Phones Without Social Media: Is the New Trend Protecting Kids?
Can phones without social media protect kids from its risks? A new trend offers parents hope.
December 12, 2024
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The Debate on Cell Phone Bans in Schools
Teaching Kids to Set Boundaries Around Technology
This week’s roundup covers how Gen Z’s mental health suffers from social media use, Elon Musk’s AI tool raises concerns about misinformation, and a lawsuit could shift control over social media content.
The Shocking Rise of iPad Kids on X
A report by Qustodio reveals that over 30% of 7-to-9-year-olds in the U.S. may be using X (formerly Twitter), often accessing it through Google search.
Many parents overlook blocking X, leading to potential exposure to inappropriate content.
The report highlights the early and widespread adoption of social media among children.
A surprising number of ‘iPad Kids’ are on X, study finds | Tech Crunch
Video Skipping Backfires
New research finds that skipping or fast-forwarding videos to avoid boredom actually increases it, making the experience less satisfying and engaging.
The study reveals that constantly switching videos reduces meaningful engagement, and emphasizes the importance of mindful media use to avoid negative emotions and enhance satisfaction.
The boredom scroll on socials may be making your problem worse, study says | CNN
Grok AI Spreads Political Misinformation
On Tuesday, Elon Musk’s updated AI tool, Grok-2, was introduced to X and users were able to generate photorealistic images from text prompts, leading to a surge of misleading images of political figures on social media.
Despite initial lax restrictions, by Friday Grok started limiting the creation of harmful or misleading content.
Enforcement remains inconsistent and raises concerns about AI’s role in spreading misinformation.
Elon Musk’s AI photo tools is generating realistic, fake images of Trump, Harris and Biden | CNN
The Toll of Social Media on Gen Z
A study of 2,000 Gen Z social media users reveals that 75% blame platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for negatively impacting their mental health.
Frequent social media use, driven by boredom, leaves 49% feeling stressed or anxious.
While many experience negative emotions, 80% also find positive content that improves their mood.
Why 3 in 4 Gen Z blame social media for their mental health decline | SWNS Digital
The Lawsuit That Could Rewrite Social Media Rules
A lawsuit against Meta aims to use Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (typically a shield for tech giants) to give users more control over social media.
Filed by Ethan Zuckerman, a public policy professor, the case challenges Meta’s terms by proposing a tool that lets users unfollow all Facebook content, potentially reshaping online speech control.
How a Law That Shields Big Tech Is Now Being Used Against It | The New York Times
Other Headlines
- Why Teens Need Privacy From Their Parents | Parents.com
- Generation Text: NBC survey of principals reveals deep concern about impact of phones in schools | NBC New York
- What Exactly Is an iPad Kid? | Parents.com
- Brick Builder Community Apps : lego play app | Trend Hunter
Did we miss anything?
Let us know in the comments below.
Author Jackie Baucom
Jackie is a Gabb staff writer. She is the mother of four children and is passionate about keeping kids safe, happy, loved, and thriving. She has a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Utah.
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