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What in the World

Bans on social media and phones - what is the evidence?

Dec 5, 2024
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.
16:48

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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