That is the question being considered by the state government in NSW  as it contemplates banning smart phones on school grounds altogether. The proposal is being led by prominent child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg who is reviewing the use of smart phones in schools.

Our world is changing and changing fast, whether we like it or not. As news filtered into the newsroom this week about the imminent closure of Toys ‘R’ Us stores, the son of a colleague made a good point.

“Kids don’t need to buy toys any more, they just need to buy skins for Fortnite,’’ he said. If you don’t know what that means, ask the nearest teenager to explain it to you.

Part of the concern driving the review is an increase in cyberbullying and what is being considered is only allowing “dumb” phones in school instead.  You know, the type of mobile phones which we could only make phone calls and play the game “Snake” on? Kids, if you don’t know what the game “Snake” is, ask the nearest adult over 30.

Is banning smart phones the answer?

As a father of young children, the world we are opening up to our children is indeed a scary one, but are we better to allow our children to learn and grow in that world so they are better armed? Maybe the answer to combat the negative impacts of social media is better education of our children.

A little while ago it was suggested in these pages, only half jokingly, that maybe empathy should be taught in schools as a subject like Maths and English. Maybe the key lies in putting as much effort into growing the emotional intelligence of our children as much as we do their academic or athletic abilities.

This new generation will one day look back on smart phones like we do BMXs. Maybe, like us, they have to learn how to stay balanced when using them.