Have you ever noticed your child glued to their smartphone at a time when they could be engaging with their team? As a coach in Carlsbad youth athletics, I see this almost every day.
As we wind down this season at Dime Basketball Club, I want to take a moment to discuss an issue that affects not just the court but the entire landscape of youth athletics in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and pretty much everywhere: the overwhelming presence of smartphones in our children's lives.
Within just the last few months, I have witnessed countless examples of problematic behavior with our children’s use of mobile phones. Many times I am so disheartened by what I see that I wonder if parents actually understand the magnitude of the problem. I know that putting restrictions in place for children, especially pre-teens and teenagers, can be difficult. But I am writing this because I hope that by highlighting the problem, you will consider doing the difficult work. I hope you take action to limit, restrict, and closely monitor your child’s cell phone usage. At the absolute minimum, please make sure your child’s cell phone is restricted from accessing inappropriate content – I made a quick guide here and explain why you should do this later in this post - it’s free and easy.
While smartphones offer countless conveniences, they also bring significant challenges—especially for children aged 10-14. In our basketball program, I've seen how smartphones disrupt practices, affect team dynamics, and limit the opportunity for players to develop crucial life skills. This isn’t just a Dime Basketball issue; it’s a growing concern across youth sports in Encinitas, Carlsbad, and beyond.
If you'd like to read specific sections you can jump straight to them by clicking below:
- The Prevalence of Smartphones Among Youth
- The Impact on Mental Health
- Smartphones vs. Physical Activity
- How Smartphones Affect Social Skills and Teamwork
- The Risks of Unrestricted Internet Access
- Recommendations for Parents and Coaches in Youth Athletics in Carlsbad and Encinitas
- BONUS: Coach's Tips for Managing Your Child's Smartphone
Let’s discuss specific areas how smartphones impact youth mental health, physical activity, and athletic growth—and, more importantly, what we can do about it.
The Prevalence of Smartphones Among Youth
Did you know that over 90% of children between 10-14 years old own a smartphone? Studies show they spend an average of 3-4 hours a day on their devices, often immersed in gaming, social media, or messaging. The problems with this have been documented ad nauseum.
For many kids, this replaces essential face-to-face interactions and physical activities critical for their growth. In our basketball programs, we see the effects daily, as players often find themselves glued to screens instead of engaging with their teammates or focusing on their development.
At a recent Dime team dinner, I witnessed eight players sitting together at a table, all glued to their phones. With minimal interaction amongst each other, they were all focused on playing Brawl Stars. Yeah, it’s a fun game, no doubt resulting in some dopamine releases for each kid playing the game (driving even more screen time, which is what the games are designed to do). But that fun comes at an opportunity cost, causing the children to miss opportunities for face-to-face interaction, to build group dynamic social skills, and to foster real relationships.
I’ve often witnessed a car full of kids, silent as everyone is glued to their phones on the way to and from sports events. Even worse, some kids remain glued to their screens while others, whose parents restrict phone use, sit isolated with no one to interact with. This problem is twofold. First, the behavior is inconsiderate to those who are left out, fostering a sense of exclusion. Second, it robs the group of an opportunity to engage, build social and communication skills, and strengthen team camaraderie. These missed interactions would not only benefit the team dynamic but also provide valuable life skills that transcend sports.
When was the last time you asked your child about their phone useage? When was the last time you checked their screen time amounts or phone usage?
Reference: Statista
The Impact on Mental Health
My hope is that most people by now, especially parents, know some of what I'm about to write. Screen time, and specifically phones, have been shown to have a negative impact on mental health. Not just in children, but in everyone. I imagine most of the parents of Dime players limited screen time for their children during their younger days. Yet, because of social pressures of other kids and parents, difficulty managing pre-teens and teenagers, and a multitude of other reasons, the mental health impact of phone usage can be often overlooked.
What Science Tells Us
A major study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) titled "Association of Screen Time and Depression in Adolescents" found a direct correlation between increased screen time and the prevalence of mental health challenges in children and teens. The study revealed that adolescents who spend more than two hours daily on screens are 40% more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to their peers who limit their screen use.
