Mia Favini ’27
Joyce Liu ’27
The phone ban is clearly still in full effect from last year, but in general, when should adolescents really be exposed to social media and phone usage? Many students and teachers at EA agree with the phone policy. Tony Herman, Upper School English teacher and father of three children, says, “I’m all for the phone ban because I see more kids talking and actively engaging with each other.” As well, Lilly Ebmeyer ‘26 comments, “I like the phone ban because I don’t really need it during the day. I have more one-on-one conversations with my friends and don’t feel like I have to constantly check my social media.”
Research has a mixed consensus on adolescents’ phone usage. A study conducted by the Office of the Surgeon General examines the positive and negative influences on youths. Between the ages of ten and nineteen, adolescents undergo a highly sensitive period of brain development. While every person is affected by interactions in different ways, experts widely recognize that social media can both be a source of benefits and risks for children. With social media, young teenagers can easily connect with others around the world who share similar ideas and identities. Creating friendships online can foster positive social interactions and affirm those who feel overlooked. The study states that “seven out of ten girls of color report encountering positive or identity-affirming content related to race across social media platforms.” This positive experience on social media fosters a sense of belonging and support, and can increase the well-being of busy teens. However, spending too much time on social media can have the opposite effect. The same study predicts that youths who “spend more than three hours a day on social media have double the risk of experiencing poor mental health.” Greater social media use can lead to an increased chance of encountering harassment or bullying, which can affect body image, self-esteem, and even eating disorders.
So, when should adolescents be getting phones and social media platforms? Herman, whose children are under the age of ten, firmly believes that his kids should not get phones until they are in high school. “We might give them watches in middle school, but no phones or social media until they’re in high school. That’s a very lofty goal for my family.”
On the other hand, Jenn Jones, Upper School science teacher whose kids are seven, eight, fourteen, and seventeen, explains, “I got my two older kids’ phones when they were in fourth and sixth grade for safety reasons. My younger kids currently have iPads and iPods.” When asked if they have any rules on phone usage, she replies, “I monitor the younger kids, but with my older ones, I do not monitor their apps. However, I do have a time limit, so they can’t use Instagram or anything alike after 11:00 PM.”
Through this research and the various student experiences, adolescents should begin to use social media platforms no earlier than thirteen. At thirteen, children are developing emotional maturity and are more equipped to handle a phone. Greg Deirmengian ’27 agrees with this sentiment: “Kids should get their phones in middle school.” At this age, teens begin to understand the responsibility of having a phone and access to online communities. They can better recognize cyberbullying and misinformation, while also benefiting from the positive aspects of social media, like connecting with friends and family and accessing information online. Setting this age guideline allows them to enter the digital world with a stronger foundation of self-awareness and responsibility. So, while there is no definite age at which adolescents should be exposed to phones and social media usage, there are certainly more beneficial guardrails to ensure the health and safety of every teenager.
