Anna-Maria Ferchichi's Embassy Trip: Chaos with Four Kids!

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - On June 5, 2025, Anna-Maria Ferchichi, a busy mother of eight, faced quite the challenge during a family outing. Along with four of her children, she visited the German embassy in Dubai to apply for new passports, but what should have been a straightforward appointment quickly turned into a stressful affair. The hour-long wait saw all four children crying and arguing, as Ferchichi revealed on her Instagram. With no phones to keep them occupied, the task of entertaining her kids proved to be a Herculean feat. In a light-hearted twist, rapper Bushido noted that they attempted to play pranks, much to the dismay of their daughter Aaliyah, leaving Ferchichi feeling as if a vacation was well overdue.

It seems that this outing reflects a wider trend among youth and families grappling with the realities of today’s smartphone culture. Many adolescents today are spending upwards of 43 hours a week glued to their devices. According to ZDF Heute, boys aged 16-18 typically rack up around 31 hours, while girls manage an astonishing 43. This over-reliance on smartphones is sparking a growing awareness around unhealthy media consumption, with many young people actively seeking to cut back.

Digital Detox Movement

In response to the mounting pressures of digital life, initiatives such as the „Luddite“ Club are gaining popularity among youth, eager to experience life unplugged. They gather to enjoy time away from screens, promoting a healthier balance. There’s even been an uptick in sales of „Dumbphones,“ which offer only basic functionalities like calling and texting, halting access to app stores and social media. HMD Global noted a significant rise in demand for flip phones in the U.S. last year, indicating a desire for simpler, more focused communication.

Digital detox programs, while challenging, have shown promising outcomes. Research published in the National Institutes of Health highlights various emotional benefits participants experience during these detox periods. For many, the relief of stepping back from social media free from the pressures of maintaining an online presence provides a refreshing sense of calm. However, when stepping back proves difficult, participants found it easier to engage in detox when they kept busy instead of sitting idle—no surprise there!

Finding Balance

What’s becoming increasingly clear is that finding a balance between online and offline life is essential for mental well-being. Media coach Iren Schulz emphasizes the importance of conscious media use, suggesting families establish screen time rules and reflect on their digital habits. After a detox period, many report cravings for social media’s allure, often indulging heavily as soon as they’re back online. Yet, just as Anna-Maria’s experience highlighted, there’s a plethora of content to engage with in the real world—if only one can set down that phone long enough to notice.

Ultimately, it’s all about smart choices and moderation. Whether you’re managing a house full of kids like Anna-Maria Ferchichi or just trying to stay connected as an individual, consciously steering your media use can open doors to a more fulfilling offline existence. If that means playing pranks without technology on hand, so be it—after all, sometimes the best memories come from moments away from the screen.