Furthermore, the study highlights that the nature of screen time matters: time spent on social media and gaming is particularly associated with higher risks of mental health struggles due to the pressure to maintain online personas, fear of missing out (FOMO), and exposure to cyberbullying. These digital interactions often lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, even when children are physically surrounded by peers or family.
The impact isn’t just emotional. Researchers found that increased screen time disrupts the brain's dopamine regulation, impairing reward pathways and contributing to mood swings and reduced motivation. Additionally, the blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin production, disrupting sleep cycles and leading to fatigue, irritability, and diminished cognitive function.
Why This Matters in Youth Athletics
For young athletes, playing sports can already be challenging, as they are supposed to be. However, the mental health challenges can translate directly into performance issues. Anxiety and depression can sap a player’s confidence, reduce focus during practices, and make it harder for them to build camaraderie with teammates. Sleep disturbances—another side effect of excessive screen use—impair recovery, leaving players physically and emotionally drained before they even step onto the court. As coaches, we notice the difference between players who are well-rested and mentally prepared versus those who may be struggling, perhaps because of the aftereffects of late-night screen use.
What You Can Do
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Create a Screen Time Schedule
Limit recreational screen time to under two hours per day. Set specific "phone-free" zones, like family dinners or 30 minutes before bedtime, to ensure your child gets the rest they need. -
Model Healthy Digital Habits
Children mimic what they see. Practice limiting your own screen time and engage in activities with them, such as shooting hoops, playing board games, or reading together. -
Encourage Open Conversations
Ask your child how they feel after using their phone or being on social media. Foster a dialogue about what they're consuming online and how it affects their emotions. This not only builds awareness but also strengthens your connection with them.
Smartphones vs. Physical Activity
It's true that most youth club basketball players—or youth club athletes in general—are quite active. They likely meet or even exceed the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. However, much of this activity is structured and guided. One of the significant downsides of smartphones and screens is the decline of ad hoc play or unstructured activity, which is crucial for building a lifelong love for the game and for physical activity as a whole.
The Decline of Free Play
In previous generations, afternoons were spent outside with neighborhood friends—inventing games, riding bikes, or shooting hoops at the park. This unscripted "free play" fostered creativity, problem-solving, social skills, and kept kids physically active. However, a report from Common Sense Media shows that over the past decade, children aged 8-18 have experienced a 30% decline in outdoor play, directly correlated with a sharp rise in screen time. Many kids now spend their free hours scrolling through social media or playing video games, replacing physical activity with sedentary behavior.
What the Research Says
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports a strong correlation between excessive screen time and a 20-30% reduction in physical activity among children and teens. The study, "Impact of Digital Media Use on Youth Physical Health," highlights that children who spend more than two hours daily on screens are significantly less likely to meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. This reduction often leads to the early onset of sedentary habits, increasing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular issues, and decreased motor skill development.
The report also points to the ripple effect of screen time on other habits that support physical activity, such as healthy sleep patterns and adequate nutrition. Late-night screen use often results in fatigue, making kids less likely to engage in spontaneous physical play or fully commit to sports activities. Over time, this lack of engagement creates a widening gap between physically active and sedentary children, setting the stage for long-term health disparities.
On the Court: A Coach’s Perspective
In our basketball programs, we witness this impact firsthand. Players who come to practice distracted by their phones often struggle with engagement. Skills that demand focus and repetition—shooting, dribbling, defending—are difficult to develop when a child’s attention is fragmented. Players may go through the motions but miss out on the deliberate practice needed to improve.
Even more concerning is how smartphones diminish the magic of free play. Spontaneous scrimmages, where kids try out new moves or develop their instincts, are often cut short by the pull of notifications. Team-building exercises, critical for fostering camaraderie and communication, sometimes take a backseat when players are more engaged with their screens than with their teammates.
The effects are visible on the court: players may lack the basic motor skills and endurance that used to come naturally from regular outdoor play. The competitive edge and resilience built on playground courts—where kids learn to call fouls, negotiate scores, and fight for rebounds—are noticeably diminished.
A Stark Contrast
To put it in perspective, imagine a summer afternoon in the 1980s: a group of kids on a driveway court, playing pick-up games until the streetlights came on. No referees, no scheduled practices—they learned the game through play. Now, instead of chasing a ball, many kids are chasing likes and followers. The drive to compete and improve is being replaced by digital validation, leaving a gap in their physical and mental growth.
