Re-Print- No Way Out of The Smartphone Epidemic Without Taking into Account the Findings of Brain Research

The widespread use of smartphones since the beginning of our century has had a profound impact on the psychological and social development of children and adolescents. The research paper by Gertraud Teuchert-Noodt and Peter Hensinger analyzes, from a neuroscience perspective, how the digital media use influences brain development and why a change in approach is necessary. A central concept in the paper is the role of Systemic Neuroplasticity, particularly controlled by Hebb's learning synapse. For brain maturation up to young adulthood, neuroplasticity typically enables neuronal networks to adapt and function by maturing transmitters, hormones and even receptive fields. This process helps form stable neural networks and subsystems not only during early development but up to young adulthood. Screen media consumption leads to sensory-motor deprivation and reduces spatial-temporal experiences, particularly in high-associative brain systems responsible for psycho-cognitive functions. As a result, this can lead to long-term behavioral deficits, such as anxiety disorders, depression, decreased academic performance, and social isolation. The authors argue that the digitalization of educational institutions, driven by industrial interests, occurs without consideration of neurobiological findings of a half past century. International developments, such as the shift in Denmark and Sweden, demonstrate that avoiding digital media during childhood and adolescence are necessary to ensure healthy brain development. On the background of results the article advocates for a stronger focus on playful learning, holistic action-oriented approaches in education and analog social interactions to safeguard the long-term cognitive health of future generations.