Smartphones are everywhere, especially in the hands of our children. If we believe the numbers, then most kids get a cellphone at age 10, and that’s not all. Other surveys show that some children under age six already tote around their own smartphones. Most psychologists say that age does matter when it comes to owning a cellphone, and parents should be strict in allowing their children screentime when using these tech devices.
Remember to Set Limits
On “Live! with Kelly and Ryan,” Kelly Ripa has always seemed frank with her audience about raising her children when they were young. Her daughter Lola was always bugging her mother for a smartphone because all of her tween friends had one.
Ripa didn’t think Lola as a middle school child was ready for one, but her husband Mark Consuelos caved in. Lola got her smartphone at age 11.
Ripa made sure to set smartphone limits for her kids. For example, she had the passcodes for her kids’ phones, and the phones were not allowed at the dinner table. Also, if any of the kids failed homework, came home late, got into trouble, their smartphone was taken away as punishment.
The Right Age For Owning A Smartphone
Most psychologists believe that cellphones should not be passed out to very young children and that access to screen time should be limited. Many have suggested waiting until the 7th or 8th grade to get them a phone.
At ages four to six, smartphones can create overstimulation for young brains that are still developing. In fact, these kids can become hooked on their phones.
Every parent is unique in how they raise their children, and one survey showed that 40 percent of Americans think kids should wait until middle school (age 11–13) before getting smartphones.
Let’s be honest. Smartphones offer amazing convenience and technology for communication, but these devices can also cause harm if there aren’t any parental limits placed on their usage.
Smartphones can create the potential for cyberbullying, exposure to nudity, and violence, and cause addiction among young users.
Going Over The Rules For Smartphone Use
As adults, we cannot imagine going through daily life without these incredible mobile tech devices. There are so many cool things you can do such as learning how to create apps for your business. It’s a great marketing tool for companies of all sizes.
Your tweens don’t need this level of smartphone sophistication at this time, but they will become very knowledgeable about the amazing functions that smartphones can deliver as the years go by.
Children from the ages of 11 to 13 will have a blast with their screen time and hanging with their friends, but you should teach them at a young age about smartphone use.
One way to begin is by giving your child a cellphone that doesn’t have internet access.
Some tech experts suggest that parents or guardians write up a family contract. This will set up smartphone rules and consequences for breaking the contract.
Also, you could monitor your children’s screen time, and that’s simple to do since most devices have a feature that tracks this.
Smartphone Benefits For Children
Every child is an individual, and parents or guardians know what is best for their kid.
Having a smartphone encourages communication, and many excellent apps can offer flashcards, calculators, and dictionaries, etc. to help educate kids.
Smartphones can also boost social interaction with others, especially if you have a child that has challenges making friends.
Kids are always seeking more independence, and with cell phones, parents or guardians feel that their kids are safe and secure. For example, all you need to do is send a quick text or phone call to let you know that your child is safe at a friend’s house or at an after-school activity, etc.
These devices also create tech-savvy young people, which is essential in today’s fast-developing world.
Smartphones can offer children a number of wonderful benefits as long as limits are set and the privilege isn’t abused.
Communication is what brings people together, and today’s children are smart and adapt very quickly to technological advances. This can be a very good thing.