Actionable Takeaway
To combat this, parents can encourage free play by organizing neighborhood games or setting aside tech-free time for physical activities. Encourage your child to grab a basketball, find an open court, and spend an hour just experimenting—learning through play rather than structured drills. Rebuilding this culture of outdoor activity is vital, not just for basketball development but for their overall health and well-being.
How Smartphones Affect Social Skills and Teamwork
Not long ago, I was watching one of our 8th-grade Dime teams during a tournament. They had just finished a hard-fought game and had a one-hour break before their next matchup. On the court in front of them, an incredible game was unfolding—a group of talented freshman players showcasing everything that makes basketball great. There were dunks, precision passing, sharp defensive plays, and an energy that was contagious. It was the kind of game where you could learn just by watching—how to move without the ball, how to communicate on defense, and how effort translates into execution.
As I stood there enjoying the game, I glanced back at our players, expecting to see them soaking it all in, talking among themselves about what they could pick up or discussing their own strategies for the next game. Instead, I saw six of them glued to their phones. Heads down, eyes locked on the screen, completely detached from the moment. Two others, the only ones without phones, sat on opposite ends of the group, silently watching the game in isolation. No interaction, no camaraderie, no social connection.
It hit me hard. These were kids who had just been on the same court, fighting for a win together, yet in this moment, they were more disconnected than ever. What could possibly be so important on their phones? Most of their friends were right there beside them. But the pull of the screen was stronger than the draw of the game or the chance to bond with their teammates. Dime is actively working to combat these issues.
Research Findings
This moment was a stark reminder of what studies by Common Sense Media have confirmed: smartphones are eroding children’s ability to interact face-to-face and build meaningful relationships. Their reliance on devices for communication and entertainment is replacing critical opportunities for developing empathy, teamwork, and social skills. Over 50% of teens report that phones interfere with their ability to hold meaningful conversations, and this dependence is creating a generation that struggles with direct interaction.
On the Court: Observations from Dime Basketball
The observation I shared isn’t an isolated incident. I’ve seen similar scenes play out at practices, tournaments, and team events. Instead of celebrating a win together, players retreat into their screens. Instead of breaking down a tough loss or supporting each other through frustration, they scroll through social media, leaving those moments of growth untapped.
In basketball, communication is everything. A team’s success hinges on their ability to talk—calling out switches, reading the defense, encouraging one another during tough stretches. When players become accustomed to silent interaction through screens, that communication suffers. The result is a team that plays more like individuals than a cohesive unit.
But the consequences go beyond the court. Moments like these—watching a great game together, cheering for a big play, or even laughing about something unrelated—are what forge the bonds that turn teammates into friends. Without those connections, players miss out on the deeper joys of being part of a team.
The Bigger Picture
Basketball is a game of relationships. It’s about how well you connect with your teammates, how you communicate, and how you come together to achieve something bigger than yourself. When players choose their phones over these moments, they’re not just missing out on the game—they’re missing out on learning how to be part of a team and how to engage with the people around them. As coaches and parents, it’s our job to help them put the phones down and rediscover the beauty of connection—on and off the court.
The Risks of Unrestricted Internet Access
Imagine this: your child’s smartphone, with unrestricted internet access and app usage, is like a doorway. On the other side of that door lies every dark corner of the world you can think of—pornography, prostitution, torture videos, violent acts, drugs, killings, and more. It’s not a stretch; this is the reality of what unrestricted internet access can expose a child to. Whether they walk through that door intentionally or inadvertently stumble upon it, or worse, are pushed through it by another kid or an adult sharing that access, the outcome is the same—your child is exposed to things no one their age should see or experience. And there is no going back.
If you wouldn’t knowingly let your child walk into those places in real life, why allow it digitally? You shouldn’t hand them the key to those places on a screen without safeguards. Yet, every time a child picks up a smartphone with unrestricted access, that key is in their hand.
The Bigger Threat: What the Research Says
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children paints a sobering picture: unrestricted internet access exposes children to dangers like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Shockingly, 45% of parents have reported concerns about their child encountering such risks online, yet many fail to take action, either due to lack of knowledge or a sense of complacency.
