Put Down the Phone, Mom and Dad: What One Gen Z Leader Wishes Parents Understood

Parents spend a lot of time worrying about Generation Z.

They’re told Gen Z is lonely, anxious, glued to screens, and increasingly disconnected from genuine relationships. While there is plenty of conversation about the challenges that Gen Z faces, what if we took a moment to ask Gen Z themselves what they need most?

In last week’s Speak Up! Virginia podcast, Noah Coffin, a recent Western Albemarle high school graduate and former leader of the nation’s largest Turning Point USA high school chapter, offered a surprising answer.

Parents, it’s time to put down the phone

Children learn from what they see. When they watch their parents constantly checking emails, texting during family time, or leaving conversations to take a call, they learn that phones are acceptable interruptions to relationships.

“Kids are sitting at the dinner table trying to talk to their parents... and their parents are on their phones…Their parents are texting,” said Noah

Those habits don't stay with the parents—they get passed down

“Ultimately, it's going to set the example… And so, kids when they grow up, they're going to do the same exact thing,” said Noah.

For a generation already struggling with loneliness and disconnection, simple moments of presence matter more than many parents realize.

But Noah's hope for the next generation doesn't stop with putting away the phone.

Noah emphasized the importance of parents raising their children in the faith. In particular, Noah wants to see more fathers attending church and outwardly expressing their faith. Noah stated that children are far more likely to take their faith seriously when they see it modeled by their fathers.

“[Children] are more likely to take after the faith when the husband is the one that takes the kids to church,” said Noah. 

However, Noah cautioned parents against imposing their faith on their children. Rather, it’s powerful for parents to hold a strong, consistent example.

“Don't force it on them…They're going to stumble. They're going to fall. They're going to waver in their faith. But parents holding a strong example is the most crucial thing,” said Noah.

For Noah, the answer isn't less faith. It's authentic faith. Faith that is lived out consistently in and outside the home.

Noah's perspective on technology isn't merely theoretical. It comes from personal experience.

“Personally, I didn't have a phone until high school... Looking back, I don't regret it. I would do the same thing again if I could,” said Noah

While Noah admits children aren’t always going to be happy about not having the latest iPhone or iPad, he sees his parents’ decision in hindsight as the best decision they made.

Noah challenges parents raising young children to do the same:

“One of the most powerful things that parents can do is keep their kids away from social media, keep their kids away from devices until they're old enough,” said Noah.

In a culture that pushes fewer limits and more access, Noah's message is countercultural: be present, set boundaries, and model what you want them to become.

Sometimes the advice parents need most comes from the very generation they're trying to raise

To watch the full podcast, click the button below.