Putting the Phone Away: A Father’s Journey to Digital Balance

Why I Joined the Challenge

When I received the email informing me that I had been selected to participate in the Punkt Digital Balance Challenge, I was really excited. 

I have two small children and a third on the way, and what motivated me to join this challenge was the struggle I constantly face with my smartphone. Watching my kids grow, I want to take in every second, yet I often catch myself checking emails or reading the news.

It even reached the point where my oldest, just two and a half years old, started saying, “Dad, no phone. Phone away.”

That broke my heart — I realized I had chosen a device over my child, and I never want that to happen again. I want to capture every waking moment with them and set an example so they, too, won’t become slaves to a machine.

The First Days Without a Smartphone

The first few days using the Punkt MP02 were honestly very challenging. Compared to my smartphone, where I have everything at my fingertips (perhaps even too much), I realized how accustomed I had become to constant access.

I had cravings similar to those experienced when quitting smoking or drinking. Leaving my smartphone behind was difficult — it’s like a slot machine. You never know when a notification will arrive, and I found myself unconsciously checking in case I had missed something.

Starting with the Punkt MP02 took me back to the 90s, when I had my first phone — a blue Alcatel T9 with a small antenna. It felt old-school but futuristic at the time. The interface of the MP02 is smooth, the sounds are pleasant, and the T9 keyboard, surprisingly, was easy to get used to again. It was like riding a bike — once you get the hang of it, you never forget.

I also appreciated how texting became concise and meaningful. Instead of sending dozens of emojis or long messages, I would text my wife things like “I love you x”, “I arrived safely x”, or “How are the kids? x”. It was direct, charming, and to the point.

After a few days, I noticed I was feeling more relaxed and less stressed. For the first time in a long while, I was enjoying JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) instead of FOMO. For example, during a bike ride home from work, I found an injured bird. I needed to take it to an animal care center, but they had no transport available.

Normally, I would have relied on Google Maps and headphones to navigate automatically, but with the Punkt MP02, I had to ask people for directions — just like in the 90s.

Asking four different people led to spontaneous conversations about the bird, their families, friends, and life in general. Connecting with people in real life, instead of following an app, felt amazing and heartwarming.

Battery life is another major advantage. With my smartphone, I would often charge it two to three times a day depending on usage.

With the Punkt MP02, I couldn’t scroll endlessly or play mindless games, so the battery lasted days on standby. As a father, that reliability gave me peace of mind, knowing I could stay connected with my wife if needed.

That said, I did start to miss certain smartphone features — especially a camera. I couldn’t capture my son’s first steps or receive pictures from my wife while at work. Certain payment apps, such as QR code payments, also became challenging. But aside from a camera, banking apps, and a flashlight, I really appreciated the experience of using the Punkt MP02.

A New Relationship with Technology

This challenge has been a true eye-opener. I decided to use the Punkt MP02 Monday through Friday, focusing on work and family without distractions. On weekends, I allow myself to use my smartphone for family trips or dinners, so I can buy train tickets or take photos. The biggest lesson Punkt taught me is understanding what is essential. Time is limited, and we should choose wisely how to spend it. The device also reassures me about privacy — both mine and my family’s.

Living Life Beyond the Screen

Comparing my screen time now with my usage before the challenge is remarkable. On average, I used to spend six hours a day on my smartphone. Now, I use it only two to two and a half hours daily. That’s a significant difference over a week, a month, a year, and ultimately a lifetime.

Thank you, Punkt, for teaching me what truly matters in life: living it fully, not behind a screen, but by cherishing the moments and people around us. This experience has changed my perspective on healthy phone use, and I will pass these lessons on to my children, hoping they grow up adventuring, meeting people, traveling, and enjoying life without constantly staring at a screen.

- Sam de Smet