Even more alarming, a 2022 study found that 1 in 4 children had been exposed to explicit content online by the age of 12, and nearly 40% of teens had been approached by strangers on the internet. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re wake-up calls.
My Perspective: What I’ve Seen
Based on my professional background and years of experience, I can say with absolute certainty that the internet is not a safe place for children without guidance and supervision. I’ve seen firsthand how the anonymity and reach of the digital world can bring out the worst in people, preying on those who are vulnerable and impressionable.
To be blunt, predators exist everywhere, and the internet gives them tools and access that were unimaginable a generation ago. From subtle grooming to outright exploitation, the risks are real and pervasive. And while we often think, "Not my child," the truth is that any child with a smartphone is at risk.
A Local Problem: What’s Happening in Dime
This isn’t just a far-off issue. It’s here, in our community, and it’s affecting our kids. Within Dime Basketball alone, we’ve seen players exposed to pornography, graphic fight videos, and bullying in group chats. We’ve dealt with incidents of players sharing inappropriate content, not fully grasping the consequences of their actions—or the impact it has on their peers.
For instance, in one case, a player unknowingly accessed a video through a group chat link that featured deeply disturbing content. In another, a team chat spiraled into name-calling and bullying, leaving one child feeling isolated and anxious about returning to practice. These aren’t just isolated incidents—they’re reflective of a broader problem.
What Parents Need to Do
If you’ve handed your child a smartphone, it’s not enough to assume they’ll use it responsibly. You need to actively protect them from the risks. Here’s how:
- Limit Access: Use parental controls to restrict internet access and app usage. If you’re unsure how to set them up, reach out for help—there are countless resources available. At the absolute very least, I would recommend setting up their phone to utilize a DNS server that restricts websites regardless of the browser they use. If this sounds hard, it is not. I’ve written instructions on how to do it for most iPhones and Androids. It is free to do and you can find the instructions here.
- Monitor Activity: Know what your child is doing online. Check their messages, their social media accounts, and the content they’re consuming. Apps that cloak, disguise, or automatically delete content on a child’s phone is troublesome. Ask yourself, what is one good reason that a child would want their messages, photos, or content to automatically disappear?
- Educate About Boundaries: Have frank conversations about what’s appropriate and what’s not. Teach them to recognize red flags, whether it’s an inappropriate link or an uncomfortable conversation with a stranger.
- Encourage Open Communication: Make sure your child knows they can come to you without fear of judgment if they encounter something upsetting online.
- Create a Contract: Draft a user behavior contract, signed by the child, that explicitly states what they are allowed to do online and penalties for violating the contract. As an adult, you likely abide by this if you work for any company, so they might as well learn now.
Protecting Our Kids Together
At Dime Basketball, we’re committed to fostering not just strong athletes but also responsible and resilient individuals. But we can’t do it alone. We need parents to stand alongside us in setting boundaries, monitoring online activity, and having the tough conversations that keep kids safe. The more parents that put in the difficult work, the easier it is as a whole.
Smartphones aren’t going anywhere, but by working together, we can help ensure they don’t become the doorway to a world no child should walk through.
Recommendations for Parents and Coaches in Carlsbad Youth Athletics
The challenge of navigating smartphone use in youth sports requires a team effort from both parents and coaches. Here are some actionable steps to help our kids stay balanced and engaged:
For Parents
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Set Clear Boundaries
Establish phone-free zones during family dinners, practices, or games. By setting these boundaries, you encourage your child to focus on the present moment and the people around them. -
Encourage Active Alternatives
Direct your child toward activities that engage both body and mind, such as basketball, swimming, or track. Structured programs like Dime Basketball provide safe and productive environments where kids can grow both athletically and socially. -
Stay Involved
Openly discuss internet safety and encourage your child to share their online experiences. Staying engaged with their digital lives shows that you care and keeps you in the loop about potential issues. -
Use Built-In Tools and Research Apps to Help
Built-in iPhone tools like Screen Time can help monitor usage. Do not allow children to download any app without your physical approval. Keep your child’s profile age set to less than 13 years old (regardless of their age) to maintain Screen Time controls and automatically limit access to apps and content. Try apps like Bark or Qustodio for increased monitoring of your child's screen activity.
