### The Reason Gen Z Will Not Raise Children Glued to iPads

As the phenomenon of the “Sephora kid” gains attention, discussions around parenting practices, or the lack thereof, have entered the forefront of cultural conversations. While parental decisions have always been subject to scrutiny, the advent of social media has amplified the critique faced by parents today.

Prior to the emergence of the Sephoragate controversy, variations of the statement “I am not raising my child in that manner” were prevalent online. Often voiced by prospective parents and younger individuals, these remarks critique the approaches taken by older generations in parenting. As Generation Z transitions into parenthood, they are inclined to eschew certain practices embraced by millennial and Generation X parents, notably the concept of not nurturing an “iPad child.”

The term “iPad kid” denotes a cohort of youngsters born into the era of smartphones, growing up in a milieu where technology, such as touchscreens and ubiquitous internet connectivity, plays a central role in their lives. Initially used informally to describe children handed electronic devices in social settings, the narrative surrounding iPad kids has evolved into a subject of scientific inquiry.

In a study conducted in 2015 and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), researchers examined 350 children aged between six months and four years to assess their exposure to mobile devices. The study revealed that approximately 97 percent of the participants engaged with technologies like smartphones and tablets, with a significant portion initiating usage before their first birthday.

Researchers have expressed concerns regarding the potential adverse impacts of excessive technology usage, particularly tablets and smartphones, on children’s mental well-being.

The crux of the issue lies in the extent of children’s interaction with these devices. The study highlighted that by the age of four, around 75 percent of children possessed their own gadgets. By age two, children were reportedly spending considerable time on screens daily, prompting inquiries into the risk of screen addiction among the young populace.

Salima Kerai, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia specializing in childhood development, highlighted the link between screen exposure and the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, potentially leading to addictive behaviors in children. Similarly, Marc Potenza, a Psychiatry Professor at Yale School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of minimizing screen time, especially during infancy, to support robust developmental milestones.

Over the years, concerns regarding parenting and technology have escalated. A 2020 study by the Pew Research Center revealed that approximately 61 percent of parents with children aged 11 or below sought advice on managing screen time from healthcare professionals. Moreover, attitudes toward tablet versus mobile device usage varied among parents, with 65 percent deeming it acceptable for children to own a tablet before the age of 12, hence the moniker “iPad kid” attributed to Generation Alpha.

Shifting Paradigms

As Generation Z prepares to embrace parenthood, distancing themselves from the iPad narrative emerges as a primary objective, given the mounting evidence against excessive screen time.

“Ira Jade,” a 17-year-old from New York, criticized the prevalent leniency towards children’s screen time, highlighting the detrimental effects of technology misuse by parents. Drawing analogies to neglectful supervision akin to leaving non-swimmers unattended in a pool, younger individuals like “Zion Weeks” from Delaware are vocal about the need for a paradigm shift in parenting practices.

These discussions transcend mere intergenerational criticisms, reflecting a broader trend among Generation Z to veer away from the digital landscape they were raised in. A 2023 report by Squarespace revealed that over 70 percent of Gen Z individuals expressed a desire to reduce phone dependency, leading to a surge in the adoption of “dumb phones” and a digital detox movement within the generation.

The emergence of initiatives like The LOG OFF Movement, spearheaded by Gen Zers like Emma Lembke, underscores a collective effort to empower youth in navigating the complexities of social media. Such endeavors aim to instill responsible digital habits and mitigate the adverse impacts of excessive screen time on younger generations.

In terms of parenting strategies, Gen Z mothers exhibit a higher inclination towards enforcing tech-free intervals for their children compared to their millennial counterparts, as indicated by a 2023 study by Everyday Health Group Pregnancy & Parenting. With a focus on setting screen time limits and delaying internet access, Gen Z parents are redefining the parameters of digital engagement for the upcoming generation.

For instance, “Jade” advocates for introducing internet access around the age of six or seven, emphasizing restricted access to child-friendly content. Conversely, “Weeks” prioritizes media literacy education for his future children before allowing device usage, emphasizing the importance of fostering self-regulation and critical thinking skills.

Amid mounting concerns over tech addiction and its repercussions, the consensus among Gen Zers leans towards delaying gadget exposure and promoting balanced digital consumption. By advocating for stringent age restrictions and prioritizing media literacy, this generation aims to cultivate a healthier relationship between children and technology, safeguarding their well-being in an increasingly digitalized world.

Nurturing a Screen-Conscious Generation

While these aspirations may seem theoretical for childless Gen Zers, even new parents within the cohort are actively implementing strategies to minimize screen exposure for their offspring. Theresa Campbell, a 24-year-old parent from Arkansas, exemplifies this commitment by adhering to the “no iPad kid” ethos in raising her one-year-old son, Joseph.

Campbell underscores the importance of limiting her son’s device usage, especially during social gatherings, where Joseph is encouraged to engage in screen-free activities. Despite the challenges posed by societal norms favoring device reliance, Campbell and her husband prioritize interactive and screen-free experiences for their child, fostering his physical and cognitive development.

The journey towards raising a screen-conscious generation involves setting personal examples, as Campbell acknowledges the need to reduce her own screen time in the presence of her son. By creating a conducive environment that encourages active play and social interaction sans screens, parents like Campbell strive to instill healthy tech habits in their children from an early age.

For Generation Z, the decision to curtail screen time and uphold device restrictions symbolizes a deliberate choice to reclaim control over their children’s digital experiences. By challenging the prevailing norms of tech saturation in parenting, Gen Z parents aspire to foster a balanced approach to technology usage, safeguarding their children’s well-being amidst a digitally pervasive landscape.

In essence, the transition towards a screen-conscious parenting paradigm represents both a defiance against digital overindulgence and a proactive stance in nurturing a generation that values real-world interactions over virtual distractions. As Gen Z navigates the complexities of modern parenting, their concerted efforts to promote mindful tech consumption underscore a commitment to prioritizing their children’s holistic development in an increasingly digital age.