Want to raise happy, successful kids? ‘Wait as long as possible’ to give them a phone, says Yale expert

CNBC, October 23, 2023

How old should a child be before getting their first cell phone? It is a question we get asked all the time by parents. According to Yale University psychology professor Laurie Santos there is only one correct answer: “Wait as long as possible.” She goes on to say “I think the more we can hold off on giving kids technology — the longer, the better,” She backs up her claims with studies that show too much screentime is likely to encourage poor mental health in children.

Is Social Media Addictive? Here’s What the Science Says

New York Times, October 25, 2023

Experts who study internet use say that the magnetic allure of social media makes it so that consumers find it hard to turn away from the incoming stream of information. David Greenfield, a psychologist and founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction said the devices lure users with some powerful tactics, just like a slot machine. As with a slot machine, users are beckoned with lights and sounds but, even more powerful, information and rewards tailored to a user’s interests and tastes. Young people are particularly at risk, because the brain regions that are involved in resisting temptation and reward are not nearly as developed in children and teenagers as in adults.

Parents urged to delete their kids’ social media accounts ahead of possible Israeli hostage videos

CNN Business, October 12, 2023

Schools in Israel, the UK and the US are advising parents to delete their children’s social media apps over concerns that Hamas militants will broadcast or disseminate disturbing videos of hostages who have been seized this month. Parents have voiced their concerns: “We cannot allow our kids to watch this stuff. It is also difficult, furthermore – impossible – to contain all this content on social media.” This is a good reminder that parents need to be always aware of the content on their children’s screens.

41 states sue Meta, claiming Instagram and Facebook are addictive and harmful to kids

Washington Post, October 24, 2023

The federal lawsuit alleges that the company engaged in a “scheme to exploit young users for profit” by misleading users about its safety features and the prevalence of harmful content on its products, harvesting data from younger users and violating federal laws on children’s privacy. We have long been concerned about these social media apps violations against COPPA, the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act. The lawsuit seeks a variety of remedies, including substantial civil penalties.

Michigan teen’s suicide highlights growing dangers of online sextortion plots

ABC News, October 20, 2023

Jordan DeMay was a typical and outgoing 17-year-old who his friends and family say made everyone’s life brighter. But last year, after the Upper Peninsula Michigan high school homecoming king received a message from an Instagram account that appeared to be a teenage girl, he wound up going down a dark road that within only six hours would end with him taking his own life. “Impact x Nightline” takes a look at Jordan’s death and the growing sextortion scams targeting teens around the country in a new episode now streaming on Hulu. We recommend viewing this episode with your middle and high school students.

New York State takes steps to protect children online

ABC News Buffalo, October 11, 2023

 New York elected leaders have come together to announce two new bills to protect children online. According to the governor’s office, recent research has shown the mental health impacts associated with children and young adults’ excessive social media use which includes increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. The two New York State bills are titled Bill #1: Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and Bill #2: The New York Child Data Protection Act.