From Psychologies · Nina Parage · · 50s
Kids Without Smartphones Developed Better Patience
Children who grew up before smartphones developed a rare skill now fading away, psychologists say.
In brief
Children who grew up before smartphones developed a rare skill now fading away, psychologists say. Early screen-free childhood builds tolerance for boredom, a skill smartphones are eroding. Originally reported by Psychologies.
Screen-Free Childhood
Children who grew up without smartphones developed better boredom tolerance, a skill now rare.
“Les enfants qui ont grandi avant les smartphones ont davantage développé cette qualité devenue rare aujourd’hui”
Smartphone Age Drop
In France, average smartphone age dropped to 11 years and 4 months, with one in three children owning one before age 11.
Boredom Tolerance
Psychologists link boredom tolerance to creativity, as it encourages mental wandering and new connections.
“L'ennui favorise la divagation mentale”
Screen Time Risks
Excessive screen time harms children's physical, mental, and social health, including sleep and weight issues.
Boredom Decline
Young adults with low boredom tolerance are more likely to compulsively use smartphones to avoid feeling bored.
The bottom line
Early screen-free childhood builds tolerance for boredom, a skill smartphones are eroding.
