Kids who own cellphones have lower reading comprehension skills, new UCLA study shows

Core Impact Points

• The study found that children who own cellphones scored lower on reading comprehension tests, even if they didn't bring their phones to school.
• The study's author, Dr. Patricia Greenfield, emphasizes the importance of parents and educators being aware of the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on children's cognitive development.
• The study suggests that the US education system may need to adapt to the changing needs of students, who are increasingly growing up with technology as a constant presence in their lives.
• The study's findings have implications for the US economy, as a workforce with lower reading comprehension skills may struggle to compete in a global market.
• The study highlights the need for parents and educators to find a balance between allowing children to use technology and ensuring they develop essential skills like reading comprehension.