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Do Young People Need Smartphones? A Parent and a Teen Weigh In.
Feb 4, 2025
Mark SooHoo is a dedicated parent and advocate with Wait Until 8th, promoting delayed smartphone use until high school. He discusses the importance of intentional technology discussions within families. Joining him is Jameson Butler, a high school senior and co-founder of the Luddite Club, who shares her experience of ditching her smartphone to combat digital addiction. Together, they explore concerns around mental health, cyberbullying, and the benefits of reduced screen time, encouraging a thoughtful approach to smartphone ownership for young people.
32:51
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Quick takeaways
- Many parents are delaying smartphone access for their children to mitigate mental health risks associated with early exposure to technology.
- Young people, like Jameson Butler, are actively choosing to reject smartphones in favor of healthier social interactions and increased engagement in real-life activities.
Deep dives
Rethinking Smartphone Usage for Kids
An increasing number of parents are choosing to delay giving smartphones to their children, particularly until at least the end of middle school. This movement is driven by concerns that early smartphone use may lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to social media exposure. Initiatives like 'Wait Until 8th,' which boasts over 90,000 participating parents, encourage families to think critically about the role of smartphones in their children's lives. The pledge aims to foster a community of parents who share similar concerns and seek to create a supportive environment for their kids to thrive without the distractions of smartphones.
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