Introducing a ban on smartphones is nothing more than technology pessimism and superiority. Technology is not scary. Not if you know how to use it.
The Cellphone Ban
Young men and women in their mid 20’s also grew up with the screen, keyboard, and the internet. Although, the internet came later in their adolescent stage. There were no mobile subscription plans like today (see mobilabonnement) that allow many young people quick access to social media.
During their time, Limewire and Pirate Bay characterized the conversation in the schoolyard. Facebook was slow and less user-friendly than it is today, and MSN was more prevalent than Messenger. Many young women owned a pink Sony Ericsson flip phone mainly used to send messages to parents and to play Snake on.
Of course, social media is not one-sided positive. It is difficult to understand what the extreme developments in digital technology mean for today’s children and young people. And it’s easy to be skeptical. But experience with digital platforms is first and foremost providing valuable knowledge in a society that is constantly digitizing more and more.
Digital tools will not be less important in the future. On the contrary – laptops and display boards are already integrated into Norwegian working life. The lawyers have long since left the Red Code, and in several places, it is now impossible to buy tickets from the bus driver.
Today’s children are born into a world where digital tools permeate our society. To impose a ban on smartphones for children is to make our most digital citizens a massive bear service. Without access to smartphones, it is difficult to get to know their various features. Children just need education and skills in digital tools. We should not deprive them of that.
