Smart Phones Are Stealing Childhood
Children are spending less time playing in nature, spending time with friends, reading books and investing in family time. Their hours are now full of TikTok, Instagram and catching up on YouTube.
There are some alarming statistics to consider if you’ve a tween who is BEGGING you for a smart phone!
smart phones are addictive
New research shows dependence on your smartphone may produce some of the same addictive brain responses similar to alcohol, drug and gambling addictions (source). Smartphones are like slot machines in your children’s pocket, constantly persuading them to crave more. This is often called “the attention economy”. More time on an app = more profits for the company.
Children are more vulnerable to persuasive design techniques because the frontal lobe of a human brain is not fully developed until age 25 or later. The frontal lobe is responsible for impulse control, self- management, future planning, decision-making, empathy and more. Therefore, developmentally, children and teens are not fully able to self-regulate device use. They need our help!
smart phones are altering brain development
A National Institutes of Health study found that using electronic devices such as smartphones for more than seven hours a day thinned kids’ cortex, the part of the brain that processes information from the five senses. More than two hours a day can affect scores on thinking and language tests, the study found (PMC6487868).
smart phones increase the risk of anxiety and depression
The earlier kids get smartphones, the worse their mental health as adults. A new study of 27,000+ people found that owning a smartphone younger predicts lower self-worth, motivation and resilience—and more sadness, anxiety and aggression, especially for girls (source).
smart phones affect sleep
Studies show that the use of smartphones and other portable devices with screens affects the quantity and quality of sleep in children and teens.
Sleep disturbance in childhood are known to have adverse effects on health, including poor diet, obesity, weakened immune system, stunted growth, and mental health issues (PMC5380441).
smart phones affect attention & academic achievement
how to approach phones with kids
WAIT as late as possible to give your child a smart phone, at least 14 years, ideally wait until they're 16 years old.
When you do give your child a phone, buy a 'dumb phone'. A great way to prepare your child for responsible phone ownership, they don't run social media apps or have as much internet access. Your child gets the connection that they want, without the risks of social media and online access that come with a smartphone. Comment PHONE for list.
When your teen does get a phone, encourage them not charge the phone beside their bed and not use it 30 mins before bed.
list of “dumb” phones
Just as you're safeguarding and advocating for your child's physical health, it's equally important to protect their mental wellbeing. This list of “dumb” phones without smart technology that are available locally and abroad 📱
New Zealand: Tone down Tech (AGM M6 or AGM M8), Alcatel OneTouch, Nokia 8210, Nokia 5710 XpressAudio, Nokia 2660 Flip from Spark
Australia: Nokia 8210, Nokia 110, Easyfone T100, Nokia 2660, Nokia 5710 Xpress, Light Phone II
United States: TickTalk (I don't love this is wearable however and caution EMF's on a child vs in bag, Gabb phones Wisephone II, Troomi, Punkt MP02, light phone
