Supernanny star Jo Frost says 'you need to hear this' as she issues advice to all parents

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Jo Frost, who shot to Channel 4 fame as Supernanny in the early 2000s, has issued advice she claims all parents 'need to hear today' in order to help combat a 'drip-fed' bad habit
Jo Frost became a household name in the early 2000s as a result of her Channel 4 series, Supernanny, in which she spent time with parents struggling with the behaviour of their troublesome children. Today, the 55-year old issues advice via social media and her latest post is something she claims all parents and carers "need to hear" today.
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"Social media didn't barge into your home... it crept in drip by drip," Jo began in an Instagram video. "And now it is quietly causing chaos." But what does the expert mean by this? Describing it as a "smart drug", she went on to explain how social media has resulted in particular in the downfall of families talking over dinner.
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"Teens live in a state of FOMO [fear of missing out] instead of JOHO [joy of hanging out]," she continued.
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However, Jo pointed out that the lack of interactions amongst family members isn't solely down the behaviour of children. "Parents scrolling past bedtime stories... past real connection," she said.
"And partners? They're strangers on the same sofa. We say it's not that bad, but our nervous systems are screaming, 'I can't take it anymore!'"
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According to Jo, the "truth" is the mobile phone has become the "socially accepted vice" and we have become "functioning social media addicts". Despite this, there is "good news".
The television star elaborated: "We can change it if you care enough to try. Put down the phone. Talk. Listen. Feel Awkward. Reconnect.
"Because while you're numbing out, those tech companies are cashing in on the collapse of your family's foundations. Self discipline isn't sexy? Oh hell yeah it is. And it saves lives."
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So what can families to do to eradicate the bad habit over mobile phone over usage? "Use it as a tool, don't let it use you," she declared. "It needed to be said."
Proving Jo's advice has the potential to work, one Instagram user penned in response: "I started putting down my phone as I realised everything will still be there and started organising many things and my mind feels so free and in control."
A second person praised: "Thank you, Jo for sharing the message that we're all thinking and struggling to deal with."
A third individual suggested: "Talks in schools from Jo Frost, that's what we need. She should be on the curriculum as well as in our homes and our hearts."
Whilst a fourth Instagram user shared: "I am a mum of twins and I make a conscious effort to not be on my phone in front of them. It is always nearby, for photos but I limit my social media use to nap times and once they are in bed!
"They are the only children I plan to have and I don't want them growing up remembering me looking at my phone all the time. I want to be a present figure in their lives, I want to watch them grow up."