The increasing scrutiny surrounding the smartphone use by children and teenagers has led many of those who grew up with technology to reconsider its role in their lives. A growing number of digital natives, like Sophie, now 18 and studying at the University of Edinburgh, reflect critically on their earlier enthusiasm for smartphones. In her case, early exposure to distressing content, including extreme violence and graphic material shared by peers, has forged a resolve against allowing her future children such access until adulthood. “Until you’re an adult and able to recognise the many ways in which people act deviantly to advance their own interests, you should not be online,” she asserts.

Sophie is not alone. Recent data indicates that nearly half of young people might prefer a world without the internet, with a similar number advocating for digital curfews. More than three-quarters report feeling worse about themselves after engaging with social media, highlighting the emotional toll these platforms can inflict. This distrust aligns with a broader trend of scepticism towards the technology many grew up with, driven in part by an alarming rise in issues such as cyberbullying and mental health struggles. Netflix's recent series, "Adolescence," has further fuelled discussion about the negative impact of social media on youth mental health and the troubling online misogyny that has emerged on various platforms.

Izzy Bouric, a 24-year-old artist, echoes these sentiments, criticising how the lines between childhood and adulthood have blurred on sites like Instagram and TikTok. “I was on [the children's game] Club Penguin at their age—what you could actually say was limited… and now you have 12-year-olds on Instagram reading Nazi comments,” she observes. Bouric, who felt overwhelmed by social media's pervasive negativity, has opted for a simpler life with a flip phone. She believes firmly that smartphones aren’t suitable for children until their brains have fully developed. “Your parents not knowing what you’re doing is not the safest thing in the world,” she adds, underscoring the need for greater parental involvement in online activities.

Concerns about smartphone use extend beyond emotional disturbances; they also implicate cognitive development. Tobias, a 20-year-old from Austria, experienced firsthand how smartphones altered social interactions among his peers. With friends absorbed in their screens, opportunities for genuine conversation declined sharply. “I found myself in moments of despair after watching short video content for two to three hours straight and wondering, ‘Wow, that went fast and I have no time left for things I actually want to do,’” he reflects. Recognising the impact these devices have on attention spans and mental wellbeing, Tobias advocates for limiting smartphone access to children.

Lethe, a student paramedic from Birmingham, articulates similar apprehensions. She observed marked differences in her friends’ behaviours after they gained access to smartphones—bullying incidents increased, and attention spans decreased. Now, she is unequivocal about her future parenting: her child would not receive a smartphone until at least age 16. Such caution is echoed by Nora, a 23-year-old project manager from Spain, who describes her own experiences with unwanted online advances and the toxic nature of online interactions. She is particularly worried about her younger brother, who is exposed to harmful messaging on platforms like TikTok.

In the political arena, legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act aims to mitigate some of these risks. Introduced in Congress, this act seeks to impose a "duty of care" on tech companies, calling for increased privacy protections and restrictions on addictive features. While it has garnered bipartisan support and backing from major tech companies, critics warn that it could impose undue censorship on free speech, particularly against marginalized communities. This ongoing debate reflects a larger global movement towards safeguarding children online, coinciding with similar initiatives in various countries.

Social psychologists like Sonia Livingstone argue for a more measured approach to smartphone regulation, suggesting that the quality of screen time is more critical than the quantity. Livingstone proposes that tech companies enhance parental controls as well, which could empower families to navigate the digital landscape in a healthier manner. There is a mounting demand not only for improved corporate accountability but also for educational resources that help parents and children alike understand the complexities of digital life.

With high-profile figures, including Prince Harry, speaking out against the growing epidemic of anxiety and depression linked to social media use among youth, the conversation is shifting towards increased awareness and action. He emphasised the need for ethical accountability from social media platforms, advocating for proactive measures to protect young users.

As today's digital natives grow into adulthood, their experiences can inform a more thoughtful approach to technology use among younger generations. It is becoming increasingly clear that a balance must be struck, one that considers both the potential benefits of connectivity and the serious mental health challenges posed by constant digital engagement. This nuanced dialogue will undoubtedly shape the policies and practices surrounding youth and technology for years to come.

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Source: Noah Wire Services