MennoNet.com

Not new, but, Ernie’s thread reminded me of reports (links below) -
http://forum.mennonet.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2204

temporal1 wrote:i don’t recall this topic from MD, i’m glad you’re revisiting it.
i agree, and am perplexed at the unbalanced mainstream approach to what actually prematurely kills people, and potential preventive measures.

one idea i’ve muddled over would be to require minimum age and licenses for smartphones.
like, age 25 or so.
insurance companies keep stats on accidents and fatalities, if memory serves, age 25 is a marker for fewer accidents, premiums are reduced, etc., so, 25 would be a reasonable age for consideration.

i’m not one who often thinks increased restrictions and taxes are advisable.
but, i would give this some thought.
some states have added early driver restrictions that are bearing good fruit, so, maybe?

the ways of being a distracted driver are numerous.
i warn my driving children, and pedestrian children, just presume every driver is distracted!
between texting, alcohol, illegal drugs, and legal drugs, eating, and so many other distractions, the hazards are great.

fatalities at school bus stops are shocking.

Should We All Take Note When Silicon Valley Parents Opt Out of Schools with Tech?
https://www.creativitypost.com/article/ ... hools_with


Bill Gates and Steve Jobs raised their kids tech-free — and it should've been a red flag
https://www.businessinsider.com/screen- ... ag-2017-10

Why Tech Leaders Don't Let Their Kids Use Tech
https://kidzu.co/health-happiness/why-t ... -use-tech/

A Dark Consensus About Screens and Kids Begins to Emerge in Silicon Valley
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/26/styl ... alley.html

* * *

i am serious about min age and licensing requirements for smartphones.

people die when using and distracted, not just in motor vehicles!
pedestrians, people taking selfies, work accidents, smartphones are a hazard.

accidents and fatalities outnumber gun deaths by a lot.

My daughter led this in her home when their daughter was born.
Her husband is strongly in the tech industry. To be honest, i didn’t see how she would be able to control it in their home, he lives in tech, at work and at home.

She prevailed. Her husband respected the boundaries, altho, not always easy, or 100%.
He does really love his work.

She began with requesting, “no screen time” for the first 2 years. After 2 years, the pace was established, it wasn’t that difficult to continue. The child is very active, and READS BOOKS a lot, it’s how they live.

They are not alone. Lots of parents limit, and are cautious. Lots are not.
They live in (let’s say, near, but outside, Bill Gates’ neighborhood). lol

Thankfully, she was aware of the disney hazards early on, so, very little of anything disney has ever appeared in their home. i had to learn about this, too. i’m glad i did.

By now, in 5th grade, public schools have introduced computers for different things.
They use filters and passwords, etc., to limit access and content. That’s another story.

Let’s face it.
“smartphones for everyone” is about big corporate profits.
these reports about choices tech leaders make for their own children tells the tale.

Franklin wrote:https://www.rt.com/usa/446130-screen-time-kids-study/

children, teens, young people, and their families are in need of all the prayer and support possible.
i am so sorry for all in front of them. so much confusion and madness.

On this general topic:

2015 / PDF / Why Did Steve Jobs Limit His Children’s Exposure to Technology?
http://cms.familienorientierung.at/wp-c ... teve-1.pdf


Adding this related forum link, too:

Jan 2020 / Vermont: Min Age for cellphones
http://forum.mennonet.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2621