Thinking We’ll Wait Until 8th

1

Along with many of you, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the effects of increased technology usage with my kids. It’s coming from every direction. At home we have televisions, computers, iPads, iPods, iPhones, and an Xbox. We visit the library and my kids want to sit on the iPads and computers there. They go to school and use Chromebooks much of the day and are able to bring their own technology for time between classes. 

“Connection is inevitable, distraction is a choice.” Alex Soojung-Kim Pan

While technology affords this generation an incredible source of knowledge, communication and creativity, I have to question the cost.

I recently had lunch with a friend and her daughter who had just attended Middle School Orientation. As a former Middle School teacher, I was nearly giddy to ask this incoming 6th grader all about trying out her locker, her classroom routes, and seeing her friends again after summer break. My heart sunk when she explained, “Well, nobody really talked much because everyone had their phones. So, a few of us tried our lockers, but then everyone just looked at their phones.”

I’m not about to stick my head in the sand and pretend that previous generations had it all figured out. In fact, research from the CDC has shown that today’s youth are much less likely to smoke, drink, use drugs and have underage sex than previous generations. But, organizations such as the National Institute of Drug Abuse and news outlets such as the New York Times are beginning to explore the relationship between these declines and the ‘virtual realities’ that our kids are living on their phones. 

This seems to be the most connected and ironically least connected generation of kids that America has seen. 

While correlation does not always mean causation, I have to admit that these shifts are intriguing. Common Sense Media reports that teens are spending nearly 9 hours a day on technology and tweens over 6 hours per day; and that 50% of teens feel that they are addicted to their mobile devices.  

“Where is the research?” asks Jim Steyer, executive director of Common Sense Media. “We’re conducting the biggest experiment on our kids- the digital transition – without research.”

Could it be that there is simply a shift in the source of addiction? And, what does this new addiction mean for the future of our kids?  Just take a moment to Google (on your own device, of course!): Digital Detox.  There are books, clinics, seminars and retreats all speaking to this addiction to technology. These Detox programs advertise that they can help people to start talking to each other again, help people learn real connection by becoming more present, learn to be authentic, compassionate and understanding as well as teaching people to celebrate being human and rediscover their purpose. Yet, these are all foundational things that we’re striving to to teach our children each day!  Is it possible that over-use of technology is countering our objectives?

Just a few things that research has shown regarding our children using hand held devices:

  • Usage decreases outside time and hands-on creative play
  • Increased risk of exposure to sexual content and sexual predators
  • Increased risk for cyber-bullying
  • Time on Social Media can promote narcissism
  • Risk of Emotional detachment as face-to-face social interactions with peers and adults decrease
    • Can lead to a struggle with real-life relationships
  • Increased risk for childhood anxiety and depression
  • Contribute to Insomnia and Sleep Impairments
  • Smartphones are an academic distraction
  • Smartphones are addictive 

As I’ve been reading and pondering, I’ve come to the conclusion that if the weather calls for rain, I bring an umbrella. If the weather forecasts a cold front, I bring my coat. And, when I see staggering statistics of the lasting effects of my kids creating and living in a virtual reality on their devices, I have to act.  

Wait Until 8th is a movement quickly gaining ground that empowers parents to stand strong in waiting until 8th grade to give their kids smartphones. Childhood is so very short. Could it be possible that by handing our children their own devices too early that we are dimming their imaginations and handicapping their abilities to form real connections? We are so very careful in every area of our children’s lives: doing our research on immunizations, schools, foods, chemicals, friends, neighborhoods and more. We simply cannot ignore this potentially debilitating addiction.  

Are we willingly allowing our kids to succumb to this addiction because it allows us, ourselves, the peace and quiet to enjoy this same fix that we’re also addicted to? Are we too distracted to see the gradual damage that burrowing within a virtual reality is causing? Or are we setting boundaries and finding balance between real life and these worthy devices?

What are your thoughts on these findings? And, how will your family address this growing addiction amongst our youth, and let’s face it, ourselves?

1 COMMENT

  1. Awesome article Laura. As parents we are definitely guilty about letting the children stay on their devices so that we can be on ours or “get something done.” We all need to realize how precious our days are with our children and don’t allow so many of them to slip away behind a screen, whether that be ours or theirs.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here