The persistent plea echoes in my home: "Everyone has a phone! All my friends are on Snapchat!" My pre-teen children feel left out, and the pressure to relent on smartphones and social media is immense. Yet, I remain steadfast in my belief that controlled access to technology is what’s best for their well-being.
We're not screen-free. My children use tablets and gaming consoles for online games and Kids Messenger, all with strict time limits and monitoring. This balance allows them to connect and play, without being consumed by the digital world's darker aspects.
Jonathan Haidt’s "The Anxious Generation" reinforces my stance. He powerfully details how smartphones and social media contribute to rising adolescent anxiety and depression. I see the dangers: the constant performance anxiety, the comparison trap, and the addictive nature of these platforms. A controlled game is vastly different from an algorithm-driven world designed to exploit young brains.
While convenience and "keeping up" are common arguments, I prioritize their mental health and the development of crucial life skills gained from unfiltered engagement.
To other parents: resist the pressure for open access. "Everyone has one" doesn't equate to "it's good for them." Understand the science, read Haidt’s book, and stand firm. The long-term well-being of our children — a childhood rich in real-world experiences and authentic connections — is a prize far greater than any temporary relief from their pleas. Let's give them the gift of a balanced, mindful childhood.
Adam Mateske, Rochester
The Trust Project
