A growing movement of parents is advocating for delaying smartphone access for children until age 14, but the pervasive use of technology in schools and other institutions undermines their efforts. The call for political intervention is to protect children from the potential harms of excessive screen time and online influences.
The ubiquity of screens in education, sports, and even children’s news programs exacerbates the problem, and tech companies are investing heavily in algorithms designed to capture attention, prioritizing profit over the well-being of children. This makes it nearly impossible for young people to resist the allure of screens, leading to detrimental effects on their mental health, democratic values, and brain development.
While well-intentioned initiatives to mitigate the negative impacts of social media and technology exist, the root cause of the problem will not be addressed unless the number of phones and laptops in education is drastically reduced. The focus should be on limiting children’s exposure to screens rather than attempting to adjust algorithms or create engaging content that draws them in further.
The introduction of a Netflix series about the dangers of the internet into schools is misguided, as Netflix itself is a tech company that profits from screen time. The most important lesson from such series is the danger of allowing technology to control children’s upbringing, a message that is contradicted by promoting a tech company’s product.
Banning smartphones in classrooms, though a positive step, has been insufficient, as children are still required to use laptops and phones for schoolwork at home, and many schools are nonchalantly forcing parents and children to have a laptop or phone at home. Even seemingly harmless app groups contribute to the problem, creating constant pressure and exposure to inappropriate content.
The use of laptops in education is also problematic, as they are essentially large phones that distract students and provide access to inappropriate material. Research shows that students learn better from paper and that laptops enable them to avoid critical thinking and rely on AI for answers.
Schools are often locked into expensive contracts for online learning packages, hindering their ability to transition away from digital education. Furthermore, systems designed to enhance efficiency, such as online grade portals and homework platforms, contribute to constant screen exposure and anxiety.
The fundamental issue is that excessive screen time, regardless of content, negatively impacts the developing brains of adolescents, leading to mental health problems. The brains of children who engage in real-world activities develop differently from those who spend their time online, making it crucial to prioritize analogue learning environments.
Parents who attempt to limit screen time face an uphill battle, as schools often require online homework and access to online resources. This creates a conflict between a child’s education and their mental well-being.
Setting boundaries and making agreements are essential for creating trust between parents and children. Political intervention is necessary to address the problem effectively, as schools, sports clubs, parents, and students cannot do it alone.