Are I-pads the Modern Day Cigarettes?

I was recently lying in bed—hair washed, candle lit, enjoying a nice end-of-day scroll. And... well, you know what happens when you do that, right?

You open your little sanctuary up to the entire world.

Sometimes that’s a risk I’m willing (love) to take.

That’s when I came across the headline:

“iPads are the modern-day cigarettes for kids.”

My first thought?

What a stupid clickbait headline!!!

iPads could never be that chic.

(I’m kidding!!!!!!!!)

But it did get me thinking.

Where did this comparison even come from?

Is it because both can be harmful? Because both offer “instant” relief? Because both can make the brain crave more?

Sure. I guess I get that. But cigarettes cause cancer??! An iPad gives me 30 minutes of peace on an airplane. Those two things are not the same. I hate the idea of comparing the two.

I am not “pro-iPad.” I’m pro understanding. I’m pro understanding the world we actually live in instead of pretending screens don’t exist.

I think the research around screens is incredibly important.

I think some content is absolutely designed to hijack a child’s attention. Coco Melon is a great example. Many newer kids’ shows are built with rapid scene changes, constant stimulation, and endless dopamine hits to keep those little eyes glued to the screen. Seriously.. watch an episode!!

There’s a huge difference between that and something like The Lion King or Charlie Brown.

I watched Charlie Brown growing up. The pacing is slower. There are pauses. Kids have to actually pay attention to follow the story.

It’s kind of like the food conversation.

People say, “Well, I ate cereal growing up.”

Yes... but the ingredients aren’t the same anymore.

The same is true for kids’ entertainment. Shows aren’t made the way they used to be. That’s not necessarily good or bad—it just means we need to understand what we’re putting in front of our kids.

We should know how different kinds of screen content affect attention spans, dopamine, and developing brains. That’s useful information.

Comparing an iPad to cigarettes?

That feels more like parenting shame than parenting education. I imagine seeing a kid on an I-pad thinking their parents are doing something super harmful and neglecting. a lot of parents need a 30 minute break during the day. For some, that’s all they get. There’s more power in educating the device then shaming it.

In our house, we waited until Tate was about a year and a half before introducing the iPad. Now we “rent it” on airplanes.

She usually watches for about 30 minutes before she’s over it.

We choose what she watches carefully. Right now, The Lion King is our favorite.

I understand screens are a false sense of dopamine. But I also know all TV shows aren’t created equal!!!!

I’d love to know your favorites shows :)

Ok love you guys. Happy Tuesday