Most teens report feeling happy or peaceful when they go without smartphones, Pew survey finds
Associated PressMAR 2024
Survey: Nearly 75% of Teens Report Feeling Happy, Peaceful Without Phones
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The Spin
Narrative A
Screen time has led children to feel isolated, endure cyberbullying, and view content that either portrays unattainable success or far more sinister themes of a sexual or violent nature. This, coupled with the fact that phones strip children of the necessary coping skills to survive into adulthood, has tragically led to an increase in mental health issues and suicide. Minors should be free of phones until their late teens, at which point they'll have developed enough to engage with these devices healthily and responsibly.
Narrative B
Rather than restricting children's access to smartphones and social media, thereby undermining their agency and obstructing opportunities to socialize and learn online, more must be done to regulate big tech companies currently benefiting from dangerous and damaging algorithms. Big Tech is not doing enough to protect users of all ages from illegal activity and inappropriate content — with firmer legislation and proper education, children could benefit from freer use of smartphones.