What have we done? We’ve created a connected generation. According to Common Sense Media, of teens who have smartphones, they’re spending a little less than 4.5 hours on their phones every day.1 That’s 4-plus hours a day that they’re not interacting with people one-on-one, not being active, not really aware of what’s going on. I’ve seen entire families sitting at a table in a restaurant, and they rarely look up. Parents—set some limits. No cell phones at the dinner table. On long trips, force cell phone downtime so you can talk. And don’t allow your kids to take their phones to bed. Because they’re using them. Many kids are sleep-deprived and depressed. Oh, and lead by example. Don’t expect your kids to obey the rules if you don’t.
I think my kids would die without their cell phones.
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