Why are young people today more anxious? Spoiler alert: It's not just their phones that are to blame
Briefly

The article explores the impact of technology on children, emphasizing how interactive play has shifted toward constant engagement with digital devices. This trend has led to increased social isolation and heightened mental health issues, particularly among those born after 1996. Research by Dr. Jean M. Twenge highlights alarming rates of anxiety and depression, connected to both technology's influence and overprotective parenting since the 1980s. Experts advocate for actions such as delaying smartphone access until high school, to combat these troubling trends and foster healthier youth interactions.
Technology and device use drastically shapes children's interactions, often isolating them in digital worlds and contributing significantly to a rise in mental health issues among younger generations.
Studies by Dr. Jean M. Twenge highlight that individuals born after 1996 face unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression, a trend linked to both technology use and overprotective parenting.
The juxtaposition of hyperprotective parenting with the unrestricted freedom provided by digital devices creates a uniquely vulnerable generation, necessitating a reevaluation of how and when we introduce technology to children.
Experts recommend delaying smartphone access until high school as a proactive measure to mitigate the adverse effects of technology on mental health, emphasizing parental control in this transition.
Read at english.elpais.com
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