Lauren Silverman enforces no-phones rule at son Eric's sleepovers

Lauren Silverman, 48, says she won’t allow devices in the bedroom when her 12-year-old son, Eric, has friends staying — a rule she admits has made her “unpopular.” In a social media post on Friday she wrote the restriction is not about being anti-tech but about giving children “the space to simply be children.” Silverman said taking away cell phones during playdates and sleepovers has led to “more laughter, more conversation, better sleep and more genuine connection.” In a slideshow she acknowledged the move “had the potential to make [her] the least popular mum” in Eric’s friendship group.

She urged a cultural shift at home so playdates once again mean riding bikes, swimming, playing football, baking, exploring outdoors and “hanging out and talking.” Silverman called the approach “about balance,” stressing the “goal is connection, not control,” and noting children can always access their phones if they need to contact home.

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