Most grown-ups think that the teddy bear is just a quintessential part of the childhood experience, something that must have existed since the beginning of time. But really, it is unique and well-suited to a specific social, cultural, and economic paradigm. What does that say about my son’s smartphone? Is his gaming avatar a modern-day Mr. Bear-Bear for connected preadolescents? Will it teach him healthy habits of mind? Will it help him foster strong character skills for a con…