To the editor:
I am an eighth-grader who is concerned about young students’ use of technology.
In Rockport Elementary School, 82.5% of fourth- and fifth-graders have either a phone or iPad. Over 50% of these students don’t have screen time limits. This can affect young kids’ mental health if they are immersed in social media and technology at a young age.
When COVID-19 started it was harder for kids to go outside and have interactions with others. This led to parents giving their children more screen time and after COVID-19 died down these screen times did not change. This can lead to mental health struggles in the future. This can also hurt relationships between kids.
Parents need to be able to have conversations with their children about screens. Parents should try to get their children outside especially for this summer. The school and library have many fun activities for kids to do.
Technology is a huge part of our lives and future but it is still important for kids to learn how to have fun offline.
Sophia Drost
Rockport
