Exposure of children to inappropriate content is one of the main reasons to prevent them from using cell phones with Internet access.
It is at this stage of life that human beings reach the peak of neurological development, and being exposed to violent or abusive materials can be extremely harmful.
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Another important aspect is the warning of several experts about the negative effects of using screens, especially cell phones, on children's learning, speech, behavior and sleep.
For this reason, a city in Ireland took a very peculiar measure: banning the use of cell phones by children. See more details about this case:
Parents banded together to ban children's cellphone use in Irish town
According to reports in The Guardian newspaper, parent associations at eight primary schools in the town of Greystones have taken an approach to ban cell phone use.
Laura Bourne, a mother interviewed by the paper, explains that by doing this collectively, children don't feel left out and it's easier to say no.
For a screen-free childhood
The measure established by parents prohibits the use of these devices at home, at school and in other places until children reach high school.
This action is an unusual example in an increasingly digitized world, especially considering that children often have access to screens at an early age.
The article mentions that there are already laws prohibiting the use of cell phones in the classroom. However, the influence of other children who had access to these devices at home was a challenge to be faced, as it had a negative impact on Irish society.
This measure was implemented due to the high level of anxiety observed in children during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. The idea has recently gained traction and Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has recommended that it become national policy.
Furthermore, parents are united in stating that their children they are calmer, play more and are developing in a healthy way. In addition to the positive effects on children, such as better sleep and even sharper concentration.