The author is reluctant to buy their fifth-grade son a phone despite his insistence, fearing the negative impacts of social media. While acknowledging his son feels left out among peers, previous experiences as a teacher have made them cautious. An incident at school involving bullying through group chats reinforces their concerns about unchecked smartphone access among children. The author struggles with the reality that, even in fifth grade, their son is being exposed to social media behaviors and peer pressures, making it difficult to provide full protection from potential harm.
As a middle school and high school teacher, I've witnessed most of the behavior displayed in 'Adolescence' in real life.
Just last month, my son's school had to notify parents of an incident brought to their attention by the parent of a classmate who was being bullied over a group chat.
I have to say that I wasn't as surprised by the news as I wish I was, even for students who are only 10 and 11.
It really bothers me, but it's difficult to combat when so many of his classmates have been given that kind of unchecked access to smartphones.
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