The Impact of Technology on Kids: A Growing Concern and a Personal Journey

By Destiny Anglemyer

Technology is everywhere in our lives today, and for kids, it’s not just an added convenience, it’s something they rely on daily. According to Common Sense Media, 42% of kids have a smartphone by age 10, and by age 12, that number climbs to 71%. The digital world is becoming a bigger part of their lives every year, and it's important to recognize the risks that come with it.

Through my years of working with children, I’ve seen how deeply technology affects them. While it can be an amazing tool for learning and connection, it also brings challenges, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the mental toll of too much screen time. Many kids are immersed in this world without fully understanding the potential dangers.

This is why I started Safe Tech, Smart Futures. My goal is to teach students how to use technology safely and responsibly. It’s not just about protecting them from online dangers, but helping them harness technology in positive ways, whether for creativity, learning, or personal growth.

I’ve been competing in pageants for years, but my dream was

always to be part of the Miss America organization. In my first attempt, I decided to compete in the final preliminary pageant for Miss South Carolina. I was crowned Miss Yellow Jasmine, earning my chance to compete at Miss South Carolina. This experience marked a turning point for me, not just in my personal growth, but in my commitment to making a difference. I now use my platform to raise awareness about digital safety and equip students with the tools to navigate the digital world confidently.

Having seen the impact technology has on kids firsthand, I know how important it is for them to learn how to use it safely. Through Safe Tech, Smart Futures, I’m dedicated to helping students take control of their digital lives and navigate the online world with confidence and awareness.

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Destiny Anglemyer is the current Miss Yellow Jasmine (SC). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.