Some young adults who grew up with smartphones are now questioning whether they'd give their own kids the same unfettered access to technology. They cite firsthand experiences with online bullying, graphic violence, and even predatory behavior—like one woman who, at 12, was exposed to horrific videos and nearly lured into an in-person meeting by a stranger in a game. Despite having tech-savvy parents, she reflects that older generations underestimated the dangers. Now, as they enter adulthood, these "digital natives" are rethinking the risks versus rewards of smartphones for the next generation.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another "screen time bad" think piece—it’s a sobering reality check from the first generation that grew up glued to smartphones. Their lived experiences with online harms are shaping a new wave of skepticism about tech’s role in childhood. As these voices gain traction, it could push parents, educators, and even tech companies to rethink how kids interact with the digital world. The story matters because it’s not fearmongering; it’s hindsight from those who’ve actually been through it.