Really, it seems nuts that we let kids carry them at all.
It sounds pretty wild, butseveral countries have already implemented this exact ban.
“Smartphones pose several dangers for kids, both psychological and physical.
Kid using a smartphone.PAN XIAOZHEN / Unsplash
“Excessive screen time can lead to obesity due to sedentary behavior.
Additionally, kids may unwittingly share private information, making them susceptible to online predators and identity theft.”
The pandemic also accelerated the use of technology in schools, with virtual classes becoming common.
Children at school using smartphones.Dobrila Vignjevic/Getty
Dobrila Vignjevic/Getty
You’ll also know how distracting and attention-grabbing a phone can be for adults.
For kids, they are a distraction from the purposes of schooleducation, learning social and cultural interaction.
Phones are a vector for bullying, misinformation, and twisting social expectations.
Teens using cellphones at school.izusek/Getty
I have a friend whose pre-teen kid lifts weights and wants to take protein supplements, thanks to Instagram.
“Banning smartphones for kids can have several benefits.
Firstly, it can promote the development of social skills in real-life interactions.
“Secondly, a ban on smartphones can encourage increased physical activity.
This can contribute to their overall health and well-being.”
As smartphones have become more popular, students have become less and less willing to give up their phones.
The same goes for Tasmania.
The Netherlands and Finland both enacted bans this year, which will go into force next year.
izusek/Getty
But banning phones and then letting kids carry them doesn’t seem like it would have much effect.
Perhaps schools could use those little locking pouches that some musicians require at their concerts to stop phone use.
But that’s just implementation.
And to be honest, it’s something that might benefit adults from time to time, too.
