Atasha Muhlach Reveals Parents Aga And Charlene Only Gave Her A Phone When She Was 16

Atasha Muhlach may be one of the most sought-after celebrities and social media influencers these days, but it's interesting to know how her parents, Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez, raised her in a very "old school" way.

In an interview with Iza Calzado during the Go Negosyo Summit on March 9, the 22-year-old noontime show host revealed that she's still learning learning the ropes of social media for this reason: "because I was only given a phone at the age of 16 or 17, yes."

Atasha Muhlach reveals receiving first phone at age 16

Surprised, Iza clarified if Atasha previously owned a basic phone, "No. So it was only the landline in the house growing up, and it was very old school living." Including her twin brother Andres, she explained, "We were really only given access to social media that's why I'm still learning the process of it."

Atasha couldn't discount the importance of harnessing social media platforms, especially with how small business owners took advantage of it during the pandemic. 

A quick scroll through Atasha's Instagram feed would bring you to her first post, dated October 18, 2017. She was turning 17 at the time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atasha (@atashamuhlach_)

Since then, her posts were about her school, endorsements, and occasional greetings to her mom and dad.

In this day and age when most kids—even at toddler age—have access to tablets or smartphones for learning and entertainment purposes, Atasha's revelation is a breath of fresh air, and something modern parents should consider.

Celebrity parents who set healthy boundaries on kids' phone, social media use

1. Sharon Cuneta

When it comes to starting their kids off with simple phones, Sharon Cuneta shocked netizens when she gave her youngest son Miguel a Nokia phone as his 13th birthday gift back in 2022. 

Miguel received a Nokia 8210 4G, which has basic phone features, but cannot download apps or connect to Wi-Fi.

2. Judy Ann Santos 

With regards to her eldest daughter Yohan's social media use, Judy Ann Santos only allowed her to have an account on Facebook or in any social media platforms at age 18. She explained that adults age 18 and up are allowed to create an account on Facebook. “We don’t want to lie about your age. There are specific reasons why you have to be of age,” she said.

In line with being "old school," now that Yohan is a certified kolehiyala, Judy Ann personally taught her how to ride public transport—trying out the jeep, bus, and crossing the streets.

3. Chesca and Doug Kramer

The Kramers set rules when it comes to social media and gadget use for their three kids. 

In a 2022 interview, Chesca Kramer revealed how she limits their eldest daughter Kendra's phone access, who was then 13, “Weekdays, she has to surrender her phone to me. So I hold her phone. By 6 PM every day, she is allowed to look at her phone for one hour to reply to messages of her friends."

She continued, "Come Friday, when she’s done with all her obligations with school, I give back her phone for her to enjoy."

“And then on Saturdays, she reviews for some of her subjects. She puts her phone aside and does what she has to do."

When should you give your child access to their own phone and social media?

So when is the right time to give your child access to their own smartphone and social media? In a recent Smart Parenting article, an educator emphasized that it doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" approach. This means, you can gradually give them access to a basic phone first that has no internet capabilities, then transition to one that has limited features, until finally, letting them add applications they need. "Social media is the last thing to appear on the phone. I promise you will not regret waiting on this," Angela Davis, founder of Better Screen Time, said. 

We asked parents who follow Smart Parenting on Facebook if they are in favor of giving their kids their own phones at an early age.

Based on over 200 comments, most parents said no. Others, meanwhile, said yes, but with limitations and guidance.

"12 years old and above. But there are still some rules. No games and videos during school days, just for assignment and research only. Guidance is still important."

One parent meanwhile said, allowing her kids to have their own phones at an early age was her biggest mistake, "Pinakamalaking pagkakamali ko [sad emoji]. Ngayon, saka nalang sila nakakahawak kapag may assignments and quizzes online. Sobra nag-iba attitude simula nang nakapag-cellphone, hopefully mabalik sa dati ang behavior ng kids ko." 

Join the conversation here.

Dangers of allowing kids to phones, social media too early

According to a 2019 study, about 40 percent of parents in the US give their children smartphones at an early age so that they have peace and quiet to themselves. However, experts warn that exposing kids to phones and social media may have harmful effects.

1. It alters brain development.

In a recent study among kids aged 8 to 12 in the US, it was found that they spend about 4 hours and 44 minutes daily on screens, with a large chunk of that time spent on mobile gaming. This excessive screen time can physically change their brains, which may result in lower cognitive skills.

2. It impairs social skills.

If children spend more time on smartphones than with people, their ability to socialize and think critically may suffer. They may struggle with impulse control and problem-solving.

3. It exposes kids to harmful content.

Smartphones give kids unrestricted access to the internet, putting them at risk of stumbling upon inappropriate content like violence or nudity. They might also encounter cyberbullying or harmful sites promoting peer validation.

4. It can lead to tech addiction.

Excessive screen time can lead to addiction, as it triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain. This addiction can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, as well as problems concentrating in school and strained family relationships.

A mom found a note about death on her child's phone. Read what a psychologist advised her to do here.