“This is the parenting issue of our generation. Whether you decide to give your kid a smartphone in 5th grade or hold off until high school like we recommend, you will be dealing with this issue. It is our responsibility to get educated so we can make the best decisions for our family.”
Recommended Reading
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The Anxious Generation
A must-read for all parents: the generation-defining investigation into the collapse of youth mental health in the era of smartphones, social media, and big tech—and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood. “Words that chill the parental heart… thanks to Mr. Haidt, we can glimpse the true horror of what happened not only in the U.S. but also elsewhere in the English-speaking world… lucid, memorable… galvanizing.” —Wall Street Journal
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Substack - Thoughts From a Digital Mom
Thoughts from a Digital Mom is a digital parenting newsletter. Sarah created it to share insights from her experience working in media and tech for the last 20 years and specifically the insight and perspective she gained working on content safety at a social media platform. She covers a wide range of topics in an approachable way. We are subscribers and regular readers.
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Workbook/Lessons for Families
Kids' Brains and Screens is an insightful and engaging exploration of how digital technology is shaping the minds of young people. It provides accessible explanations of complex ideas, making it an invaluable resource for both young readers and the adults guiding them. Ideal for students, educators.
It includes lessons and quizzes you can go through with children.
The Anxious Generation Resources
Jonathan Haidt’s website includes all the best books, family resources, newsletters and podcasts. We highly recommend going to his website to find the latest and greatest resources.
Documentaries to Watch
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Childhood 2.0
Featuring actual parents and kids as well as industry-leading experts in child safety and development, this documentary dives into the real-life issues facing kids today — including cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more.
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The Social Dilemma
This documentary dives into the manipulation techniques that social media and technology companies use to addict users. Hear from the creators of Facebook’s Like button and executives at Google on why they don’t let their kids have phones.
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Screenagers
This film requires a license, but it is fantastic film that probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world.
Alternative Devices
Choosing the right device for your child can be overwhelming. Many parents feel unsure when selecting an age-appropriate phone and often face regret and challenges afterward. There are so many options out there! We have done our research and here are four options that we recommend. Of course there are more but these are a great place to start!