2024-11-21 14:13:00
From a digital medicine expert’s perspective, a nationwide ban on cell phones in schools can better protect children and young people from media addiction and mental illness.
Such a ban could reduce peer pressure on cell phone use and ease the burden on parents, argues clinical psychologist Ira-Katharina Petras from Aachen University Hospital in a statement to the regional parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia. There, the influence of the media on children’s health will be the subject of an expert hearing this Thursday at the request of the SPD opposition.
Parents often fear that their children will become digital outsiders without smartphones and therefore often provide them with cell phones too early, warns Petras in an extensive catalog of recommendations. The call to ban cell phones does not figure in the statements of the other experts.
In its application, the SPD calls, among other things, for the creation of treatment facilities that provide the best possible care for sick children and young people in special clinics. Parents and teaching staff should be “sensitised about the risks and side effects of excessive media consumption”. To this end, media-free times should be integrated into everyday life, for example in kindergarten, school or before bed.
Several experts complain that the SPD focuses too much on the risks of digital media and neglects the educational opportunities associated with them and the right of children and young people to digital participation.
Digital media are already a natural part of their lives today, says Julius Keinath, media protection specialist for young people from Schleswig-Holstein. They also used these media to socialize with their peers or to seek information to form political opinions.
Psychologist Petras emphasizes that to understand the risks of digital media it is important to broaden our perspective beyond pure media use and take the social environment into account.
Many children today grow up in a difficult social environment where their basic needs are neglected and they do not receive the support necessary for healthy development. “Children and young people who use the Internet in harmful or pathological ways often satisfy these basic needs online that are neglected offline.”
Why parents ban cell phones could be counterproductive
To prevent the risks of pathological use of the media, it is necessary to strengthen children’s basic skills, such as emotion regulation, social skills, self-esteem, sense of self-efficacy and the ability to reflect.
An important protective factor is also a positive parent-child relationship, “characterized by trust, open communication and active media education”.
A blanket ban on cellphones in schools could ease the burden on parents, but a ban imposed by parents themselves could even be counterproductive, Petras warns. If children are afraid of media bans, their confidence and willingness to tell their parents about unpleasant or inappropriate experiences on the Internet will decrease.
Australia: access to social media only from 16 years old
Australia is planning one of the world’s toughest regulations on young people’s use of social media. The government introduced a bill to parliament on Thursday that would ban access to children and young people under the age of 16, while holding suppliers accountable.
“This is a revolutionary reform,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “We know some children will find ways around them, but we are sending a message to social media companies to change their behavior.”
The law would require platforms – not parents or young people – to take reasonable steps to ensure age verification. In case of systematic violations, providers such as Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, Bytedance’s TikTok, Elon Musk’s short messaging service X and Snapchat risk fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (around 30.5 million euros).
The draft sets the highest age limit ever set for the use of social media in any country. The government argues that excessive use of social media poses risks to the physical and mental health of children, particularly girls, through harmful portrayals of body image and misogynistic content aimed at boys.
“For too many young Australians, social media can be harmful. Nearly two-thirds of 14- to 17-year-olds in Australia have seen extremely harmful content online, including substance abuse, suicide or self-harm,” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said. “Social media has a social responsibility.”
The implementation involves testing age verification systems that may include biometrics or government identification. According to the government, access to messaging services, email, online games, YouTube, health and education services is not affected.
How can schools effectively implement media education programs to address addiction?
Interview: Addressing Media Addiction in Schools
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ira-Katharina Petras, a clinical psychologist from Aachen University Hospital. Your recent statements to the regional parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia regarding a potential cell phone ban in schools have sparked quite a conversation. Can you start by outlining the main reasons behind your recommendation?
Dr. Ira-Katharina Petras (P): Thank you for having me. The primary reason for advocating a nationwide ban on cell phones in schools stems from the growing concern over media addiction and its impact on mental health among young people. By removing cell phones from the educational environment, we can alleviate peer pressure related to device usage and also lessen the burdens placed on parents to manage their children’s screen time.
TNE: That makes a lot of sense. It’s a controversial topic, especially given the role that digital devices play in modern-day communication. Some argue that banning cell phones might exclude children from important social interactions. What is your response to this concern?
P: It’s an important point. Digital media indeed offers social benefits, but we need to recognise that many children currently rely on them for connection because their needs aren’t being met offline. A blanket ban in schools isn’t about isolating children and making them “digital outsiders.” Rather, it’s about creating a healthier balance and environment where they can develop foundational skills like emotional regulation and self-esteem without the constant distraction of phones.
TNE: You mentioned the role of parents in this issue. What are some specific recommendations you have for parents regarding media consumption in their households?
P: It starts with fostering a positive parent-child relationship built on trust and open communication. Parents should proactively engage with their children about media use, educate themselves on the risks and side effects, and encourage media-free times—whether that’s during meals, before bed, or designated times on weekends. It’s vital for them to be approachable, so children feel comfortable discussing any negative online experiences.
TNE: Are there alternative approaches that you believe could be more beneficial than outright bans?
P: Absolutely. Instead of strict bans imposed by parents, which can lead to secrecy and mistrust, I advocate for a balanced approach. We should aim to strengthen children’s social skills, promote critical thinking about their media consumption, and ensure they have the tools to reflect on their online experiences. This empowers them and reduces reliance on devices as their primary means of socialization.
TNE: It sounds like education is at the heart of your strategy. Could you elaborate on this concept further?
P: Certainly! Introducing media education as part of the school curriculum can prepare children to navigate the online world effectively. It shouldn’t just focus on risks; it should also highlight the positive aspects of digital media. Teaching children how to engage with technology mindfully can help them make better choices autonomously.
TNE: There’s a lot of discourse around proposed regulations abroad, like Australia’s recent plans to restrict access to social media for those under 16. What are your thoughts on such measures?
P: While regulations like those proposed in Australia can be preventive, they must be paired with education and support. Banning access entirely may lead to backlash and rebellion. The key lies in finding a balance between allowing digital participation while also instilling a sense of responsibility and understanding of the media’s influence.
TNE: Lastly, what would you like to see from policymakers in response to these growing concerns?
P: I would like to see comprehensive measures that prioritize children’s mental health by supporting both preventive education initiatives and treatment facilities for those struggling with media addiction. We need an integrated approach that acknowledges both the risks of excessive media use and the benefits of digital literacy and engagement.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Petras, for your insights into such a critical issue. Your emphasis on communication and education resonates strongly, and it will be interesting to see how these ongoing discussions shape the future of children’s interaction with media.
P: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic!