The article highlights the significant impact smartphones, introduced approximately 15 years ago, have had on childhood, fundamentally altering the way children experience the world. It argues that smartphones have “re-wired” childhood by exposing kids to a barrage of social media interactions, leading to heightened levels of comparison, seeking validation through likes, and encountering misinformation. Furthermore, smartphones have diverted children’s time away from essential activities such as outdoor play, exploration, socializing, and even sleep, which are vital for their well-being.
According to the article, this shift in childhood experiences has contributed to rising levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harm among young people. The author, referencing insights from psychologist Jonathan Haidt, suggests that the data presented in graphs are alarming and likely to instill fear in parents’ hearts, highlighting the urgent need to address the consequences of smartphone use on children’s mental health and overall development.
https://letgrow.org/haidt-atlantic