I think it’s tragic that well over half of eighth-graders are considered “not proficient” in reading and math these days.

I also think it’s tragic that 25% of kids under age six have their own smartphones. Think of all the things those little ones should be doing instead of playing on their phones.

I could write endlessly about all the reasons why I don’t think kids should have phones.

But I won’t. Instead, I’ll just say that these two trends must be related. Children who spend all their time on passive entertainment are not learning about the world around them and are slowly being anesthetized. Had they been given the time, space and opportunity to learn naturally, they would probably be proficient at reading and math by eighth grade even if they didn’t go to school at all.

The most chilling quote from the second article has to be this one:

Eight in 10 parents surveyed said they don’t limit the amount of time their kids can use their smartphones.

When will parents wake up?