Parents Leave Kid Alone With An iPad Their Whole Childhood, End Up With A “Cave Dwelling Freak”

Today’s kids were practically born with smartphones in their hands. Tablets are their playthings instead of regular toys. They will never know life without the internet, where social currency isn’t measured by likes, views, and shares. 

While being a techy child has its upsides, the disadvantages can also be damaging. As you’ll read in today’s story, it can lead to a rough transition into adulthood. 

Of course, experiences vary between each person, and this self-proclaimed “iPad kid” is sharing theirs. You will find the entire text as you scroll through. 

Many children suffer from screen addiction due to exposure to gadgets at a young age

Young child using an iPad on a couch, illustrating the concept of an "iPad kid" in a modern living room setting.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual image)

A self-confessed “iPad kid” is sharing the dangers of growing up with technology

Text highlights challenges faced by an "iPad kid" in youth, expressing feelings of lost childhood development.

Text on image about an isolated childhood, being an iPad kid, and spending time on YouTube without outdoor activities or hobbies.

Text describing an adult reminiscing about their youth as an "iPad Kid," focused on missed social opportunities.

Image credits: Emily Wade (not the actual image)

They shared how the smart tablet ruined their teen years

Text discussing an adult iPad kid reflecting on their overstimulated youth in a small room.

Text expressing an adult "iPad kid's" regret over a lost childhood and social isolation.

Text about the adult experience of an "iPad Kid" describing addiction and radicalization at age 14.

Text describing the challenges faced by an adult reflecting on their youth as an "iPad Kid.

Young boy with a red backpack looks down, standing alone by a brick wall, symbolizing an iPad kid's isolated youth.

Image credits: Ruslan Batiuk (not the actual image)

The author is now expressing regret as it continues to take a toll on their adult life

Text expressing feelings of an iPad kid about being robbed of teenage years.

Text excerpt about adult "iPad Kid" reflecting on youth challenges and social skill improvements.

Text expressing regret from an "iPad Kid" adult about missed childhood experiences and parental complacency.

Image credits: ProperDealer4026

There is an alarming number of young children with possible digital addiction

A 2024 survey published in the Economic Times found that 60% of children between the ages of 5 and 16 have shown signs of possible gadget addiction. However, that is just one part of the problem. 

The survey also revealed that 85% of parents struggle to manage their children’s online content usage, while only 10% use parental control features to limit screen time. 

According to data scientist Professor Imed Bouchrika, exposing a child as young as four to a smartphone denies them the opportunity to learn social skills from face-to-face interactions. But that’s not the worst part. 

As Prof. Bouchrika also notes, the constant overstimulation may cause the child’s brain to crave easy dopamine at a tender age. Those same dopamine cravings also exist in people addicted to various illegal substances and nicotine. 

Are the parents to blame when a child is inseparable from their pocket-sized screens? Clinical psychologist Dr. Randy Kulman says partly yes. 

In his article for Psychology Today, Dr. Kulman points out that “digital-age parents” don’t have a model for dealing with their children’s screen time. However, they are responsible for setting an example for their kids and ensuring no overuse. 

It all comes down to the screen time rules

A good first step for parents of young children would be to lay the ground rules early on. An excellent blueprint would be the advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which discourages media use for children under 18 months unless it’s for video chatting. 

Rules gradually change as children grow older. For kids ages 2 to 5, screen time must be limited to an hour daily of high-quality programming, such as educational videos. Programs like Sesame Street are still recommended for improving cognitive, literacy, and social outcomes. 

Parents must establish more precise rules and reasonable limits for older children in their preteens and early teens. Mayo Clinic recommends encouraging unplugged, unstructured playtime and implementing “tech-free times,” such as during meals. 

Screen limits may include curfews or forbidding exposure an hour before bed. They may also help keep screens out of the child’s bedroom or require them to charge devices outside.

Fortunately, the author realized the severity of their digital addiction, albeit a little late in life. Their experience is a cautionary tale about the dangers of a seemingly harmless gadget, especially when left unchecked. 

The person elaborated more in the comments as readers expressed sympathy and shared well-wishes

Reddit comment discussing the impact of technology on children, mentioning iPad usage.

Text exchange about overcoming challenges as an adult iPad kid, with advice on getting a job and making friends.

Text conversation discussing childhood and parenting challenges of an adult "iPad kid.

Comment referencing "iPad Kid" growing up and graduating, evoking nostalgia and surprise at time passing.

Comment suggesting article publication and advocacy for the adult iPad kid's perspective.

Text discussing experiences as an adult "iPad kid" reflecting on youth and personal growth.

Comment expressing anger towards parents, reflecting on the experience of an adult "iPad kid.

Reddit comment sharing a story about a child's life after losing iPad privileges and becoming more active and social.

You come across intelligent and introspective; keep building good habits," advice for an adult iPad kid.

Comment discussing growth and future potential, addressing a young adult iPad kid's perspective on their youth.

Text offering guidance to an adult “iPad kid” on overcoming a challenging youth and building social skills.

Text post expressing an adult's reflection on their challenging youth as an "iPad kid," mentioning therapy and social anxiety.

Text post by FizzyGoose666 offering supportive advice to an adult "iPad kid" about personal growth and future experiences.

Text from an adult "iPad kid" reflecting on missed childhood experiences, encouraging adults to explore and enjoy life.

Text exchange depicting adult reflections of an "iPad kid" discussing their youth, feeling empty, and hope for a better life.

Comment reflecting on youth experiences as an “iPad kid,” expressing curiosity about its impact.

Text discussion offering advice to an adult "iPad kid" on pursuing missed childhood activities and hobbies.

Text from Reddit user about an "iPad kid" reflecting on early tablet use and its impact on youth.

Adult reflecting on teenage years, discussing their iPad kid experience and personal growth.

Text describing concerns about an "iPad kid" with a phone on a stroller, comparing it to a Black Mirror episode.

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