We often speak about raising “the next generation with excellence.” That aspiration must extend beyond academic achievement to the architecture of the environments in which children grow. The evidence is now strong enough to move from quiet concern to visible warning. A simple label on mobile devices would be a modest but meaningful step in aligning our technology with our duty to protect children’s development. As physicians, it is time for us to say clearly: smartphones and tablets are powerful tools for adults, but for young children, they deserve the same level of caution we apply to any potent intervention.
Dr. Ahmadizadeh is an otolaryngologist and assistant professor in the department of otolaryngology at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, N.Y.
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