By B.N. Frank
Research has indicated that children seem to be more vulnerable to the numerous and serious health problems associated with heavy tech use and exposure.
For many years, Silicon Valley parents and tech moguls have gone to great lengths to limit their own kids’ use and exposure to screens (see 1, 2, 3). They may be concerned about more than digital addiction. Blue Light from screens is harmful to eyes and the rest of the body (see 1, 2). In fact, electronics and screens have been blamed on an increase in nearsightedness among teens. Smartphone use has also been linked to temporary and permanent blindness. Electromagnetic radiation exposure from screens and other tech is linked to various health problems as well (see 1, 2, 3, 4).
A recent study also indicated that 80% of us hold our breath when we send an email or text. This condition has been named “Email Apnea.”
Documentaries have been produced to address the consequences of increasing tech use among children and teens. Organizations have been formed to address this as well. Children’s Screen Time Action Network recently produced this video featuring teens talking about tech.
From Environmental Health Trust:
Dear Parents: Messages from Tech-Wise Teens
From Children’s Screen Time Action Network
Dear Parents: Messages from Tech-Wise Teens from CCFC on Vimeo.
Moderated by digital wellness ambassador Aliza Kopans and author Amy Crouch, our young adult leaders offer a fresh perspective: one backed by their personal experiences as youth growing up in a digital age. Featured guest Max Stossel from Center for Humane Technology will share insights with our teen panel and they, in turn, will share insights with our audience. Discover how teens really feel about social media, phone use, and screen time. Parents and teens will come away with new strategies for having productive, meaningful conversations around tech.
Please go to Children’s Screen Time Action Network for more at
https://screentimenetwork.org/resource/dear-parents-messages-tech-wise-teens?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=d1424bb2-7335-445d-9b86-85d768b6d71e
