It is difficult to imagine agreeing with anything proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Still, at the recent European Health Forum, the organization discussed solutions to the public health epidemic that could have practical utility.

Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of WHO National Health Policy and Systems Division, said: said Outside the conference, he argued that countries should consider laws regulating digital devices such as smartphones to reduce the negative impact on children’s mental health. Azzopardi Muscat He likened the regulations to those most countries have on tobacco products, including bans on smoking in some public places, such as underage children and indoor facilities.

It has been found that giving children smartphones and tablets from an early age increases the following:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Aggression
• Feeling disconnected from reality.

There is one interesting point. These trends are more pronounced in women. pic.twitter.com/IgyBxNBNeh

— FoundMyFitness Clips (@fmfclips) May 9, 2024

“Maybe it’s time to start thinking about where it’s appropriate to use digital devices, and also where you shouldn’t use certain digital devices,” she says. told the same media. (The first October surprise comes at the worst possible time for the Harris camp)

“You can use these tools like any other Nicely and effectively, Azzopardi Muscat continued. “But we have to be careful because there is a segment of the population that reports problematic use, and this ultimately impacts their educational outcomes, mental health and We know that it can impact well-being and productivity in the workforce.”

My niece committed suicide this week.
She was only 14 years old.
She was targeted and groomed by a pedophile ring on TikTok. I was sent photos etc.

Her mother found out a few months ago when Homeland Security showed up at her door. (I didn’t tell the rest of my family)

…

— MetaJane (@MetaJane5) June 8, 2023

Unfortunately, most parents are well aware of the disastrous effects that cell phones and social media have on their children. We don’t need the medical director of the WHO to explain what we’re seeing. But the dam has burst and our children are already floating down a never-ending river of scandalous content and instant gratification.

Some states are already working to end its use in schools. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued EO 33 of July 9 “supports the implementation of cell phone-free education in Virginia schools.”

We are establishing cell phone-free education in schools that will benefit students, parents, and educators across Virginia. This important action promotes a healthier educational environment where all children are free to learn. https://t.co/A6CA7htBt1

— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) July 9, 2024

Youngkin’s order requires parents, teachers, and others to understand the negative effects of smartphone and social media use on students and to “promote a healthier, more engaged educational environment where all children can learn freely.” The purpose is to support instruction to students. This is what Virginia calls it. “Bell to Bell” method. The use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices will be prohibited from the start of the school day until the end of the school day, but usage will be adjusted based on the student’s age and grade level.

Virginia has developed a great model for going to school without a phone.

First, Governor Yonkin issued a carefully researched executive order clarifying the destination and its legitimacy.https://t.co/bCVmkCKIOf

Next, the Department of Veterans Affairs DOE and the governor’s wife Suzanne Youngkin set up…

— Jonathan Haidt (@JonHaidt) September 21, 2024

For example, elementary and middle school students should not use electronic devices in buildings or on school grounds. If parents want their children to bring cell phones or other electronic devices to school, they must turn them off and store them during school hours. Similarly, high school students are not allowed to turn on their devices during the day. However, devices will be allowed to be used before and after school on school grounds. (ROOKE: Waltz solidifies Harris policy position that will change the country as we know it)

Although I would never support the government stepping into the role of parents, some parents are still unaware of the negative effects that mobile phones have on their children’s mental and educational environments, and even on children who do not have mobile phones. Not yet. . This is why Virginia’s approach to these devices is prudent and rational. In addition to banning cell phone use in Virginia schools as an act of power, Youngkin also directed the state Department of Education and other agencies to proactively educate parents about healthier options. are.

The teen mental health crisis wasn’t caused by a worsening reality circa 2012. Their material and physical health steadily improved. In the words of Epictetus, “It is not the events that confuse teenagers; it is the device by which they interpret all events.” pic.twitter.com/BDbawhqQQW

— Jonathan Haidt (@JonHaidt) January 7, 2024

As a mother of a child who attends a school where these devices are not allowed, I can attest to the benefits these policies bring. Pupils are more engaged in their learning, have fewer behavioral problems and are happier than their peers facing different learning environments. Still, banning its use in schools is not enough. To really change this, parents need to make the decision to ban their children from the home.

When should you give your child access to a phone, social media, and the internet?

These are important questions for parents as they have a huge impact on their child’s mental health.

phone calls are addictive

Social media is linked to poorer mental health

The internet exposes them… pic.twitter.com/mJ8kjX84q9

— Raising a healthy family (@thriving__kids) September 26, 2024

This time, the WHO is on the right side of the issue. Children should not have access to smartphones or social media. The idea that governments should act in the best interests of their citizens (i.e. not letting children use cell phones) is probably a net benefit. Still, their proposal to ask the government to regulate what’s best for families is a bit dystopian. Mr. Youngkin’s guidance is more appropriate because it educates children about harmful side effects while still giving parents the primary role in raising children.