BACK IN MY DAY.. the flip phone, t9 input, 320x200 screens were pinnacle of mobile tech, and I longed for a future which started in 2006 with the release of the iPhone. Now, as a dad of a 15 year old girl, I am crushed that the ecosystem our generations helped build - with good intentions - rules her and her friends life from waking hour to doomscrolling pre-bed ritual.<p>It doesn't help being in a shared custody situation. Where my voice was ignored when it came to introducing the device to her in the first place (aware of some of the dangers that lurked at that time). My ex (her mom) are in a very amicable post-relationship, but we just couldn't agree on the "own phone" thing. Too early. After she's driving age. If she can't legally enlist she shouldn't be connected to the hyperverse. She can't decide what's right and smart, just what she thinks is right and smart.<p>One very important thought is to remember that these low life-experience minors just don't have the experience and mental faculty to deal with low quality bait the same way as those who have come before her and grew up seeing the dastardly intentions of people. They are still very naive, and the power imbalance of bullshit detection.<p>Anyway, I don't think I have a point here except to say I am ashamed for my role in bringing the pervasive mobile device reality to fruition, no matter how small a role I may have played in it. At least how it stands, now. At this point I wish there were alternatives to "the internet" that work alongside and identically to it, but with more controls and regulation to protect minors.<p>That's not to say there shouldn't be a regular internet coexisting, but one where our devices can choose what network to operate near identically on, but has more accountability.<p>More than one kid in our large district has been catfished and had their nudes leak and criminal investigations that lead nowhere.<p>One kid has tried to start a fight online and wound up paralyzed.<p>These are sub-16 aged minors playing hardball with the pros.