a screen. Share a meal, go for a walk, read together, or just talk. A smartphone can be a useful tool, but it’s no replacement for the human connection our children need most.”

His words resonate at a time when digital devices have become deeply woven into everyday life, often blurring the line between connection and distraction. As parents juggle work, family time, and the constant pull of notifications, Dr. McDonald’s message calls for a deliberate reset — one that prioritizes conversation over content and presence over pixels.

The statement serves as both a public health reminder and a heartfelt piece of advice from a parent who has faced the same dilemmas as those he serves. It’s a timely nudge to slow down amid the gift-buying rush and reflect on what truly benefits children in the long run — not the latest gadget, but the attention, patience, and love that no technology can replace.

As families across the state prepare to celebrate the holidays, Dr. McDonald’s words offer a gentle challenge: to be intentional, to stay involved, and to remember that the best gift a child can receive is not wrapped in a box, but shared across a dinner table, a walk outside, or a quiet conversation at the end of the day.