A recent article in the Conversation looks at the link between smartphones and mental health issues in teenagers. The article focuses on a new book by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt titled The Anxious Generation.
According to the article:
Haidt argues that the evidence is in. Teenagers’ widespread use of smartphones is causing a mental health crisis. Individual, collective and legislative action is required to limit their smartphone access.
The article critically examines the claim of a “mental health epidemic” among teenagers, the difficulty of assigning a cause to mental health issues, and what can be done about the problem.
The article cites Haidt’s four “foundational concerns” about smartphones:
- Social deprivation: a smartphone is an “experience blocker”, taking up hours a day that would otherwise be spent in physical play or in-person conversations with friends and family.
- Sleep deprivation: too many teenagers stay on their smartphones late at night when they need rest.
- Attention fragmentation: alerts and messages continually drag teenagers away from the present moment and tasks requiring concentration.
- Addiction: apps and social media are deliberately designed to hack vulnerabilities in teenagers’ psychologies, leading to an inability to enjoy anything else.
Well worth a read for parents!
(See also: Screens: 4 ways to help your child use them well)
