Greg Rutherford on a Summer of Sport, Smartphones and Modern Parenting

The MarshyCast

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Tuesday, 16 June 2026 - 12 minutes

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For many parents, deciding when to buy their child a first phone has become one of the toughest decisions they face. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford joined me to discuss exactly that, alongside what promises to be a huge summer for athletics. 

As one of Britain's most recognisable sporting figures, Greg is preparing for another busy season as a pundit, covering some of the biggest athletics events of the year. Naturally, I had to ask whether he ever watches today's competitors and thinks, "I'd have done that differently." 

But while athletics provided plenty of talking points, it was our conversation about parenting and technology that really got us thinking. 

The debate around children owning smartphones continues to grow. Greg shared his views on when children should receive their first phone and the balancing act many parents face between protecting their children and helping them feel included socially. 

After all, being the only child in a class without a phone can create its own challenges. 

We also discussed social media and the increasing calls for restrictions on young people accessing platforms at an early age. Rather than simply banning technology, Greg highlighted the importance of education, communication and creating safe boundaries. 

One particularly interesting part of the conversation centred on parental controls and third-party apps that allow families to monitor usage, helping children enjoy technology while reducing some of the risks that come with it. 

It's a thoughtful discussion that goes far beyond sport, touching on issues that almost every modern parent is wrestling with. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

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