[kube-system]

Parents need to weigh the potential bad effects of social media against the cost of otracization, which could be as high as ending their normal childhood development.

Social development is very critical during school-age years.

[HlessClaudesman]

Do you think kids are developing socially whilst on their phones?

[kube-system]

Most kids today go through their developmental years while using smartphones, yes. Is that quality of development affected by it? Probably also yes. Are children harmed when their parents force them into out-groups among their peers during their developmental years? Unquestionably yes.

[HlessClaudesman]

There are other groups: scouts, football, dance, crafts, etc. Actually doing stuff in the world does not require a phone. Kids learn by doing stuff.

In general around this topic, there is a lot of post hoc rationalisation about choices already made. I've actually got a family member approaching her 30s who has spent the last 2 decades mostly staring at a screen, and has nothing to show for it. So for me the choice is easy, maybe less so for my kids.