Considering Phone Bans for Under-16s: A Step Towards Protecting Youth?

Addiction Economy Thought for Today - about bans, again.

Just starting Jonathan Haidt's Anxious Generation. Really thoughtful and well researched book showing how damaging a digital childhood really is for young people now. I think much worse than even Joe Woof envisaged from the perspective of the ripe old age of 23. Really worth a read.

His most controversial ideas are about bans. Should phones be banned for under 16's? Should they be banned in school?

Not fully got my head around the practicalities, but I can see that this is something really worth considering. People will say 'but they will just get hold of them', get them illegally, etc'. Hmm maybe.

But looking at comparisons with vapes, alcohol, gambling and ultra processed food, which are all also addictive - a marker in the sand even if some rebel, could be seen as the mark of a civilised society which protects its young people. And, like vapes and unhealthy food where addictive products are part of childhood bad things happen.

But is it the phone, or just 3 or 4 Apps which could be made significantly less addictive, and enable young people to connect with each other and have a health wholesome life. Perhaps it isn't possible. But certainly could be improved.

More of this to come after July 11th when we are presenting on Addiction and Cyberspace to a scary group of knowledgeable folks!