We have to save the kids

Let's fix childhood media addiction. Are you with me?

Photo by Shashank Verma on Unsplash

I’m terrified about a lot of things when it comes to my kids’ futures. I’m terrified about the Earth literally catching fire. I’m terrified about fascists taking over the government and restricting my daughters’ rights. I’m terrified about all of the micro plastics in their food poisoning their blood.

Sorry for being so fucking cheery this morning.

But what I am terrified about the most is media addiction and how it is reshaping childhood and kids brains.

I want to stop it before it starts for my kids. I want cell phones out of schools. I want restrictions on all apps for anyone under eighteen. I want a return to dumb phones for everyone unless we are working.

I want, I want, I want.

And I’ve finally found a group that is organizing to want all of these things with me and to create actual change.

I got to interview Julie Scelfo of MAMA, Moms Against Media Addiction, on the podcast last week and I’m in awe of what this group is doing.

I am posting the unedited video of our talk below the pay wall along with some more bonus content for full subscribers. But this info is so important that I want to share most of it with everyone.

MAMA is a grassroots organization of parents fighting back against media addiction and creating a world where real-life experiences and interactions remain at the heart of a healthy childhood.

Their platform has three pillars: giving parents the tools needed to protect their kids, getting smartphones out of schools so kids can learn, and demanding that platforms have safeguards like other consumer products.

YES, YES AND YES!

MAMA has chapters that are led by parents just like you and I. I’m signing up to be the head of the Philadelphia chapter and you can apply to launch a local chapter here.

I don’t need to remind all of us about the WHY of doing this. But I do think that it helps to spell out over and over again what social media and screen addiction is doing to our kids.

1. Mental Health Issues: Excessive media use, especially social media, can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Kids may compare themselves to others, experience cyberbullying, or feel overwhelmed by constant notifications.

2. Impaired Social Skills: Over reliance on digital communication can hinder the development of face-to-face social skills. Kids might struggle with empathy and interpersonal skills if they’re not interacting in person.

3. Sleep Disruption: Screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall asleep and leading to poor sleep quality.

4. Reduced Physical Activity: Prolonged media use often means less time spent on physical activities. This sedentary lifestyle is linked to health issues like obesity, poor posture, and related conditions.

5. Cognitive Development: Excessive screen time can impact attention spans, and cognitive development. Kids might struggle with concentration and academic performance if they spend more time on screens than engaging in other educational activities.

6. Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Kids may encounter harmful or age-inappropriate content online, which can affect their development and behavior. It's important to monitor and guide their media consumption to mitigate these risks.

7. Addiction-like Symptoms: Similar to substance addiction, excessive media use can lead to dependency, where kids feel the need to use media constantly, and may experience withdrawal symptoms when they can’t access it.

Nick Aster and I are digging into the Anxious Generation and I’m going to do a series of podcasts while we read it summarizing it and our reactions. They will all be here for paid subscribers and I hope you will join the conversation.

A dear friend of mine was, until recently, the head of security at a very prestigious university. I asked her what the number one security threat was on campus.