Nostr Web Client

I support this here in Norway too.

There is no conflict between being nostr only and wholeheartedly supporting that kids are kept away social media platforms. I mean, nobody should be on those platforms..

These addiction machines of surveillance capitalism are obviously harmful for us adults even with fully developed frontal cortices. Imagine the harm it does on millions (billions?) of kids in the most critical years of development, and what the opportunity cost is. We are losing out on the collective cognitive development of our species. This is in line with arguments put forth by people who have put down a lot of solid work on the topic, such as Desmurget, Twenge, Haidt etc.

Adults need open protocols and free speech. Kids of all ages need to be outdoors playing, doing fun&games, fight and resolve issues, push limits, do stupid stuff they can learn from.

There are no good reasons kids should have smartphones. Parents are simply justifying their own poor choices by hiding behind false claims. We all know it, smartphones are helpful babysitters when we're tired as hell, but it comes with a significant cost that is mostly hidden in a vail of low time preference.

I'm dying on this hill. Onwards.

hh 1y ago

If you think all that about social media, smartphones, etc, which I think too, why would you need the State to make YOU disallow YOUR children from using those devices?

If you believe those things, you are already doing it, in a much more fine-tuned way than any bureaucrat can possibly put into a law, suited to your exact preferences and your children's personalities and developmental stage.

But of course, most likely your concern is what OTHER people do. But other people's children are none of your business.

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Discussion

Christian 1y ago

So I agree with most of what you write. I'm not that concerned when it comes to my own kids, I have stamina on this issue and they know why they're not getting those devices. They've accepted it, but they're not happy about it. Many of their peers are getting devices and at some point my kids will have to struggle with feeling left out. Still, I think they can handle it. Upside of excessive screentime and smartphones for kids is negligible compared to the downsides.

But, this is a collective problem that hits hardest at the lower level of the socioeconomic spectrum. The most important and effective tool is for parents to collaborate on this issue, but given the trust norwegians have in the state, it is a helpful signal when the state recommends kids to grow up without smartphones.

As mentioned, I'm pragmatic on this issue and will not complain if the state pulls in the same direction.