Jonathan Haidt, a professor at New York University, is leading the charge in a movement to create a smartphone-free childhood. The initiative seeks to delay the introduction of smartphones to children and teenagers, with the aim of safeguarding their mental health and promoting more traditional forms of play. Haidt proposes four straightforward norms for parents to follow in order to achieve this objective. The movement comes in response to growing evidence that early smartphone use correlates with increased mental health issues among youths.
Haidt's first recommendation is clear: children should not receive smartphones before the age of 14. This guideline emerges from research indicating that young individuals who receive their first smartphone at an older age report fewer mental health problems. A comprehensive global study involving 27,969 participants aged 18 to 24 highlights this trend. It found that those who received their first smartphone at age six reported significantly more mental health harms compared to those who got their first device at age 15. Notably, 74% of female respondents who received their first phone at age six reported feeling distressed or struggling, a figure that dropped to 52% for those who waited until age 15.
In advocating for a return to traditional childhood experiences, Haidt suggests replacing digital interactions with real-life activities. He emphasizes the importance of reinstating a play-based childhood where children have the autonomy to play outdoors, be independent, and take risks. This shift is intended to give children back an exciting and fulfilling childhood that fosters real-world skills and independence.
Zach Rausch, a research scientist at NYU, supports Haidt's initiative and suggests that parents should organize with others in their children's class for collective action. By doing so, parents can collectively agree on delaying smartphone use, making the transition smoother for children who might otherwise feel excluded. Rausch illustrates this approach with a reassuring statement: "Well, Johnny is also not getting his smartphone till 14."
The second norm Haidt proposes is delaying social media access until age 16. He argues that social media platforms are "wildly inappropriate for minors" and should be off-limits until children are more mature. Australia has already implemented a social media ban for those under 16, setting a precedent that Haidt believes more countries should follow. Additionally, many schools in England have enforced bans or restrictions on phone use during school hours, underscoring the negative impact smartphones have on learning environments. Haidt states:
"What we're seeing is…the teachers all hate the phones, kids can't learn when they're on TikTok and video games and porn during class" – Jonathan Haidt
For schools, Haidt suggests implementing phone-free policies, which he believes should be government-enforced to ensure consistent application. Such measures would prevent distractions and allow students to focus on their education without the interference of digital devices. Haidt's overarching message is encapsulated in his assertion:
"Four simple norms and if most of us do them we solve the problem" – Jonathan Haidt
He acknowledges that while two of these norms require governmental intervention, the other two can be implemented by parents independently.
A common concern among children is feeling left out if they do not have a smartphone while their peers do. Haidt addresses this by suggesting alternatives such as flip phones that allow for communication without the extensive functionalities of a smartphone:
"Let them have a flip phone, but remember, a smartphone isn't really a phone. They could make phone calls on it, but it's a multi-purpose device by which the world can get to your children" – Jonathan Haidt