The debate about whether and when to give children cell phones has been going on for years. But recently, the issue has moved to the forefront of national debate.
From parent movements to best-selling books, a movement has emerged that believes smartphones are ruining childhoods and that young people should be banned from owning them. It’s not hard to think why. They are addictive, keep kids glued to screens instead of playing, can be used for online bullying, and are one of the reasons why so many kids are watching porn.
But there are positives too. It provides parents with the peace of mind that their children can be reached when they need help, and it provides a much-needed social connection for marginalized groups. So how worried should parents be? blake montgomeryThe Guardian’s US technology editor looks at what the science says about children and phone use.
Annalisa Barbieri She and her daughter answer questions for readers in the Guardian’s Saturday magazine. raffaella Explain how they view this difficult discussion.they say Helen Pitt How they worked together to overcome the pitfalls of social media and smartphones without resorting to bans.
Photo: Alex Segre/Alamy
