Apart from the occasional look up to acknowledge a newcomer or to share something on their phone, they are silent.

The disparity between the groups is stark and shocking.

And I ask myself; is this really OK?

Is this what awaits my lively, chatty daughter?

If there is one thing we know about recovery – and particularly dealing with the stresses of life – it is that we 𝘤𝘰-regulate stress. Relationships really matter.

Yet suddenly we’ve replaced this central foundation of wellbeing with something else…I am not sure what.

Table upon table of silent teens, unable to look away from the screen in front of their face. Together, alone.

Then I look around and the adults are the same.

We did this to ourselves, and now we’re letting it happen to our kids.

If this resonates, it’s time to fight back. For yourself, for the next generation.

Resources:

• Digitial Minimalism by Cal Newport
• How to break up with your phone by Catherine Price
• Smartphone Free Childhood if you are a parent in the UK and want to fightback with other parents
• Delay Smartphones – Hannah Oertel is great on this subject
• Follow Jonathan Haidt on LinkedIn
• Guy Holder is superb on phones and the impact on education
• So is Kitty Hamilton