Stay on the line

In Kristin Shiach and Jordan Sobkowicz's Riverview home, their three daughters eagerly vie to answer the phone first. The phone, a cherished part of their household for 18 years, rings regularly, and the children eagerly await the opportunity to take its call. Despite the decline in traditional landline usage across Canada, with only 47% of households reporting ownership in 2021, many families, like Shiach and Sobkowicz, are bringing landlines back into their homes.

VOIP phones, a more cost-effective alternative, are increasingly popular among young families, with basic subscriptions starting at $40.56 for landlines and free after a $109 installation fee for VOIP services. However, traditional landlines remain an appealing option due to their independence from internet service and continued functionality during power outages.

Families like Shiach and Sobkowicz, who have held onto their landline, emphasize its role in teaching children communication skills and providing a screen-free means of interaction. For parents concerned about the potential negative impacts of social media and excessive screen time on children, as highlighted by experts such as Jonathan Haidt and author Dr. Jo Ann Unger, a landline offers a valuable alternative for fostering meaningful connections and promoting healthy developmental outcomes.