Psychologist Jean Twenge emphasizes that the longer parents postpone giving their children smartphones or allowing social media use, the better the children’s prospects for happiness and success in adulthood. Her research links early access to these technologies with increased rates of anxiety and depression among teens. Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University and author of
10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, recommends children wait until age 16 before joining social media, and only receive smartphones once they have a driver’s license and a need for independent mobility.
Start Early: Teaching Responsible Technology Use
To prepare children for healthier relationships with digital devices, Twenge advises parents to begin conversations about safe technology use at least six years before handing over a smartphone. Ideally, this education should begin by late elementary school, especially as children are gaining access to internet-connected devices at younger ages.
- Discuss what personal information should never be shared online, such as nude photos, home addresses, or Social Security numbers.
- Emphasize the importance of privacy and the permanence of online posts and messages.
- Teach children to value their time and prioritize in-person relationships over excessive screen use.
Establishing Clear Rules and Boundaries
Twenge stresses that early conversations must be paired with firm, enforceable rules. Among her recommendations:
- Ban smartphones during school hours and overnight in children’s bedrooms.
- Provide a basic phone initially, without internet access but capable of calls and texts.
- Use parental controls to limit screen time and block inappropriate content.
- Communicate rules clearly and involve children in discussions about app downloads and permissions.
“Teach moderation, then back it up with parental controls,” Twenge advises. This approach prevents children from circumventing limits and ensures parents remain informed about their child’s digital activity.
Adapting Rules Even After Devices Are Introduced
If parents regret allowing early smartphone or social media use, it’s never too late to change course. Twenge encourages honesty and transparency when revising rules, even if the initial response from teens is resistance.
“Look, I made a mistake. I’ve learned more and we’re going to do it differently going forward,” Twenge says. “Even if you get slammed doors, stay firm and help put the change into perspective.”
She suggests reinforcing that communication channels remain open and that restrictions are designed to protect well-being, not eliminate all fun.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Jean Twenge’s recommendations highlight a growing awareness of the mental health implications tied to early digital device exposure. The strategy of delaying smartphone and social media access, combined with proactive education and parental controls, sets a framework for healthier youth development in a tech-saturated environment.
- Opportunities: Improved mental health outcomes for teens; increased parental engagement in digital education; reduction in problematic technology use.
- Risks: Resistance from children accustomed to early device access; challenges in enforcing restrictions in digitally connected social circles; potential gaps in digital literacy if delays are too long without education.
Impact: Twenge’s approach offers a balanced, evidence-based method for parents to mitigate risks associated with early smartphone and social media use, potentially reducing anxiety and depression trends while fostering responsible digital citizenship.
