Dr. Laura,

I just wanted to share you a program I listened to yesterday. It was a one hour broadcast by entitled "#Being Thirteen, The Secret Life of Teenagers". Wow! It was shocking to hear the kind of things these kids were saying about other kids and themselves. It was also surprising to learn that the use of smart phones and having access to social media is like a drug to these children.

The parents were asked to take away their child's smart phones and deny them access to social media. Some of the kids started crying and some became extremely depressed. Other parents were simply unable to take these things away from their kids. The program gave parents recommendations on what they could do to be more involved in their kids' lives. I know that for years you have said the children should not have smart phones and social media accounts, and I agree with you. Once they are adults and able to support themselves then they can do whatever they want.

I have a six-year-old niece who on several occasions has approached me saying how much she wants her own phone. I tell her "No" and that when she has graduated college she can have one then. 

Thank you Sincerely,

Pat



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