Psychologist warns smartphones and social media harm children under 14

Psychologist Jonathan Haidt warns that smartphones and social media are harmful to children under 14, calling for stricter age limits. He supports Australia's new laws setting a minimum age of 16 for social media access, citing rising mental health issues among youth. Haidt argues that children should not have smartphones before age 14 and advocates for phone-free schools to improve focus. He believes that the current environment is detrimental, particularly for teenage girls, who face harmful social comparisons online. While some experts disagree with Haidt's views, acknowledging social media's benefits for certain groups, he emphasizes the need for a balanced approach. He calls for more real-world play and independence to counteract the negative effects of technology on childhood.