Smartphones Are the Devil: Five Reasons Why My Teen Won't Have One

Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPhone. Its magical apps allow me to constantly update my Facebook status, Tweet whenever I feel the urge, and play endless hours of Words With Friends. But it is a little soul sucking at times. I have to consciously remind myself not to bring my phone to the dinner table, put it down to greet my husband, turn the ringer off and engage in life with my family. I know, I’m a terrible person. That is why when my thirteen-year-old asks when she can get a smartphone, I hypocritically, and unabashedly, tell her, “No way, Jose!”

There are many practical reasons why I don’t want my daughter to have a smartphone: she’ll break it, she already has a perfectly good phone that she never answers, she’ll break it, data plans are expensive, she’ll lose it, she’ll break it. But those aren’t the only reasons I don’t want her to have a smartphone.

1. Unlimited Access to the Internet is Dangerous

The rule at my house is my kids can only access the internet in common areas. They do not have computers in their rooms—nor will they ever—and they are not allowed to take the laptop into their rooms. Why? Mind-numbingly stupid YouTube videos, social media (see below), pornographic pictures and videos, explicit music, games that will crash my hard-drive, and sexual predators waiting for any opportunity. Why would I give my kids pocket-sized access to the internet that they can take with them anywhere. Let’s be honest. Teenagers are not the best at using common sense and good judgment. They are curious, clueless, impulsive, and insecure. Yes, I know there are safeguards and restrictions you can put on your kids’ phones but, to me, it just isn’t worth the risk.

2. Social Media Reinforces Poor Boundaries

I enjoy Facebook and Twitter as much as the next person, but I grew up in a different age. I can remember the time before the internet, social media, status updates, and selfies. I have the wisdom and common sense to discern what should and should not be posted. Too many kids, and even young adults, today have ATROCIOUS interpersonal boundaries. They post selfies in compromising or illegal situations, rant about their bosses, air their dirty laundry, and otherwise TMI. There is no sense that some things ought not to be public; some things ought to be sacred. They don’t seem to grasp the concept that what they put out on social media can negatively impact their reputations, their relationships, their careers, and their lives. This tendency towards over-sharing even carries over into the actual world. As a teacher, I was astounded by what teenagers will share in front of the entire class without batting an eyelash.

3. Texting is Destroying Communication

Yes, I realize that not only smartphones are capable of texting, but they do seem to exacerbate the problem. Texting, while highly convenient, is a non-committal form of communication. With texting, you can avoid having to actually talk to someone (therein lies the appeal). Teenagers today are losing the ability to have a normal conversation. Texting encourages one way communication (I call it monologuing), superficiality and misunderstanding (no facial expressions or voice intonations to read), poor grammar, poor spelling, and poor vocabulary (everything is said in the shortest words or abbreviations possible). I even hear kids talk to each other in text-speak. They actually say “lol” and “btw.” WTF!

4. Technology Accustoms Teens to Instant Gratification

All technology, from dishwashers to microwaves to smartphones makes our lives easier. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, too much convenience can make us impatient and overly-reliant on technology. Too many people cannot cook without a microwave or navigate without a phone. We come to expect our needs and wants to be met immediately, and with little effort on our parts. Teenagers, who are just learning important life skills, need practice in the art of problem-solving and patience.

5. Games and Apps Rot Your Brain

Constant electronic input leads to brains that are overstimulated and hard-wired for poor attention. It used to be that when someone had to sit in a waiting room, take a long car ride, or otherwise be idle, they found ways to entertain themselves that did not involve electronics. People used to engage in conversation about meaningful topics, face to face. People used to read actual books or magazines. People used to just sit quietly and think. Not anymore, now they’re playing Candy Crush Saga and watching YouTube.