For Coaches
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Enforce Phone-Free Practices
At Dime Basketball, we will begin creating tech-free zones during practices and games, ensuring players are fully focused on their team and the game. -
Foster Team Communication
Incorporate drills and scrimmages that rely on verbal cues and teamwork, helping players strengthen their interpersonal and collaborative skills. -
Educate About Screen Time
Use relatable examples to show how reducing screen time can improve athletic performance, mental focus, and overall well-being. Share stories and insights that resonate with kids and their families.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
The challenge of smartphones in youth athletics isn’t one we can tackle alone. Together, as parents, coaches, and mentors, we can help our kids thrive—both in Carlsbad and Encinitas youth athletics and beyond.
If you’re looking for youth athletics programs in Carlsbad or Encinitas that prioritize holistic development, consider joining Dime Basketball Club. Let’s help our kids embrace the joy of sports, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Thank you for your continued support of Dime Basketball and for being part of this vital conversation.
BONUS: Coach's Tips for Managing Your Child’s Smartphone
Here are some practical, experience-based recommendations for creating a safer and more responsible digital environment for your child:
1. Limit Internet Access
Set up filters on the actual phone and password protect it from being changed. It's free and relative simple to do – easy guide here. You can also restrict your child’s smartphone to no internet access by enabling airplane mode and manually turning off Wi-Fi and cellular data when they don’t need it. This can be particularly helpful during school hours or family time.
2. Beware of Cloaking Apps – READ MORE HERE
Kids often use cloaking apps to hide inappropriate content or bypass parental controls. These apps can disguise themselves as calculators or other innocuous tools. Regularly review all installed apps and their functions to ensure nothing suspicious is being hidden. If your child is using a cloaking app, I would consider this to be a gigantic red flag needing immediate attention.
3. Approve Every App Download
Never allow your child to download apps freely. Use parental controls to require your approval for every app installation. Before granting access, research the app:
- Check reviews from other parents.
- Understand how it works and what risks it might pose.
4. Monitor Apple IDs and App Stores
Children often bypass app download restrictions by borrowing another kid’s Apple ID or Google Play account. Periodically review the apps installed on their phone and compare them with your approved list.
5. Ban Disappearing Messaging Apps
Apps like Snapchat are designed for messages and media to disappear after being viewed. Ask yourself this: Why does your child need their messages to vanish? The potential for misuse far outweighs any benefits. Ban these apps outright and stick to messaging platforms with clear accountability.
6. Don’t Cave to Peer Pressure
Don’t feel pressured to give your child access to apps or devices just because they claim “everyone else has it.”
- One: This is probably an exaggeration.
- Two: Even if it’s true, it doesn’t mean it’s a good decision for your family.
Set your own rules and stick to them, regardless of external pressure.
7. Discuss the Permanence of Photos and Content
Teach your child this critical lesson: Once a photo or message is sent, it’s out in the world forever.
- Explain how this could impact their future relationships, jobs, or even acceptance onto sports teams or clubs.
- Emphasize that nothing on the internet is ever truly private, no matter what the app promises.
8. Monitor Social Media Interactions
Even if you allow apps like Instagram or TikTok, review your child’s activity regularly.
- Who are they following?
- Who’s following them?
- What content are they engaging with or posting?
Make sure their digital footprint aligns with your family’s values.
9. Educate About Online Predators
Have open conversations about the dangers of interacting with strangers online. Teach them to:
- Never share personal information like their school, address, or schedule.
- Be cautious of “friends of friends” who may not have their best interests at heart.
10. Encourage Digital Breaks
Help your child learn to enjoy life beyond their screens:
- Enforce screen-free zones like bedrooms or dinner tables.
- Schedule “digital detox” days where everyone in the family avoids unnecessary phone use.
11. Set the Example
Your child will model your behavior. Show them how to use technology responsibly by:
- Limiting your own screen time.
- Prioritizing in-person interactions.
- Putting your phone away during family moments.
12. Consider an Alternative to Smartphones
If your child isn’t ready for full internet access, consider giving them a basic phone for calls and texts only. Devices like Gabb Wireless or Pinwheel phones provide functionality without the risks of unrestricted internet or app access.