But I can’t shake the thought that the impact of social media and addictive games for some kids can’t be written off as just a phase they are going through. I worry so much that they will carry the negative impacts into adulthood.
This has nothing to do with being exposed to the same content as their peers (which is indeed often needed to grow up). Give them pocket money and/or chores and not this bollocks.
Also rock music.
And homosexuality.
If you can actually give ones that are, I'll concede the strawman but until you can, naw.
But if it's going to lead to the complete downfall of society and lethargic adults who cannot deal with life, I doubt it.
I'm playing devil's advocate here because I truly believe that kids should not have smartphones at all. But that's because I was raised without them.
And also I've seen in practice a great example of a relative who raised his first child (male) with no screens, and his second child (female) allowing screen time. The son is now 15 and the girl 9 and the difference is shocking. Most well behaved, calm, focused young man I've ever seen. Compared to a little animal who snarls at you for taking away her phone at dinner time.