CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Lee Elberson, CEO of Clayborne Test Prep and Tutoring, discussed the significant impact of phones and social media on students’ mental health and educational outcomes. Elberson highlighted the findings of the book “The Anxious Generation,” which examines how the “great rewiring of childhood” is leading to an epidemic of mental illness.  

Elberson emphasized the detrimental effects of excessive phone use on students’ ability to learn and proposed strict measures to mitigate these impacts. He noted that schools are increasingly adopting policies to ban phones during school hours, and suggested even stricter guidelines for parents. “Don’t give them a cell phone until they can drive. And when that happens, you give them a flip phone,” Elberson advised. He also recommended keeping children off social media while they are still living at home, as early exposure can rewire their brains in harmful ways. 

Despite the controversy surrounding these recommendations, Elberson argued that reducing screen time and increasing physical and social activities could significantly benefit students’ development. He acknowledged the counterargument from parents who worry about their children feeling isolated without phones but stressed the long-term benefits of such measures. “Don’t you want your kid to be different?” he asked, suggesting that equipping children with tools to navigate the real world would ultimately help them socialize better.

Put the Phones Down Pick the Books Up: Lee Elberson WINA Chief Education Consultant – Cville Right Now