Are Smartphones Damaging Kids' Brains?

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By Zoe Session, December 24th 2024 

       On June 29th 2007 the first Iphone was invented, the Iphone touch. Since then Apple has created numerous different products. Such as Airpods, Ipads, and Apple watches. Over time these products have been more effective in our daily life. But I think kids' brains have gotten worse due to this technology? 

Kids' phones are part of their daily routine with an average of minimum 3 hours a day. Scrolling through social media or even texting friends. Studies show that since kids have social media that social interactions have decreased over time.“American teens and young adults spent about an hour a day socializing in person in 2012, but that figure sank to a half hour a day by 2022.” Jean Twenge said this in her article “Smartphones are damaging kids' brains” proving that social time in-person has decreased due to phones.

Jean Twenge also studied how smartphones made kids' depression levels increase over the years. “More than twice as many American teens suffered from major depression in 2022 than did in 2011.” She said this in her article showing the audience that kids' depression is increasing. This is because of social media and other things like that.  “It is much more likely that smartphones and social media became increasingly popular, leading to the increase in teen depression. “  This is  another example showing that smartphones are making kids’ depression levels increase.

Smartphones greatly affect children's mental health, bringing both good and bad effects. They help kids stay connected and find information, but too much use can cause mental health problems. Research shows that kids aged 9 to 11 who see their parents focused on their phones often feel more anxious, have trouble paying attention, and show hyperactive behavior. Being constantly exposed to social media can disrupt sleep, reduce in-person interactions, and create feelings of not measuring up to others. Young users face added stress and anxiety due to fears of missing out (FOMO) and the dangers of cyberbullying. Research indicates that increased smartphone use leads to greater mental distress, particularly in girls. This situation raises worries about the long-term impact of smartphone use on children's learning, development, and overall health. 

So do you think kids’ brains are getting more and more damaged from smartphones?