Remember the thrill of picking up a landline and calling a friend? For many parents, that nostalgic sound is more than a memory— it’s becoming a movement. With growing concerns about kids and smartphones, families are rediscovering the charm (and safety!) of landlines. Why Parents Are Concerned Smartphones give kids access to everything, and that’s not always good. • Mental health: Early smartphone use can lead to anxiety, depression, and shorter attention spans. • Unfiltered content: Ads and videos can expose kids to inappropriate material—even on “kid-friendly” platforms. • Addiction risk: Endless scrolling delivers instant dopamine, leaving little room for creativity or realworld interaction. As one parent put it, “Giving a child access to social media, and really the whole world, with a smartphone is frightening. I want my kids to be kids for as long as possible.” Angie Armstrong, BVT marketing and community relations director, shared, “We’ve never gotten rid of our landline. Not only am I wanting to wait as long as possible to give my youngest access to a cell phone, but we live in the country where cell service isn’t always reliable. And it’s also harder for emergency personnel to track cell phones in rural areas. Having a corded landline gives me peace of mind that there’s another communication tool available if needed.” The Landline Trend So what’s the solution? Enter the landline comeback! Parents love that landlines teach kids how to communicate, offer a safe way to stay connected, and work even when cell service doesn't. Parents agree it’s time to give kids their childhood back. “As my daughter grows, we’re already exploring ways to keep her safe while giving her the freedom to play outside and build friendships the old-fashioned way. And when it’s time to stay connected with family and friends, a landline will be available,” said McKenzie Maddox, BVT human resources/administrative assistant. At BVT, we believe in safe, simple connections. Want kid-friendly landline ideas? Visit www.bluevalley.net/news for our team’s favorite picks. Cornerstone Group © 2026 BLUE VALLEY TECHNOLOGIES • 877.876.1228 • WWW.BLUEVALLEY.NET Cable vs. Streaming: Smart Ways to Save on Entertainment Feel like you’re spending too much on entertainment? You’re not alone. Cable prices are climbing nationally, and streaming services, while flexible, can add up quickly if you subscribe to several at once. One smart strategy is streaming service rotation: Pick one or two platforms, watch what you want, then pause and switch. Most services make it easy to cancel and restart online. This way, you enjoy your favorite shows without paying for unused subscriptions. Other tips: • Audit your subscriptions and cancel or pause rarely used services. • Explore free options like Pluto TV or local network apps. • Set a budget and stick to it. Cable offers convenience, local channels, and live sports but comes with rising programming costs. Streaming provides flexibility and variety but requires reliable internet and careful management. To help determine what’s right for you, visit www.bluevalley.net/ streamnow. You’ll find a comprehensive guide and channel list for both cable and streaming, Whichever you choose, BVT is here to help you live life connected. SMARTPHONES VS. CHILDHOOD: Why Landlines Are Making a Comeback
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