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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As we wrap up the end of another school year, parents should be informed on some of the news that may affect their children. This week’s roundup includes stories about new trends, and others that confirm our hunches.
The Social Media Dilemma
A study involving young people ages 14-22, identified both benefits and harms of social media on young people’s mental health.
The study showed that benefits include support and connection, while harms include stressors that require active management (such as unfollowing and blocking accounts).
Marginalized groups face unique struggles.
A Double-Edged Sword: How Diverse Communities of Young People Think About the Multifaceted Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health | Common Sense Media
The New Jungle Juice
BORGs, or “blackout rage gallons,” have become popular among Gen Z at parties.
These gallon-sized jugs are assembled by young people and often contain vodka, water, flavor enhancers, and electrolytes.
Drinking a whole gallon of the concoction, whose popularity has been fueled by social media, is similar to consuming 17 standard drinks, and poses a high risk of alcohol poisoning.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains | CNN
Tech Titans vs. Child Protection Laws
Google and Meta are leading a lobby battle against New York’s child protection laws, with spending exceeding $1 million.
The bills aim to regulate addictive algorithms and limit data collection on minors.
Big Tech claims free speech concerns, while advocates stress the need to shield children from online dangers.
Meta, Google leading nearly $1M lobbying fight to kill NY online child safety bills | New York Post
Fast-Paced Cartoons Can Negatively Affect Kids
“Kid-friendly” shows often feature bright colors and catchy tunes, but they can impact children negatively.
Fast-paced shows like “Cocomelon” can harm attention spans and executive brain function, while overstimulation from such programs can disrupt sensory and cognitive development.
Instead, shows like “Bluey” and “Puffin Rock” offer wholesome, educational content that supports healthy development.
Why Kids’ Shows Like ‘Cocomelon’ Hamper Critical Brain Development | Forbes
Student’s Hacking Device Disrupts School
At Grand County High School in Moab, Utah, a student used a “Flipper Zero” device to turn classroom technology on and off (even damaging a phone), causing chaos and distress among staff.
Police warned parents that disrupting school operations can lead to misdemeanor charges.
The device in question can be used for other illegal activities, so parents are instructed to be conscientious about the tech and devices their kids have access to.
Student using ‘hacking device’ wreaks havoc at Grand County High School | KUTV
Cracking the AI Code
Not even developers fully understand how large language AI models work, which presents challenges and risks to our safety.
Anthropic had a research breakthrough where they were able to identify feature patterns.
Though challenges remain, this progress sheds light on AI’s complexities and the hope for controlling AI systems better.
A.I.’s Black Boxes Just Got a Little Less Mysterious | The New York Times
Online Predators on the Rise
A paraeducator in Spokane, Washington, was arrested for child sex crimes after posing as a young boy or girl online.
The Seattle FBI highlights the alarming rise in online sexual exploitation, and urges parents to monitor their children’s online activities while maintaining open communication.
FBI has seen an ‘alarming increase’ in online predators: Tips to keep your kids safe | KXLY
Other Headlines
- Why TikTok Users Are Blocking Celebrities | The New York Times
- Nebraska Sues TikTok for Allegedly Harming Minors | The Wall Street Journal
- Scarlett Johansson Rebukes OpenAI Over ‘Eerily Similar’ ChatGPT Voice | The Wall Street Journal
- Do parents have to play with their kids? Why a mom’s TikTok about saying no stirred up debate — and what an expert thinks. | Yahoo! News
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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