Bans on social media and phones - what is the evidence?
Dec 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Hayley Clarke, a BBC journalist, joins to explore the global debate on social media and phone bans in schools. She shares insights on various countries' approaches, including Australia's proposed law to limit social media for minors. The conversation dives into personal stories of addiction, alarming statistics about screen time, and the implications of increased digital exposure on mental health. Hear from students in France and the US on how they'd feel about bans, and listen to experts discuss the real evidence linking technology to social behavior issues.
Smartphone usage among teenagers is soaring, raising concerns over mental health and prompting countries to consider school bans for better focus.
Opinions on smartphone restrictions among students highlight a desire for balance between technological benefits and the need for improved mental health management.
Deep dives
Rising Smartphone Usage Among Teens
Smartphone usage among teenagers and young adults is significantly increasing, creating concerns about mental health and social dynamics. Data indicates that while adults use their phones for close to five hours a day, teenagers aged 11 to 14 can spend up to nine hours daily engaged with screens. This rising trend has led several countries, including France and Australia, to implement restrictions or trials that aim to limit smartphone access in schools to reduce distractions and cyberbullying. These measures highlight a growing awareness among policymakers of the potential negative effects smartphones may have on the younger population.
The Debate on Smartphone Bans in Schools
The effectiveness of smartphone bans in schools is a contentious topic among experts and educators. Some argue that restricting access improves mental health outcomes and reduces bullying, while others caution against a one-size-fits-all approach. Notably, studies have shown mixed results, with some trials suggesting that less rigid policies could be equally effective. Many experts advocate for a focus on educating children about responsible tech usage rather than imposing outright bans, as the complexities of adolescent behavior and digital engagement are often overlooked.
Different Perspectives from Students
Student opinions on smartphone restrictions reveal a mixture of support and concern. While some students feel that limiting phone use would promote better focus and social interactions, others express anxiety about not being able to communicate in emergencies or access educational resources. Real-life experiences shared by students demonstrate how smartphones serve dual purposes in their lives—both as tools for maintaining social connections and sources of distraction. This dichotomy underscores the need for a balanced approach that accommodates both the educational benefits of technology and the necessity for better mental health management.
Phones have become an essential part of most people’s everyday lives, and debates about them in schools - as well as teenagers’ access to social media - are internationally hot topics.
BBC journalist Hayley Clarke joins us in the studio to talk through different approaches to social media and phone bans in schools around the world. We also hear from students in France and the US about how they would feel about potential bans.
Hannah Ritchie, a BBC journalist, explains the situation in Australia, where the government says it will introduce "world-leading" legislation to ban children under 16 from social media.
Plus we hear from two professors on opposing sides of the debate, and ask what is the scientific evidence that shows phones and social media are bad for us?
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Hayley Clarke and Emilia Jansson
Video journalist: Adam Chowdhury
Editor: Verity Wilde
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode