Do Young People Need Smartphones? A Parent and a Teen Weigh In.
Feb 4, 2025
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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.
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.
Community Support and Collective Decisions
Many parents report feeling more empowered when they connect with others who share their views on delaying smartphone access. Community efforts, like those organized by Mark Suhu and his wife, have led to significant engagement, with pledges from around 600 families in their area alone. Reinforcing a sense of togetherness alleviates parental concerns over isolating their children socially, as parents discuss alternative communication methods, such as smartwatches or traditional phones. This collective approach not only helps families navigate challenges but also opens discussions about technology's role in their lives.
Teen Perspectives on Technology Choices
Young people are also taking the initiative by rejecting smartphones for themselves, showcasing a growing awareness of digital well-being. One example is Jameson Butler, a high school senior who switched to a flip phone and founded the Luddite Club, which encourages fellow teens to spend time without screens. This movement highlights the potential benefits of reducing screen time, such as increased happiness, curiosity, and engagement in real-life activities. The club brings like-minded individuals together, allowing members to explore hobbies and develop connections beyond digital platforms.
Navigating Modern Challenges
While the benefits of waiting to give children smartphones are clear, challenges still arise, such as feelings of social exclusion or difficulties with modern conveniences. Parents need to support their children in navigating social dynamics without relying on constant connectivity, while also discussing safety and communication strategies. Despite the potential social friction, having conversations about technology's implications encourages children to be more discerning about their digital lives. Ultimately, it’s about fostering a healthy relationship with technology by promoting alternatives and understanding their own needs and boundaries.
It’s become the norm for teens and tweens to have smartphones — but lately, the pendulum has been swinging back. Parents and educators worry smartphones can cause distraction, loneliness and other mental health challenges among young people. So when is the right time to give your kid a smartphone, if at all? Mark SooHoo, a parent involved with the organization Wait Until 8th, shares why he and his wife are holding off until at least high school. Plus, high school senior and Luddite Club co-founder Jameson Butler explains why she ditched her smartphone altogether.
If you’ve had to navigate this conversation with your kids, I’d love to hear how it went. You can reach us by email at CNNTermsofService@Gmail.com.