Do parents realize they are rotting their own and their children’s minds with screens?

[Anonymous]

I see so many children seemingly addicted to phones/ipads. They can’t watch their sibling’s basketball game… they can’t look out the window for a 20 min train ride or interact with their parents or siblings… I guess they get “bored” and can’t bear to be alone with their thoughts so they need a phone or iPad stuffed in front of them.

No wonder when you look at their parents are no better. Always a phone in their face, scrolling, scrolling. Stuff a phone in front of junior so senior can get his fill of TikTok for the day.

You can flame me, you can call me a hypocrite for being on DCUM. But being on my phone for 30 min at night after a full day is very different from having it in my face all day.

Our society is going to ruin with these smartphones.

[Anonymous]

I agree

[Anonymous]

Quit with the handwringing

[Anonymous]

I don’t think people are fully aware of the learning that takes place for kids when they are observing everyday situations. I also don’t think people are aware of the consequences as far as training the attention span either.

“Rotting brains” is not a helpful or scientific term. However, there are consequences like anxiety, inattention, lack of focus, lack of memory, etc.

Unfortunately the schools are the biggest offenders.

[Anonymous]

Our entire society is addicted to screens. I'm addicted, and trying to break the habit.

It is a little rich though to attack parents when schools use and demand that kids and parents use screens for so many things.

I think each of us should work on ourselves and our institutions instead of attacking each other.

[Anonymous]

What screen free device did you use to create this insightful post, oh wise one? A semaphore?

[Anonymous]

The problem isn't necessarily the screens or screentime. The problem is that screen time is all that kids/teens want to do. That's the real problem.

[Anonymous]

Please do shut up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem isn't necessarily the screens or screentime. The problem is that screen time is all that kids/teens want to do. That's the real problem.

Yes I think the example scenarios are good. You shouldn’t need a tablet to attend a siblings game, be on a 20 min car ride, or sit with family. Totally fine to have some tv time at home once in a while or even every day. They’ll be fine. But it’s antisocial to be watching a screen when out and about. For kids and adults!

[Anonymous]

What makes me sad is seeing a toddler pushed in a stroller holding a phone or iPad rather than looking at the world around them. I take a bus to work and there is often a nanny with a 2 yr old and 3 yr old waiting for the same bus. If we have more than a minute wait, she gives the older one her phone. Once we're on the bus, the kids are on the phone together. Why they can't play I Spy or practice counting, I don't know.

I waited in a 20 minute line Sunday with a 5 yr old, and we practiced days of the week, talked about rain and puddles and clouds, steps to making a pie, the types of things people go to the post office for, etc. I think he can do this because he's always done it - he's never had a phone or iPad in the stroller or car or highchair.

[Anonymous]

Here's an idea - stop dragging the other kids to their boring sibling's basketball games. That's not fair to them. Or, long drives. I'm ok with kids using devices in moderation. Parent your own kids - well, clearly you are only to your favorite child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What makes me sad is seeing a toddler pushed in a stroller holding a phone or iPad rather than looking at the world around them. I take a bus to work and there is often a nanny with a 2 yr old and 3 yr old waiting for the same bus. If we have more than a minute wait, she gives the older one her phone. Once we're on the bus, the kids are on the phone together. Why they can't play I Spy or practice counting, I don't know.

I waited in a 20 minute line Sunday with a 5 yr old, and we practiced days of the week, talked about rain and puddles and clouds, steps to making a pie, the types of things people go to the post office for, etc. I think he can do this because he's always done it - he's never had a phone or iPad in the stroller or car or highchair.

Maybe mom or nanny spends many more hours with their kids 1-1 than you do so you are trying to fill every minute as you don't spend much time with them vs. these people need a break.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What makes me sad is seeing a toddler pushed in a stroller holding a phone or iPad rather than looking at the world around them. I take a bus to work and there is often a nanny with a 2 yr old and 3 yr old waiting for the same bus. If we have more than a minute wait, she gives the older one her phone. Once we're on the bus, the kids are on the phone together. Why they can't play I Spy or practice counting, I don't know.

I waited in a 20 minute line Sunday with a 5 yr old, and we practiced days of the week, talked about rain and puddles and clouds, steps to making a pie, the types of things people go to the post office for, etc. I think he can do this because he's always done it - he's never had a phone or iPad in the stroller or car or highchair.

What makes me sad is all the judgements people like you give to everyone. We are such a polarized society of perfect people - "if-only-everyone-can-be-like-me people". Since you are perfect, there is no room for growth and introspection. Your kids, I'm sure, are perfect too. Did you flashcard how to be perfect while you were in line at the post office? It might be on that kindergarten readiness assessment.

Imagine a world where we empathize with people and understand events from multiple perspectives, like maybe other people's perspectives..... the world would be a different place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I see so many children seemingly addicted to phones/ipads. They can’t watch their sibling’s basketball game… they can’t look out the window for a 20 min train ride or interact with their parents or siblings… I guess they get “bored” and can’t bear to be alone with their thoughts so they need a phone or iPad stuffed in front of them.

No wonder when you look at their parents are no better. Always a phone in their face, scrolling, scrolling. Stuff a phone in front of junior so senior can get his fill of TikTok for the day.

You can flame me, you can call me a hypocrite for being on DCUM. But being on my phone for 30 min at night after a full day is very different from having it in my face all day.

Our society is going to ruin with these smartphones.

Our society is "going to ruin" with lack of empathy and understanding. Thanks for staying the course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What makes me sad is seeing a toddler pushed in a stroller holding a phone or iPad rather than looking at the world around them. I take a bus to work and there is often a nanny with a 2 yr old and 3 yr old waiting for the same bus. If we have more than a minute wait, she gives the older one her phone. Once we're on the bus, the kids are on the phone together. Why they can't play I Spy or practice counting, I don't know.

I waited in a 20 minute line Sunday with a 5 yr old, and we practiced days of the week, talked about rain and puddles and clouds, steps to making a pie, the types of things people go to the post office for, etc. I think he can do this because he's always done it - he's never had a phone or iPad in the stroller or car or highchair.

What makes me sad is all the judgements people like you give to everyone. We are such a polarized society of perfect people - "if-only-everyone-can-be-like-me people". Since you are perfect, there is no room for growth and introspection. Your kids, I'm sure, are perfect too. Did you flashcard how to be perfect while you were in line at the post office? It might be on that kindergarten readiness assessment.

Imagine a world where we empathize with people and understand events from multiple perspectives, like maybe other people's perspectives..... the world would be a different place.

yeah I think the pp was empathizing with the kids in the example and taking their perspective. It’s ok to feel that way.