Yet another anecdote here but I have an 8 year old that had a "covid kindergarten" as her teachers call it.
She's now about to finish 2nd grade and is doing a summer reading program with her school because she's in the ~40% percent of her grade that are behind state standards. As her parent, I almost feel helpless here. I want her to enjoy reading. I try not to push her "too" hard at home to the point where it's a constant fight.
I think all we can do as parents is just educate our children on how to safely use these devices and teach them how to spot red flags: intrusive ads, bullying, scams, catfishing, everything else wrong with the internet.
If you block their exposure and/or don't trust them, they're going to rebel and it'll be counterproductive for everyone.
source: have a 7 year old daughter who does the exact opposite of what I ask her to do.
She's now about to finish 2nd grade and is doing a summer reading program with her school because she's in the ~40% percent of her grade that are behind state standards. As her parent, I almost feel helpless here. I want her to enjoy reading. I try not to push her "too" hard at home to the point where it's a constant fight.