> banning kids from devices might stop them from engaging in social > activities that are increasingly happening online

no, that's the actual problem, the reason kids are at risk, and are getting dumber and more stupid and suffering massive mental health and social issues, is because of devices and online activities.. take their phones away.. simple..

> it may prevent children from developing essential digital literacy skills

nope.. give them books, paper books, every single generation before the smartphone did just fine with books, in fact 100% of kids before smart phones, were smarter.. because they read ( books )..

children under 16 should never have access to either a smart phone, or a device connected to the internet, it's that simple..

any parent allowing a child under 16 to have access to a device is frankly a bad parent, and putting their young children at horrible risks..