As concerns grow about the impact of smartphones and social media on children, Rebel Telecom co-founder Munur Shah believes simply banning technology is not the answer.
In a wide-ranging interview, Munur discusses his own experience with screen addiction, the work that followed through Rebel Therapies and why he believes children need a healthier introduction to the digital world.
For Munur, the journey began with a moment of realisation. Around a decade ago, he spent seven hours scrolling on his phone, eventually looking up to discover it was 2:31am. His family had gone to bed and a friend had even visited the house, yet Munur could barely remember what had happened.
That experience led him to investigate how apps and platforms are designed to capture our attention. It also prompted him to work with families struggling with screen addiction and to eventually write Screen Addict, which tells the stories of seven families dealing with different problems surrounding technology.
Throughout the interview, Munur agrees that the solution is not to remove technology from children's lives. Instead, he believes it should be introduced gradually, alongside education that helps young people understand what they are using.
He compares learning to use a smartphone with learning to drive. Children do not immediately get behind the wheel of a car. They gradually develop the skills and knowledge needed to use one safely. Munur believes technology should follow a similar progression.
That thinking helped inspire Rebel Telecom.
The Rebel Phone gives children access to a real smartphone, but with boundaries built into it. There is no social media or open browser. Instead, children use an app-based ecosystem designed to give them useful technology while allowing them to gradually develop healthier digital habits.
Munur also discusses Rebel's wider mission. Customers can choose for a portion of their monthly bill to support a school or the YESS Foundation-UK. Adults, grandparents and businesses can also switch to a Rebel SIM-only plan and contribute to the same model without buying a Rebel Phone.
Ultimately, the conversation comes back to a simple idea: children are going to grow up with technology. Rather than trying to keep it away from them entirely, Munur believes we need to give them the education, boundaries and tools to use it well.