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Young people not interested in anything but their phones

(37 Posts)
Galaxy Sun 16-Mar-25 20:19:03

Smartphones for under 16s will be banned within my life time.

Babs03 Sun 16-Mar-25 17:58:14

My grown family are all aware of the dangers phones can pose and in order not to set a bad example to their small children they have strict rules about usage of phones infront of the GCs or toys that look like phones. One daughter has even gone so far as to buy a clunky Nokia. So we have to put our phones away when we visit and turn our phones to silent. Could be OTT but from what they say other people their age are doing similarly maybe the tide will turn. 🙏🏾

keepingquiet Sun 16-Mar-25 17:38:50

The problem with kids having phones in schools is the staff are even worse!

I remember when students first came into schools with phones and I just assumed they should be either banned or put away but no, they were considered 'helpful' and woe betide if parents were asked not to give them to their kids.

It crept in unawares, partly because staff had them too, and didn't see an issue.

My own GC don't have them, and we don't use them around them either, so I think adult behaviour is crucial here.

Kids just copy what they see...

BlueBelle Sun 16-Mar-25 17:37:14

None of my grandkids use their phones in social situations If they are just sitting around doing nothing much then yes they do Just like I read my book when the grown ups were all talking or playing cards when I was young

AmberGreen Sun 16-Mar-25 16:48:01

Schools are now taking phones for the day from students which is a good thing. It's not so much the trivial nonsense they look at, it's the very damaging tendency of posters to write nasty stuff they would never dare say face to face which is the problem. Getting phones out of schools will save lives in some cases. I've seen lots of cases of bullying almost to the point of suicide, and, probably remind kids there such a thing as conversation. Here's to better medical appointments.

Cossy Sun 16-Mar-25 15:02:43

Our (adult) children don’t bring their phones to the meal table ever.

Our on GS is 10 and doesn’t own a phone.

I think you’re generalising and yes, it’s rude.

Kim19 Sun 16-Mar-25 15:02:41

I'm intrigued by what will replace the mobile as surely something will. Technology doesn't stand still.

JaneJudge Sun 16-Mar-25 15:01:01

and tik tok and the scrolling reels, it cannot be good for brains

AGAA4 Sun 16-Mar-25 15:00:09

I have six grandchildren aged five to twenty one. None of the older ones look at their phones if we are in a social situation.
I don't think we should generalise about 'young people'. They are all different.
There are bad mannered older people too.

Debbi58 Sun 16-Mar-25 14:59:06

My daughter and grandkids are the same , no Hi Nan or how are you , when you see them. Its such a shame, I frequent the local college, they have hair and beauty courses. It great for heavily discounted treatments etc. This year though , I've noticed a big increase of students on their mobile phones , in the training room. A lot of swearing as well, I know some other clients complained to the tutor. However it's a losing battle I think

JaneJudge Sun 16-Mar-25 14:50:24

I think it's awful sad it is disrupting their further education too as they cannot regulate their use.

That said, we took our son and his girlfriend (6th form age) out this week for a meal/show and neither of them looked at their phones. But it's rude isn;t it? looking at your phone when someone is talking to you!

Primrose53 Sun 16-Mar-25 14:46:13

The first time I met one of my nieces partners he was on his phone and never came off it the 10 mins I was chatting to them.

Same on the streets, on buses, in waiting rooms, young parents pushing kids in buggies out walking, just everywhere.

The other day a physio came to the house to work with my husband. He brought with him a second year male student. He barely interacted, he asked no questions and kept glancing at his watch. At the end of the session the physio asked to use the toilet. The student followed him out to the hall. It was all quiet for 5 mins then I walked through the hall and the student was sitting on the stairs playing with his phone. He coloured up when he saw me!

I thought what a shame he didn’t use the opportunity to chat to my husband about strokes or at least go away with more knowledge than he came with. He is so lucky to get the chance to train as a physio with competition so fierce these days.