November 17, 2025

Dr. Adam Pletter: From Digital Risk to Digital Readiness: The Starter iPhone Approach

1 hour 4 minutes

keywords

technology, parenting, child development, mental health, iOS Grow, neurodiversity, anxiety, impulsivity, behavior modification, digital stimulation

summary

In this conversation, Mark and Dr. Adam Pletter discuss the significant impact of technology on parenting and child development. They explore the challenges parents face in managing their children's technology use, the importance of scaffolding in introducing technology, and the responsibility of tech companies to create safer environments for children. Adam shares insights on the neuroscience behind impulsivity and anxiety in youth, offering strategies for parents to help their children navigate the digital world. The discussion culminates in Adam's grassroots movement called iOS Grow—a health-first iPhone experience designed with families in mind. Think of your child’s first phone like a learner’s permit: features are unlocked over time, not all switched on by default. The idea is to start with safety, not restriction—plus age-based check-ins and even a ‘co-parent mode’ to help two-household families stay consistent and reduce conflict.

iOS Grow: A Health-First iPhone Experience for Families

What if your child’s first iPhone supported their mental health and development?

iOS Grow is a guided iPhone experience that helps kids grow into technology—not just grow up on it. Grounded in developmental science, it evolves as children mature and as families build trust.

Developmental Defaults: App access, notifications, and time settings calibrated to a child’s age and stage.
Digital Milestones: Built-in check-ins at key ages (8, 11, 13) prompt families to review and adjust settings together.
Healthy Rhythms: Screen time synced with sleep, school, and Apple Health data.
Co-Parent Mode: Shared limit-setting and visibility across two households—reducing conflict and promoting consistency.
Flexible Access: Offered as either a dedicated Starter iPhone or a downloadable Grow Mode for hand-me-downs.

Why it matters:

Today, 88 % of U.S. teens own or have access to a smartphone (Pew Research Center, 2023), and most own iPhones. Families are forced to work backward—full access first, restrictions later. iOS Grow flips that script: parents unlock autonomy as kids demonstrate readiness.is resonates with you, please add your voice. It takes 60 seconds to give Apple direct feedback through his campaign at iParent101.com/applefeedback. Now, let’s get started.”

takeaways

Technology is a significant parenting challenge today.
Scaffolding technology use is essential for child development.
Tech companies have a responsibility to create safer environments for children.
Anxiety is a natural part of human survival and development.
Children's brains are still developing, impacting their decision-making.
Parents need to understand the reference points of their children regarding technology.
Impulse control can be taught and practiced.
Balance in technology use is a constant adjustment.
The iOS Grow initiative aims to help parents manage technology use.
Collaboration between parents and tech companies is crucial for child safety.

titles

Navigating Parenting in the Digital Age
The Role of Technology in Child Development

Sound Bites

"Pressure's on to just be you."
"Every teenager grew up with YouTube."
"I'm eager to work with Apple."

Chapters