[climber604]

Not that long ago screen time meant a TV in the living room. Gaming meant a hardwired console on that same TV, or a computer in the computer room. When you weren't at home, there was not a screen. In today's World, the screen is in your pocket wherever you go. Children know this and the temptation is hard to resist when screen time is so accessible.

Children see a large majority of adults engaged with their screens and think, if they can do it, why can't I? Next time you're on the bus or subway look around and try to find the other person doing the same. Practically everyone is looking down unaware of their surroundings. It's the World we live in today and our children are following our lead. Parents need to do their best to set an example.

[SolaceQuantum]

From what I understand, people read yellow journalism and newspapers before phones on public transport. (Also, books were considered similar to phones for children nowadays.) Phones are definitely a whole new problem, but I don't think it's correct to describe it as fundamentally different behavior than the past in any way wrt adult asociality.