Bill Gates Calls for Delaying Smartphones for Children, Advocates Return to ”Play-Based Childhoods”
SEATTLE, WA – Bill Gates is urging a global shift in how children interact with technology, advocating for delayed access to smartphones and a renewed focus on conventional play. The Microsoft co-founderS concerns stem from observations about the impact of ubiquitous screen time on the development of focus and deep thinking – skills he credits as crucial to his own success.
Gates, reflecting on his own childhood, described a “play-based childhood” as foundational to his ability to concentrate intensely and pursue ideas. He contrasts this with the current reality where a “childhood based on the telephone is much more common,” according to a recent Cronista report detailing insights from Jonathan Haidt’s book on the effects of social media and smartphones on young people.
“Without the ability to concentrate intensely and follow an idea wherever it goes, the world could miss out on the gains that come from engaging your mind with something and stay there,” Gates warned.
The philanthropist proposes a multi-pronged approach to address the issue. He advocates delaying smartphone access until children reach maturity and implementing stricter age verification on social media platforms – a practice he employed with his own children. Crucially, Gates emphasizes the need to “rebuild the infrastructure of childhood,” creating appealing alternatives to screen time, such as revitalized playgrounds and accessible play areas.
Gates believes a successful solution requires coordinated effort. “Achieving this will not come from individual families making better decisions, it requires coordination between parents, schools, technology companies and policy makers,” he stated.
The call to action underscores a growing global conversation about the potential downsides of early smartphone adoption and the importance of fostering healthy childhood development in the digital age.
