The Naked Scientists Podcast How do we reduce harms to children from smartphones?
Nov 5, 2024
Join Joe Ryrie, co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, alongside neuropsychologist Richard Saitoik, who explores how screen time affects young brains. Wouter van den Bos shares stunning research on the emotional toll of social media likes on teenagers, while Sonia Livingstone discusses the impact of smartphone bans in schools. Together, they unravel the complex relationship between smartphone usage and children's mental health, calling for a balanced approach to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.
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Smartphone Free Childhood Origin
- Joe Ryrie's wife started a WhatsApp group to discuss concerns about children's smartphone use.
- This led to the creation of Smartphone Free Childhood, a campaign advocating for delaying smartphone ownership.
Smartphone Harms
- Increased smartphone use correlates with teen mental health issues and exposure to harmful content.
- Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, maximizing engagement and exploiting children's underdeveloped impulse control.
Delay Smartphones
- Delay giving children smartphones to mitigate peer pressure.
- Collective parental action can help create a smartphone-free environment for longer.