This book is a "must-read" for parents, as it advocates for banning smartphones in schools, according to Bill Gates.

Bill Gates believes that modern-day children may miss out on the same opportunities he had as a child, which he believes contributed to his successful career. He believes that the freedom and free time he had in his youth allowed him to explore the world, read, and think deeply without the distractions of smartphones and social media.

Unlike previous generations, today's kids spend less time outdoors, exploring and playing with friends due to the prevalence of smartphones and social media.

According to Jonathan Haidt's 2024 best-selling book "The Anxious Generation," the shift from a "play-based childhood" to a "phone-based" one has led to a cultural shift that has contributed to rising rates of mental health issues in younger generations, as well as other negative effects on kids' ability to learn and socialize.

In a December blog post, Gates stated that the book is a "must-read" for anyone with young people in their lives. He wondered if he would have developed certain habits and skills that were "essential to my success later on" if he had grown up in a world where smartphones and social media were prevalent.

'We're constantly being pulled back to our devices'

A 2024 Pew Research Center study shows that 95% of U.S. teens have regular access to a smartphone, compared to 23% in 2011, and most of them are active on social media.

According to Zach Rausch, the lead researcher to Haidt and an associate research scientist at NYU-Stern School of Business, more kids are spending hours indoors scrolling through addictive apps, reducing the time they spend on free-play and socializing outside.

Rausch explains that products are intentionally designed to keep people on them for as long as possible, which has significant consequences.

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy cautioned against the mental health risks of young people's excessive use of social media and smartphones, citing research indicating it can increase anxiety and depression rates. Haidt and Rausch also emphasized the impact on attention spans, with children struggling to concentrate for extended periods, whether in school or while reading a book.

"Young people, in particular, struggle to stay focused due to the constant distractions of notifications and a world happening in their pockets throughout the school day."

Studies have indicated that children's social development may suffer when they spend too much time on devices and not enough interacting with others in person.

According to Rausch, research indicates that kids are spending significantly less time interacting with each other, which is detrimental to their social development. Rausch emphasizes the importance of free play and in-person interactions, as they have been shown to enhance creativity, resilience, social skills, and conflict resolution.

"As you age, it becomes increasingly difficult to develop certain skills. This is because kids are becoming more risk-averse and socially anxious, making it harder for them to transition from childhood to adulthood."

'4 new norms' for parents in the digital age

Rausch and Haidt propose four new norms for parents to reduce the ubiquity of smartphones and social media in their children's daily lives, in an effort to help today's youth develop necessary skills and potentially address the teen mental health crisis.

1. No smartphones for kids before high school, or age 14

According to Haidt and Raush, kids should start using simple flip phones for texting and calling in middle school.

2. No social media before age 16

Young people's brain development and mental health risks can be increased by regular social media use, despite most platforms setting their minimum age requirement at 13.

Dr. Mitch Prinstein, the American Psychological Association's chief science officer, advised CNBC Make It in 2023 that "unfettered access to social media should be delayed for as long as possible — at least until age 16."

3. Ban smartphones in schools

Rausch suggests that the school day should prioritize "learning and paying attention." To achieve this, he recommends eliminating the distraction of students being fixated on their devices. This would result in several smartphone-free hours a day, thereby promoting focus and in-person socialization.

4. More free play and independence for kids of all ages

Giving more independence during recess periods can be beneficial for children's development. Let's extend recess to provide a play-based childhood experience at school.

Rausch suggests that parents motivate kids to engage in phone-free activities that foster independence. Although it may seem challenging, providing a gentle push could be beneficial, as 38% of teens surveyed by the Pew Research Center admitted to spending too much time on their phones.

In 2017, Haidt established an initiative called Let Grow, which provides resources such as research on the benefits of unstructured play and assignments for parents and schools to encourage safe and independent activities without phones. Rausch suggests that this could include a solo trip to the grocery store to pick up ingredients to bake something on their own.

"Rausch explains that children often discover their independence and capabilities when they engage in activities on their own, with their parents' permission. This can help parents see their child's potential and make the real world more appealing to them."

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