Damage or do kids good if you have a smartphone?
- According to a recent survey, smartphones can help children’s well -being and social relationships
- Children with the device are less experienced by depressed and anxiety symptoms
- The use of smartphones and social media must be separated
Last month we reported that according to a survey have been banned In schools the use of mobile phones, did not mean improvement in students’ performance. A recent survey is now looking for the relationship between children’s phone use and their mental and social well -being. In the research, more than 1,500 children were involved, which found that smartphones have a good effect on children until they start using social media.
Justin Martin and staff at the University of South Florida asked children between 11 and 13. According to them, 78 percent of the 1,510 participating children had a smartphone, and 21 percent reported on depressed and anxiety symptoms, while 26 percent of those not with the device. That is, the children who had a phone less experienced problems. In fact, it was also revealed that children with phone were more likely to report that they had more time with their friends. In connection with the research, Martin emphasized that so far it was assumed that the possession of smartphones had negative effects, « But that wasn’t the case. «
In poorer families have more children with a cell phone
The research pointed at another interesting point. It was found that children of lower -income parents were more likely to have a smartphone than children living in the richer family. According to the researcher, this may be due to the fact that wealthier parents are more aware of the effects of social media on mental health.
The researcher added about children’s social relationships:
« We were cautious and highlighted the relationships rather than causal relationships, but children who have smartphones are probably used for social purposes, just like many adults. »
No matter what it is used for
Researchers also found that children who said they often post in social media twice were more likely to report sleep disorders And the symptoms of depression or anxiety as those who never use these platforms. However, the survey was unable to determine whether increased social media use led to mental health and sleep problems or vice versa.
The expert advised parents to try to keep children away from a side where they often post or not be allowed to post.
What do the kids say?
The researchers also asked the children what they thought about the subject. Among them are opinions about the use of social media. The 34% agreed that social media did more damage than benefits, 33% refuted the claim, while the others were uncertain.
« This is an impressive study that makes important differences between smartphones and social media » says Jess Maddox, a member of the University of Alabama. « Although the two have become synonyms for each other, this research shows that they are not really the same.
« These nuanced results I hope to encourage parents, educators and politicians to think about education in smartphones and social media rather than banning » he said.
