Rita Panahi says the idea of banning smartphones for children is “insane”

Rita Panahi has trashed the idea of keeping kids away from smartphones.

There’s a growing push in the USA to bar children under 13 from owning the devices.

But the Herald Sun columnist told Tom Elliott the idea is “absolutely insane”.

Ms Panahi said smartphones and tablets are part of the world now, and kids need to learn how to use them.

“I just don’t see what’s to be gained by depriving them,” she said.

“We may not understand the appeal because that’s not how we grew up.”

Rita said there’s no way to completely prevent a child from accessing unsavoury content on the web, parents just need to be vigilant and proactive in educating their kids about online dangers.

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