Gen Z’s Concern Over “iPad Kids”: A Digital Dilemma

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is voicing growing concerns about a new phenomenon in child-rearing: the rise of “iPad kids.” This term refers to children who are raised with little to no restrictions on their screen time. The topic has gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, where videos discussing and often mocking the behaviors of iPad kids are amassing millions of views.

A notable instance is a video posted by TikTok user @gabesco, who boasts 2.9 million followers. His video, uploaded on November 8, quickly went viral with over 16 million views. In it, @gabesco urges his peers to avoid raising “iPad children,” critiquing parents for using iPads as pacifiers rather than engaging with their children. He expresses concern over the behavioral and social implications of excessive screen time, particularly for Generation Alpha, the children of Millennials.

Another TikToker, @hopeyoufindyourdad from Minnesota, shared similar sentiments in a video that garnered over 3.8 million views. Drawing on her experience as a nanny, she describes the challenges of engaging iPad kids in creative activities and the intense tantrums that can ensue when their devices are taken away.

Sophie Puchulu, known as @squishiesophie2 on TikTok with 1.5 million followers, added a personal dimension to the discussion. In her widely viewed video, she recounts exposure to adult content at a young age due to unregulated internet access, highlighting the dangers of unsupervised online interactions.

While Gen Z’s concerns are mounting, not everyone shares this apprehension. Some online commentators view this anxiety as part of an ongoing generational debate, comparing “iPad kids” to past concerns over “video games kids” and “TV kids.” They argue that each generation has faced its own version of this digital dilemma.

The question of appropriate screen time for children has long been a subject of research and debate. A comprehensive review of over 60 studies conducted from 1999 to 2014 found that excessive screen time was linked to poorer sleep in 90% of the cases. In addition, a 2019 study by Canadian paediatricians involving over 2,400 children aged two to three observed that higher screen time was correlated with lower scores in early childhood development tests.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, acknowledging the complexity of the issue, has shifted its stance. In 2016, it moved away from recommending fixed screen time limits. Instead, it now emphasizes guidelines focused on avoiding specific types of content and encourages parents to co-view and discuss content with their children.

As digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, the debate over its role in child development continues to evolve. Generation Z‘s apprehensions about “iPad kids” reflect broader societal concerns about the impact of digital media on the youngest members of society. This ongoing discussion highlights the need for balanced, informed approaches to digital parenting, considering the potential benefits and drawbacks of screen time in a child’s life.

READ MORE:

• What activities are Suitable for students in Beijing
• The Growing Concern of Gen Z Over ‘iPad Kids’ and the Impact of Unrestricted Screen Time
• Baseball: Why China’s Swing is Taking Japan on a Cultural Revolution