Beating the Detrimental Impacts of Smartphone Compulsion, as Written by Jonathan Haidt

In a thought-provoking article titled "End the Phone-Based Childhood Now," psychologist Susan Linn raises concerns about the detrimental impact of smartphones on children's development. The article, which also discusses the research of Jonathan Haidt, highlights the severe harm smartphones cause to young people's mental health, resilience, and psychosocial development.

The emergence of smartphones has exacerbated the loss of freedom to play and crucial opportunities for independence and personal responsibility. Young people spend enormous amounts of time using social media, often seven to nine hours per day, instead of playing, interacting face-to-face, or participating in physical activities. This excessive use can hinder social skills, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking abilities in children.

The barrages of notifications and virtual interactions lack the qualities of real-world interactions that foster human connections. As a result, friendlessness and feelings of loneliness increased, and suicide rates grew dramatically, especially for girls aged 10-14. Gen Z, born in and after 1996, is experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness compared to previous generations.

The article also notes a decline in academic performance globally as Generation Z entered adulthood. Many young people become addicted to social media, leading to social withdrawal, anxiety, and irritability. Gen Z individuals date less, have less interest in having children, and struggle more with employment and moving into independence.

The author calls for new norms supported by governments, schools, and parents to solve the problem. The article is a must-read for anyone concerned about the well-being of the next generation and the future of our society. It offers practical solutions to mitigate the negative impact of phones on children, such as setting boundaries, encouraging face-to-face interactions, and promoting physical activities.

The article raises concerns about the long-term consequences of a phone-based childhood on mental health, relationships, and overall success in life. Between 2010 and 2020, rates of depression and anxiety in the United States rose by more than 50% among adolescents. The article is well-researched, thought-provoking, and offers a call to action for parents, educators, and society to address the issue of phone-based childhood.