
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, recently shared his concerns about a critical advantage today’s children might miss out on—unstructured free time to explore, think deeply, and read. Gates credits this freedom during his own youth as a foundation for his successful career, noting how modern distractions like smartphones and social media may hinder similar growth for young people today.
The Shift from Play-Based to Phone-Based Childhoods
Children today spend significantly less time outdoors and engaged in free play with friends compared to previous generations. According to experts, this cultural shift—from a “play-based childhood” to a “phone-based” one—has coincided with rising rates of mental health issues, attention deficits, and social challenges among younger generations.
In his December blog post, Gates praised Jonathan Haidt’s 2024 best-selling book, The Anxious Generation, as a “must-read” for anyone who cares about young people. The book explores how smartphones and social media have reshaped childhood and contributed to these issues.
The Impact of Smartphones and Social Media on Youth
Today, 95% of U.S. teens have regular access to a smartphone, compared to just 23% in 2011, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center study. The majority also actively use social media platforms, spending hours scrolling instead of engaging in face-to-face interactions or free play.
Mental Health Concerns
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has warned about the risks of excessive social media use, citing studies that link it to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt and researcher Zach Rausch add that constant notifications and addictive app designs negatively affect kids’ ability to focus and develop essential life skills.
Attention and Focus Issues
Devices have made it difficult for young people to sustain attention during critical activities like studying or reading. As Rausch puts it:
“We’re constantly being pulled back to our devices, making it hard to sit and pay attention for long periods.”
Social Development Challenges
Research shows that excessive screen time also hampers social development. When children spend less time in face-to-face interactions, they miss opportunities to develop:
- Creativity
- Resilience
- Conflict resolution skills
4 Norms for Raising Healthier Kids in the Digital Age
To address these challenges, Haidt and Rausch advocate for these four actionable norms for parents:
- Delay Smartphones Until High School (Age 14)
Instead of smartphones, provide kids with simple flip phones for texting and calls during middle school. - No Social Media Before Age 16
Although platforms allow users as young as 13, delaying access can help protect kids from mental health risks and developmental challenges. - Ban Smartphones in Schools
Encourage focus and in-person socialization by eliminating smartphone distractions during the school day. - Promote Free Play and Independence
Support activities that allow kids to explore their environment without relying on screens. For example, extend recess at schools and encourage solo, phone-free activities at home.
Reclaiming a Balanced Childhood
Programs like Let Grow, co-founded by Haidt, offer resources to promote unstructured play and independent activities for kids. Activities like taking a solo trip to the grocery store or baking something independently can help build confidence and spark excitement about real-world experiences.
As Gates, Jonathan Haidt, and other experts emphasize, creating a healthier balance between technology and offline activities is critical for today’s children to develop the skills, creativity, and resilience needed to thrive in the modern world.
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Tell that to the helicopter parents here.
Try to drive past Willard or Ridge and its impossible as these inconsiderate parents block the roads with their SUV’s
When I grew up we walked to school and hung out with our friends after school
We didn’t need bureaucrats controlling our extra curricular activities
Some jocks chose to play sports
Some of us chose to work
For once I agree with Gates
Gates cares so much about your children he’d like to see less of them born.
Gates got beat up by girls in phys ed class.
Gates is one of the main reasons why kids are in this state today.
Agree, but it’s not just the kids. Adults have a problem with the cell phones too— crossing the street without looking for oncoming cars while on the phone, in the shopping aisles having a conversation on the phone, sitting in a restaurant talking on the phone rather than giving attention to their dinner guests, talking on the phone (not hands free) while driving. We’re addicted.
Your worried about strangers not giving attention to their dinner guests?
Well, we found the silver lining in the cell phone story: it keeps the busybodies busy and out of other people’s business.