Smartphones, social media and the selfie function are dramatically changing the social development and learning of children and young people, describes author Jonathan Haidt in his bestseller “The Anxious Generation".
The well-known social scientist warns that young people's social lives are increasingly shifting to the internet, smartphones are blocking real experiences and we are simply losing our children to the virtual world. Addiction to smartphones and social media is already a problem today, with proven consequences ranging from loss of social contact and concentration to anxiety and depression. Jonathan Haidt also criticises overprotection in the real world and simultaneous underprotection in the virtual world. A double dilemma. Real social experiences, free play and interaction are of crucial importance in the development of children and young people.
But don't young people also need to be equipped with digital competencies and future skills to navigate an increasingly rapidly evolving world? What do we need to do to ensure that children learn the importance of digital balance and well-being at an early age? And what role do parents and schools play in this? These questions and issues are currently taking centre stage around the globe - from the social media ban for children under the age of 16 in Australia, initiatives such as “Smartphone Free Childhood” in the UK or discussions about banning cell phones in German schools.
This hot topic will be discussed by the Bavarian International School (BIS) in a public expert forum. “Empowering digital citizens - smart kids vs. smartphones“ is the title of the BIS City Talk on 26 February 2025 (admission 18:00, start 18:30, language: English) at the BIS campus in Schwabing, Leopoldstraße 208. Guests include digitalisation expert Philipp Depiereux, neuroscientist Prof Dr Christian Montag (”Homo Digitalis - Smartphones, social networks and the brain”), Magdalena Balica, Senior Education Policy Research Manager at International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) and BIS Head of School Dr Chrissie Sorenson - moderated by Funda Vanroy (TV presenter “Galileo”). Entrance is free, prior registration is mandatory.