Do Young People Need Smartphones? A Parent and a Teen Weigh In.

It’s become the norm for teens and tweens to have smartphones — but lately, the pendulum has been swinging back. Parents and educators worry smartphones can cause distraction, loneliness and other mental health challenges among young people. So when is the right time to give your kid a smartphone, if at all? Mark SooHoo, a parent involved with the organization Wait Until 8th, shares why he and his wife are holding off until at least high school. Plus, high school senior and Luddite Club co-founder Jameson Butler explains why she ditched her smartphone altogether.  If you’ve had to navigate this conversation with your kids, I’d love to hear how it went. You can reach us by email at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices