Colorado considers smartphone ban for children

Citizens in Colorado are working on a ballot initiative that would ban smartphone sales for children under age thirteen.

If the ballot initiative wins a majority vote from the public, cell phone retailers will have to ask if the primary user of a cell phone will be under age thirteen. If the answer is 'yes,' there can be no sale. Cell phone retailers will be monitored for compliance and face a potential $500 fine for violations. However, no penalty is listed for parents who choose to buy their children a smartphone in spite of the law.

There is no move to limit smartphone use by children in New Hampshire. New Hampshire also does not allow citizens to put issues like this directly on the ballot, so a legislator would need to propose the idea for it to move forward.

Parents Against Underage Smartphones (PAUS), the group behind the Colorado ballot initiative, argues that smartphones - like too much TV - can stunt brain development. They cite research that shows technology can be addictive to children, leading to social disorders, lower academic achievement, and obesity. 

Given these negative effects, PAUS argues the state should protect children from smartphones, just as the state requires seat belts and outlaws tobacco for minors. Children could still own flip phones to stay in touch with their parents.

Opponents of the ballot initiative argue that it is a perfect example of a nanny state law. Parents have both the duty and the power to protect their children from the potential harms of technology. The state has no business intervening.

Smartphones may also benefit children by encouraging learning outside the classroom, through educational apps, communication with teachers, and collaboration with other students.

Do you think New Hampshire should ban smartphone sales for minors under age thirteen? Share your opinion in the comments.