I first heard of Kinnikuman, written by Yudetamago, from my brother. We were reminiscing about the anime we watched on French TV as kids in the late 80s and 90s, and he brought up one called Muscleman in French (Kinniku meaning “muscle”). He recounted a particularly traumatizing scene where a character, after winning a battle, turned his opponent into noodles and ate him. I couldn’t recall anything about this anime at the time, but years later, I learned more about Kinnikuman and the character my brother mentioned—Ramenman, whose violent fighting style only changed after he lost to Kinnikuman.
While we laughed at the memory of this disturbing scene, it made me think: as adults responsible for children or young individuals, it’s vital to monitor what they watch, whether on TV, computers, or smartphones.
The Rise of Depression Linked to Screen Time
Studies have shown a troubling rise in depression-like symptoms among children and especially teens around age 15. This increase correlates with the growing use of smartphones. Children’s brains, which remain highly malleable and develop until about age 25, are particularly susceptible to external influences. Unlike adults, they lack the experience to contextualize what they see. Exposure to inappropriate or overwhelming content during these formative years can leave lasting scars—traumas that even show up in brain scans.
The Physical and Mental Strain of Smartphones
It’s not just the content that matters. Physically, human bodies, especially children’s, are not designed for prolonged smartphone use. Staring at a small screen from a short distance strains our eyes, neck, and brain.
In Japan, I’ve often observed commuters with their phones held just centimeters from their eyes, necks bent unnaturally as they scroll. I won’t deny using a smartphone myself, but we must recognize the toll it takes on our bodies, especially young, developing ones.
Our brains are wired to seek instant gratification. Whether from sugar-laden snacks or visually stimulating social media content, the effect is the same: a dopamine rush. Social media platforms exploit this biological mechanism, designing visually appealing short videos that quickly grab our attention. These instant rewards trigger a “sugar-like” high in our brains, but what goes up must come down. The inevitable “drop” that follows can be just as intense, creating cycles of craving and withdrawal—a hallmark of addiction.
Why Delaying Smartphone Use is Crucial
Research strongly recommends keeping mobile devices out of children’s hands until at least their late teens—the later, the better. From a neuroplasticity perspective, even delaying until age 25 would be ideal. While we can’t ignore the benefits of smartphones as powerful tools for learning and communication, the risks of addiction and developmental harm outweigh these advantages for young users.
Yet, many parents unintentionally contribute to their children’s growing dependence on these devices. I often see toddlers clutching smartphones, already glued to the screens. If more people understood how the brain works and how daily habits shape a healthy environment for it, I believe many parents would reconsider.
A Society Built on Addiction
The harsh reality is that while public health experts are aware of these issues, the profit-driven media industry stays silent. We live in a society that deliberately creates and markets addictive products. Once, we didn’t know the full harm of alcohol, tobacco, or added sugar. Now, we knowingly place even more addictive tools in the hands of children—and do so with little regulation or oversight.
Setting the Example as Adults
This problem won’t change until adults acknowledge their own addictions and take steps to set an example for the next generation. Children naturally mimic adults—they want to “be like grown-ups.” When teens start experimenting with alcohol or smoking, it’s often because they see adults doing it. The same pattern now applies to smartphones, but the exposure begins much earlier—sometimes as early as kindergarten.
The question is: How can we, as parents, educators, and role models, break this cycle and foster a healthier relationship with technology for the next generation?
What are your thoughts on this? Should there be stricter guidelines for children’s access to smartphones, or does the solution lie in better education for both parents and kids? Share your perspective in the comments below!
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