This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/26/children-dumbphones-smartphones-app-usage-research

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Why you should give your child a dumbphone if you want them to be smarter Why you should give your child a dumbphone if you want them to be smarter
(5 months later)
New research reveals how app usage affects grades, adding to parents’ worries about mental healthNew research reveals how app usage affects grades, adding to parents’ worries about mental health
First, the good news. We middle-aged Brits are no longer condemned to the conversation- and soul-destroying monomania of debating house prices.First, the good news. We middle-aged Brits are no longer condemned to the conversation- and soul-destroying monomania of debating house prices.
Less good is what has displaced it – an epidemic of angst about when to allow teenagers a mobile, and what kind. I’m in the “very late and a brick” camp, but parents end up discussing the options for a smartphone-free childhood, inevitably, on WhatsApp.Less good is what has displaced it – an epidemic of angst about when to allow teenagers a mobile, and what kind. I’m in the “very late and a brick” camp, but parents end up discussing the options for a smartphone-free childhood, inevitably, on WhatsApp.
There’s lots we don’t know about the effects of smartphones but what we do know is not encouraging. The significant rise in teenage mental health problems coincides with the spread of smartphones and social media.There’s lots we don’t know about the effects of smartphones but what we do know is not encouraging. The significant rise in teenage mental health problems coincides with the spread of smartphones and social media.
The rollout of Facebook in US universities in the 2000s had a negative impact on students’ mental health and a new Chinese study revealed that for parents who focus on academic outcomes, the evidence is building of the effects of addictive apps on grades.The rollout of Facebook in US universities in the 2000s had a negative impact on students’ mental health and a new Chinese study revealed that for parents who focus on academic outcomes, the evidence is building of the effects of addictive apps on grades.
Researchers looked into phone data with university records on grades and post-graduation employment, tracking three cohorts of students for up to four years. Being a high user of apps was bad: it significantly reduced students’ grades (and physical health) but also their subsequent wages – reducing pay by 2.3%.Researchers looked into phone data with university records on grades and post-graduation employment, tracking three cohorts of students for up to four years. Being a high user of apps was bad: it significantly reduced students’ grades (and physical health) but also their subsequent wages – reducing pay by 2.3%.
Added to this is a new worry: the roommate. Not only because someone furiously tapping away is distracting, but also because phone/app use is contagious. The paper found that if your roommate increases app use, you suffer around half the negative effects that they do.Added to this is a new worry: the roommate. Not only because someone furiously tapping away is distracting, but also because phone/app use is contagious. The paper found that if your roommate increases app use, you suffer around half the negative effects that they do.
You never know, our new preoccupation might actually do more good than all that chat about the housing market.You never know, our new preoccupation might actually do more good than all that chat about the housing market.
Sign up to Observed
Analysis and opinion on the week's news and culture brought to you by the best Observer writers
after newsletter promotion
Torsten Bell is Labour MP for Swansea West and author of Great Britain? How We Get Our Future BackTorsten Bell is Labour MP for Swansea West and author of Great Britain? How We Get Our Future Back