Economist Podcasts Babbage: Teens and their screens
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May 1, 2024 
In this enlightening discussion, Tom Wainwright, technology and media editor at The Economist, teams up with Pete Etchells, a Bath Spa University psychology professor and author of "Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time." They explore the complex effects of smartphones on teenagers' mental health, addressing rising anxiety and depression rates. The duo emphasizes the importance of understanding individual experiences over blanket blame. They advocate for promoting digital literacy and the quality of content rather than merely limiting screen time.
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Viral Parental Concern
- Claire Fernyhough and Daisy co-founded "Smartphone Free Childhood" after sharing their anxieties about their daughters getting smartphones.
- The group rapidly grew to over 70,000 members, highlighting widespread parental concern.
Delayed Access
- Smartphone Free Childhood advocates delaying smartphone and social media access for children.
- They believe that constant access to powerful devices is the core issue.
Correlation vs. Causation
- The rise of smartphones coincides with a decline in youth mental health in rich countries, raising concerns about a possible link.
- Some dismiss this as a moral panic, similar to past concerns about novels or pop music.
