[TheChaplain]

> Smartphones alone are not to blame for the problem.

Article states issues did not start until few years into 201x.

> Parents have less time for their children.

Do they? The current work week have been law for 84 years. In the 1970's (almost 60 years ago), it wasn't unusual for women pursuing higher education and a career instead of being home makers.

My point being, what is the difference today? What is so important than their children that parents spend time on?

[AstralStorm]

The differences, since we're talking 201x and later... (Which is the wrong cutoff for smartphones, should be about 2005) You're framing it as individual problem when it's a systemic one.

* Emergence of gig work and work at home

* Increased prevalence of multiple jobs

* Increased stress levels on parents

* Increased workload per person draining people

* Higher average parent age meaning less energy more health issues

* Increased cost of extracurricular activities for children

And the damn socials got optimized for maximum engagement too.

[Zetobal]

2005? You are a bit optimistic on how technology traverses. Smartphone were in an enthusiastic niche at the time and that didn't really change until 2009-2010. Just look at the iPhone sale numbers.