When discussions arise about banning technology for youth and teens , whether it’s smartphones in schools, social media access, or general internet restrictions, the conversation almost always frames children as passive consumers of digital content. The assumption is that kids are simply scrolling endlessly, absorbing harmful or distracting material, and that the only solution is to remove access entirely.
But our suggestion is that this perspective is outdated. Today’s youth aren’t just passive consumers of online content, today they are active creators, using technology to express themselves, develop skills, and even build businesses.
Historically, adults have worried about kids consuming too much media, first it was TV, then video games, now social media. But today’s digital landscape is radically different. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and even Discord are not just entertainment hubs; they are launchpads for creativity.
Youth and teens are actively creating videos, exploring everything from tutorials to gaming content. Through this process, they are learning valuable skills in video production, editing, and storytelling. By experimenting with different formats and styles, they develop a keen understanding of how to engage an audience, structure narratives, and refine their technical abilities. What was once limited to professional studios is now accessible to young creators with nothing more than a smartphone and editing software, allowing them to express their creativity in dynamic and innovative ways.
Beyond content creation, many young people are also building businesses. Whether they are selling digital art, designing websites, or monetizing their content through platforms like YouTube, they are gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. They learn to market their work, engage with audiences, and manage their own brands, skills that were traditionally developed later in life. By leveraging technology, these young entrepreneurs are proving that age is no barrier to financial independence and creative success.
At the same time, social media has given youth a powerful platform to lead conversations and drive meaningful change. Young people are using their voices to engage in activism, share their perspectives, and challenge societal norms. Whether advocating for climate action, social justice, or mental health awareness, they are harnessing digital tools to amplify their messages and connect with global audiences. This ability to shape conversations and influence public discourse highlights the evolving role of young people in shaping the world around them like never before.
When we frame technology bans as a way to “protect kids from content,” we completely ignore the fact that they are the ones making content.
Banning technology doesn’t solve the real issue, it just prevents kids from learning how to navigate it responsibly. Worse, it ignores the fact that:
- Creative digital skills, such as video editing, coding, content writing, and digital art are developed through hands-on experience. Removing access hinders their ability to grow in an onlife world.
- The conversation should shift from “how much time are kids spending online?” to “what are they doing online?” Consuming hours of mindless content is different from spending time creating something valuable.
- Many careers today, and even more in the future, will require digital literacy and content creation skills. By banning access, we are limiting kids’ ability to develop the very skills they need to succeed.
Banning technology under the assumption that youth are merely passive consumers ignores the reality of how they actively engage with digital spaces. Young people are not just scrolling mindlessly; they are creating, innovating, and using technology as a tool for self-expression, skill development, and even entrepreneurship. By restricting access, we do not protect them, we hinder their growth, limit their opportunities, and deny them the ability to build essential digital skills that will shape their future.
Throughout history, every new form of media has been met with fear, from television to video games, and now social media. Yet, what makes today’s digital landscape unique is that it is not just about consumption, it is about participation. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Discord provide young people with opportunities to create videos, develop businesses, and lead conversations on important social issues. They are learning real-world skills in content creation, marketing, and digital communication, skills that are becoming increasingly valuable in both creative and professional fields.
By focusing solely on the risks of technology, we overlook the immense benefits it offers when used responsibly. The real question we should be asking is not how to remove technology from young people’s lives, but how to guide them in using it productively, what we call a “pave the way” approach. Instead of bans, we need education. Instead of restrictions, we need mentorship. Rather than fearing youth’s engagement with digital spaces, we should be empowering them to navigate these spaces wisely, critically, and creatively together as parents and caregivers.
A future without digital literacy is a future of missed opportunities. If we want to prepare youth and teens for the world ahead, we need to stop treating technology as the enemy and start recognizing it as a tool, one that, when used effectively, can open doors to innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful social change.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
