I just finished reading a very interesting article from The Atlantic:
The guy who wrote it is Jonathan Haidt and he’s a social psychologist .This article discusses the negative impact of smartphones and social media on the development and mental health of Generation Z. It also points out that the youngest generations, compared to previous ones, are experiencing higher levels of mental health issues, reduced social skills, and a decline in independence and risk-taking. The author attributes these changes to the shift in childhood experiences caused by digital technology, which has replaced physical, outdoor, and social activities with a sedentary, solitary, and virtual lifestyle.
FULL DISCLOSURE- I’m not a parent, but I do spend time around children. I used to teach ESL classes in an elementary school several years back- so I would spend a lot of time dealing with kids, from kindergarten to 8th grade, and I did notice some of the things the author describes in this article.
It’s fairly a long read & it might be behind a paywall for you, so here is the audio version, which you can download & listen on your phone or Mudita Harmony.
What are your thoughts on the solutions proposed in the article, such as delaying smartphone use and creating phone-free schools? Do you think these are feasible and effective measures, and how might they be implemented?
Additionally, considering the current trends in technology use among young people, what predictions can you make about the future impact on society? Are there any positive outcomes that could emerge from this situation?
My children go to a phone-free school, smartwatches also not allowed. No computers or internet use at school till the end of 8th grade. All the homework is on paper, nothing that requires them to look online. So, it is possible… at least in smaller school settings where the families that choose this type of school is on board with delaying digital tech use.
My oldest is almost 13 and she does not ask for a smartphone. We do have an extra phone to use at home, which she uses to call friends and send the occasional text. We have discussions on why they do not need smartphones, and so far they still listen and agree with us (12 & 9yo).
Recently their school had a film screening ‘Screenagers’ to the school community, followed by a discussion. The consensus is to wait until after 8th grade to allow kids smartphones so kids can be kids longer (https://www.waituntil8th.org). I personally think even that seems too soon…but I will find out what challenges lie ahead when my child becomes a teen.
Interesting concept. Although, I did grow up this way ( remember writing a paper in 8th grade on a typewriter LOL) I would be concerned that in this day & age a child could fall behind and struggle when they enter high school after 8th grade.
How do students plan for that type of leap from no tech to being surrounded by tech?
I am not sure how the school plans to leap from no tech to tech, but I do not feel concerned about it. She may go to a mainstream high school where the kids have been using computers for years. Kids learn and catch up very quickly. I may be too idealistic/optimistic but I feel strongly about protecting their childhoods.
In the school environments these days it seems to be all or nothing. I have a 6th grade step-child attending a school where most of the work is online. so can closely observe different scenarios. She’s been using computers since the early grades and is more tech-savvy yet I am not sure I am seeing any advantage academically at this point. What I do know is the schools do a poor job regulating what the kids can access on their computers, and it becomes up to the parents to police the computer use, which creates extra work/stress for the parents.
The article highlights the profound impact of a phone-based childhood on children’s development. Constant exposure to screens can hinder social skills, reduce attention spans, and contribute to mental health issues. While technology offers many benefits, it’s crucial to balance screen time with real-world interactions and activities to ensure healthy, well-rounded growth for children.
Very well said. These kids raised by screens have a really narrow view on the real world. I feel they don’t grasp the same concepts as kids that grew up without constant screentime.
A new documentary just came out that addresses the dangers of social media, especially on young people. The trailer is quite shocking. I plan on watching it this weekend.
@kirkmahoneyphd YES! I encourage people to watch it. It’s super raw & eye-opening. It exposes how social media platforms knowingly design addictive systems that harm young people, leading to depression, suicide, and drug-related deaths. You’ll hear first-hand accounts from grieving families, whistleblowers, and legal advocates about how social media companies prioritize profit over children’s safety, while parents are left to pick up the pieces.
Thank you for the highlights, @urszula! I will put it on my viewing list.
Regarding Facebook (Meta) in particular, I read Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams a couple of weeks ago and highly recommend it to those interested in this topic.
Update: I have rented Can’t Look Away and plan to watch it tonight.
Update #2: I watched Can’t Look Away and highly recommend it.
As I see it, the smartphone generation – anyone who was an adolescent or younger after Apple launched the iPhone in the summer of 2007 – is susceptible to at least three maturation failures.
Adult Modeling
When parents use a smartphone as a pacifier or give in to peer pressure (because “All the other kids have one!”), the smartphone gets wedged for attention between the child and the parents. The result: These children do not get the behavioral modeling from their parents and other adults as to how to act maturely.
Mentoring
When children have smartphones, they learn to go to the Internet for many, most, or all of the answers to their questions. The result: These children get little or no benefit from the wise mentoring that their elders can give them … and can even become dismissive of that wisdom.
Social Engagement
When children grow up with smartphones, they often interact with other children as well as adults in the digital metaverse of the Internet and not so much in the real world. The result: These children do not learn such social skills as ordering something in person or over the phone, talking with a delivery driver, or knocking on a door to pick up a teenage girl for a date.
I’ve got a road trip coming up this weekend. Thanks for the recommendation.