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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Teaching Kids to Set Boundaries Around Technology
Schools are cracking down on student phones, new laws aim to hold platforms accountable, and fresh studies show teens questioning their relationship with technology.
Here are the top stories parents need to know about this week.
AI Tool “Nudify” Sparks Urgent Calls for Legal Action
The controversial AI tool “Nudify,” which creates fake nude images from real photos, is fueling new efforts to tighten laws against digital exploitation.
Victims, including minors, have shared harrowing stories of how these images have upended their lives, intensifying the push for stricter legislation like the “Stopping AI Sexual Exploitation Act.”
This highlights the critical need for updated legal frameworks to address the evolving threats posed by AI misuse in safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals online.
New Study Reveals Teen Perspectives on Social Media in 2024
A Pew Research study shows nearly half of U.S. teens are online almost constantly, with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat being the most popular platforms.
Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have seen sharp declines in usage, while TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat remain popular, with YouTube continuing to dominate.
The report provides insights into teens’ digital habits, highlighting trends in platform usage and demographic differences, which could inform efforts to create healthier online experiences and address digital disparities.
Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024 | Pew Research
Boosting Kids’ Confidence Through Creativity
A new study highlights how engaging in creative activities, like art and storytelling, helps kids build confidence and resilience.
Experts emphasize that creativity encourages problem-solving and self-expression, which are essential for emotional and cognitive development.
This insight reinforces the role of creative outlets in fostering healthier, more confident children in a tech-dominated world.
92% of Kids Say Creativity Helps Boost Their Confidence, Crayola Study Shows | Parents
School Fight Videos Prompt Crackdown on Student Phones
A surge in school fight videos shared online has led educators and policymakers to push for stricter smartphone restrictions in schools.
Schools report that these viral videos not only glorify violence but also escalate conflicts and create lasting reputational harm for students involved.
This issue highlights the need for proactive measures to balance technology’s benefits with its potential to amplify harmful behaviors among kids.
An Epidemic of Vicious School Brawls, Fueled by Student Cellphones | The New York Times
Scroll, Watch, Repeat: How Short-Form Videos Affect Kids’ Focus
The American Psychological Association released recommendations on adolescent video consumption, focusing on the risks of autoplay features, algorithmic content, and harmful videos.
The report emphasizes that while educational and prosocial content can benefit teens, excessive or inappropriate consumption may harm mental health and emotional development.
The APA calls for collaboration among parents, educators, and tech platforms to promote digital literacy, improve content regulations, and ensure a safer video environment for teens.
APA Recommendations for Healthy Teen Video Viewing | American Psychological Association
Other Headlines
- AI Is the Black Mirror | Nautilus
- Insider Q&A: High hopes for Australia social media ban and channeling parental ‘fury’ over tech | The Wall Street Journal
Did we miss anything?
Any other important tech news from this week? Let us know in the comments below.
Author Robert Milligan
Rob is a Gabb staff writer with a passion for stories and over a decade of experience. As a father of three, he loves anything that lights up his kids' worlds and sparks their imaginations. Rob is dedicated to helping families navigate the digital world safely while fostering creativity and meaningful connections.
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