Lenore, Do You Not CARE About Kids and Phones?

“Lenore, did you say you don’t CARE about kids and phones?” That’s what a child psychologist just emailed me. MY RESPONSE: It’s NOT that I don’t care about phones. It’s that this is how kids are growing up (from an article I just read): Last week, my grandson asked permission to walk to the store 3 blocks away. His mother checked the GPS tracker on his phone, reminded him about stranger danger, and set a 20-minute timer for his return.” That childhood would depress ANYONE. Being treated like a Brinks delivery: tracked, timed, watched, warned, distrusted. Not to mention underestimated, pumped full of fear, and given less freedom than a dog in a dog run. By the people who love him (and presumably KNOW him) the best! When that is all the autonomy you are allowed, it should not surprise anyone that you’d DIVE INTO YOUR PHONE where you can meet up with friends, chat, play, go on adventures and exercise your curiosity. It is an alternative universe to the one that is right outside your door…