Matt and Emma Willis have shared a deeply emotional confession about the impact smartphones have had on their family, particularly on their relationship with their eldest child. The couple, who have three children — Isabelle (15), Ace (13), and Trixie (8) — admit that they feel like they’ve “lost” Isabelle to technology, and they deeply regret giving their children smartphones.
The pair, known for their roles in television and music, will feature in the upcoming Channel 4 documentary Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones. The show explores the influence of smartphones and social media on kids, following an experiment at The Stanway School in Colchester, where Year 8 students are asked to give up their devices for three weeks.
Although they initially allowed their children to have smartphones, Matt and Emma now express regret, particularly about the impact of social media on their eldest daughter. Matt, who’s part of the band Busted, shared his thoughts in an interview with The Sun, saying: “Our daughter was 11 when she got a smartphone, and it’s been the biggest disruptor between us. I feel like I lose her to it a lot. I miss her.” He added that technology-related tensions are a frequent source of conflict in their home: “The only reason we ever bicker is because of that.”
Emma, who is also feeling the strain, revealed how difficult it has been for her as a parent. “We never allowed them to have social media, but when Isabelle was 14, she begged for it, and we finally agreed she could have Snapchat. Now, she’s on it constantly. There are moments when I definitely feel like I’ve lost her to it. Personally, I wish we’d never given them smartphones.”
Emma also shared her worries about what her children are exposed to online. “They might be watching something on YouTube or playing Minecraft, and you think it’s harmless, but then you discover they’ve been listening to something far more disturbing. It’s a nightmare. I can’t help but feel like I’m failing as a parent when it comes to managing their online use.”
Despite the challenges, Matt and Emma, who have been married since 2008, continue to navigate the difficulties of raising children in a digital world. They hope to raise awareness through the documentary about the importance of balancing screen time and protecting kids’ mental health in an age where technology is constantly evolving.
Source: leeds-live
