What you need to know
According to a district news release, the event is set up as a lunch-and-learn style meeting where parents and guardians can explore how technology impacts a child’s well-being and how kids can develop healthy habits with regard to technology.
The event will be held at the Carroll ISD Administration Center in the Lonesome Dove room April 30 at noon.
Zooming out
Wait Until 8th is an organization that encourages parents to wait until their children are at least 14 before allowing them to use smartphones. Experts including child psychologists, internet safety leaders and technology executives agree that elementary and middle school children need to be protected from the harmful effects of technology.
The organization's website states that children are receiving smartphones as early as first and second grade, and most kids have a personal device by fourth grade.
The website states potential dangers to childhood development and well-being from smartphone use include:
- Smartphone addiction
- Smartphones are an academic distraction
- Excessive use alters children’s brains
- Smartphones impact sleep and can alter behavior
- Smartphones increase the risk of cyberbullying
