Introduction
Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, and people in their 20s are likely to have used them for as long as they can remember.
Unlike conventional cell phones, smartphones can be used not only for calling and texting but also for shopping, playing games, surfing the Internet, and even riding public transportation. Because it is a medium that can do so many diverse things, it can be good or bad, depending on how it is used.
Considering that the smartphone has many different effects, when should children start having them?
What is a good age to get a phone?
It is said that the maturity level of a child to be able to have a smartphone is usually around 12 years of age. At this age, children are becoming more independent, and they are more likely to engage in activities on their own. For example, they may spend time alone after school until their family comes home, visit friends’ houses, or join school clubs and committees. As your activities and interests expand, you will think about setting up a means of contact in case something needs to be done. The best means of communication in such situations is a smartphone.
When children actually start having smart phones, they will not only use them for communication but also naturally start using applications and social media. Parents may grow concerned that these features may have a negative impact on their children. In such cases, setting restrictions rather than making all functions available will allow parents to allow their sons and daughters to use their smartphones without any risk.
Also, according to the Pew Research Center, parents with children between the ages of 12 and 14 (45%) give their children cell phones at that time. An additional 28% of parents will give their children a cell phone until they are 15-17 years old, and 9% of parents will give their children under the age of 10 a cell phone.
At that age, children begin to say, “My good friends have one, so I want one too! I want one too!” In response to this request, parents think of giving their children a cell phone when they are mature enough to do so. However, if the child continues to refuse, he or she may feel lonely because he or she will not be able to join the circle of friends who are beginning to communicate with each other via smartphones (Habas, 2021).
Advantages of having a smartphone
There are four advantages to giving your child a smartphone:
1. If something happens, you can contact your child immediately without having to look for a payphone.
In addition, with the recent advent of smartphones, home landline phones and payphones themselves have become things of the past.
2. Your child will have more opportunities to connect with friends and colleagues.
Email and social media allow people to get in touch with people of similar ages and interests.
3. Your child may use a smartphone for academic work.
Apps, web searches, and Google Docs can greatly help children with their studies!
4. Your child can use his phone for entertainment purposes.
These days, smartphones are also used for gaming as well as watching movies and shows. Videos of funny things on YouTube will be time-consuming and entertaining (Wesoloski, 2018).
Disadvantages of having a smartphone
Can a child responsibly possess a smartphone that can do and affect this expensive and varied thing?
Having a smartphone may pose many negative health effects on children. Some hidden dangers of smartphone ownership are obesity, decreased quantity and quality of sleep, and decreased academic performance due to the distractions caused by the use of apps, YouTube, and other entertainment.
Social media use can also have a major negative impact on a child’s future. We need to be very careful about what we post and say on social media.
In addition, bullying and sexual problems via the Internet and social media have been seen in recent years. It is very important to establish rules for use and to think carefully before acting (Wesoloski, 2018).
Conclusion
Letting children have a smartphone is both good and bad, and parents should consider their children’s maturity levels prior to considering giving them their smartphones.
References
Habas, C. (2021). What Age Should Kids Get a Phone? [online] SafeWise. Available at: https://www.safewise.com/what-age-should-kids-get-a-phone/ [Accessed 23 September 2022].
Wesolowski, K. (2018). Children and Cell Phones: Weighing the Risks and Benefits. [online] Nationwidechildrens.org. Available at: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2018/10/children-and-cell-phones [Accessed 24 September 2022].
