Kids with Iphones need a wakeup call
Art by Raha Ghoroghchian
A child getting their first phone has become a modern-day rite of passage, sparking debates at the dinner table, stirring up opinions in the classroom and leaving parents wondering if they're handing over a lifeline or a pandora’s box of problems. While the convenience and safety offered by smartphones are undeniable, there are significant developmental concerns that come with giving children access to these devices at a young age.
Given that children's brains are still at a key point in developmental stages, they are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of prolonged screen exposure. Moreover unrestricted access can expose children to harmful content and it's nearly impossible for parents to monitor every aspect of their child’s online activity. Dr. Katie Lockwood; the Director of Behavioral Health Education at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia along with other experts recommend waiting until children are about 12 or 13 years old before giving them a smartphone. This approach strikes a balance between the need for safety and communication and the importance of protecting their developmental health. However, beyond the word of experts, there are many factors to consider in this decision.
Social media adds another layer of complexity. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram often exert pressure on young users to conform to certain appearances and behaviors, pushing them to grow up faster than they might be ready for. A prime example of this is the Garza Crew on TikTok featuring young influencers- Koti and Haven. This account showcases seven-year-old twins doing get-ready-with-me’s and going to Sephora for their millions of subscribers. At first glance this is innocent however putting children onto the internet at such an early age can expose them to hate and harassment online.
With the introduction of phone pouches to most of the classrooms here at Samo, the desire to use our phones has only increased as being told we can't use something just makes us want to even more. Alana Rivera (’13), an English teacher shares her experience managing students with full phone access.
“In the past students have spent more time playing games and worrying about text messages than focusing on their schoolwork which has definitely impacted their grades. Some students are able to focus with their phone on their tables but most are not so we need to keep enforcing fair rules for the benefit of all students,” Rivera said.
Misinformation on the internet, especially on social media also poses a significant risk for more impressionable kids. It's very easy to find yourself in a wormhole of misinformation and unable to find the line between credible information and misleading narratives. Exposure to misinformation can create confusion and potentially make kids distrust credible sources. This is especially heightened during election years when false political content spreads rapidly and high school students are having the opportunity to vote.
As high schoolers, most of us don't have the same parental restrictions that younger kids do when it comes to phone use, which means it's ultimately up to us to be responsible with how we use our phones. Poor time management can make phones a major distraction, often turning them into tools for procrastination. Instead of focusing on homework or studying, it's easy to get caught up mindlessly scrolling through social media or texting with friends. Managing our screen time wisely is crucial, not just for our education but for our mental health. Gemma Ubaldelli (’27) shares her experience managing screen time as a student-athlete.
“It can be really hard to find balance. I’ll try to do my homework and then find myself scrolling on TikTok. I know some people that have screen time restrictions enforced by themselves or their parents and that can really help with managing it. I use an app called Gauth to organize my notes and help me study for my classes,” Ubaldelli said.