What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones
9 days ago
- #parenting
- #screen_time
- #childhood
- Children raised on screens desire more real-world freedom.
- A survey of 500 children aged 8-12 shows a phone-based childhood is prevalent, with many using smartphones and social media.
- 75% of kids aged 9-12 play Roblox, but most aren't allowed unsupervised outdoor play.
- Kids prefer unstructured, in-person play over organized activities or online socialization.
- Parental fears of unsupervised play are exaggerated, with risks like kidnapping being extremely rare.
- Over-supervision leads to decreased independence and increased anxiety and depression in children.
- Organized activities have replaced free play, contributing to children's stress and lack of autonomy.
- Initiatives like unsupervised park play and screen-free 'play clubs' are emerging to restore childhood freedom.
- Programs like Let Grow encourage kids to try new activities independently, fostering confidence and competence.
- Kids express a desire for more in-person social interactions, indicating a longing for real-world experiences over digital ones.