Childhood vs. Screens

Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash

It used to be that 10-year-olds would be found riding their bikes around the neighborhood, stopping at their local gas station for ice cream on the way home. Today, many children spend those same hours staring at the screen in their hands. Smartphones have become a part of everyday life, but when elementary students begin carrying the same devices as fully grown adults, it raises the question of whether or not children are getting access to these devices too early. For this reason, elementary kids should not have their own smartphones, as they are too young to handle the responsibility and risks that come with them.

At such a young age, most kids are still developing the judgment needed to handle access to the internet and simply aren’t ready for the responsibility that comes with having a phone.

Specifically, social media is designed for an older audience, and having unlimited access to the internet without parental guidance or restrictions can leave younger kids exposed to inappropriate content that is not appropriate for their age. Since younger kids’ brains aren’t fully developed, most are also yet to reach the level of maturity needed to understand everything they see online, making content confusing or upsetting. In a world where Artificial Intelligence is incorporated into social media content and entertainment, this can be particularly alarming, as it can be difficult to recognize misinformation and understand what is real versus what is exaggerated online.

Additionally, social media is designed to keep people entertained and to keep scrolling, and by giving younger children access to these things, it can make them more vulnerable to developing screen addictions as they grow older.

The early years of childhood are specifically important for developing language skills like vocabulary or phonology, acquired through adult interactions, according to the National Library of Medicine. However, when children have access to the internet, it is replacing this adult-to-adult interaction with a screen. Not only is childhood important for kids to develop educational skills, but it is also the time when children create the most memories with friends and family and find their hobbies. Replacing this time with watching TikToks on their phones can impact their mental health and overall well-being. Increased TV and screen exposure was shown to be linked to obesity, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Although giving children a cellphone with full access to the internet may seem like a purely negative action, there are still good reasons for a child to have a phone. In busy families, phones make it easy for parents to check in with their kids after school, coordinate rides to activities, or reach them quickly in an emergency. Knowing their child has the ability to call or text them can give parents peace of mind throughout the day.

However, full access to a smartphone is not the only solution to keep them safe. Instead, parents can set screen time restrictions on the phone to help prevent addiction, or restrict social media apps like Instagram or TikTok to protect their child from seeing content that may be unsafe or inappropriate. Simple calling devices or smartwatches are another alternative to avoid exposing younger kids to constant notifications and addictive apps.

Smartphones are powerful tools, but they are not always appropriate for younger children. Giving elementary students full access too early can lead to addiction and prevent them from exploring the world around them. Childhood is a time for learning and play, and it shouldn’t be replaced by screens. Kids should be riding bikes, hanging out with friends at the mall, and discovering hobbies without being glued to a phone.