There’s always that time in a parent’s life when children start asking for their own phone. Should we buy kids a phone? What’s the right age for kids to have a phone? Is a phone a good or bad thing for kids?
Well, everything has its pros and cons. But unlike buying a book, getting a phone for your child is a very important decision. Here are a few things to think about before you take a call.
Why does the child need it? Talk to your child about why he wants a phone. Have a conversation – is it for social status or does he actually want to use it to connect with friends? Sometimes kids live far away from each other and may need to talk or share notes over the phone instead of having a study date. It’s not all negative all the time.
Is it a phone or a smartphone they need? My friend has given her child a phone at 7. But it’s just a phone with a dial pad. It’s small and inexpensive and he uses it to call his mum and tell her where he’s playing, in the neighbourhood. They live in a big neighbourhood with various playgrounds – basketball court clubhouse etc. She too calls him to tell him to get back home when it’s time up!
Are they careful enough to own a phone? This is a very personal question because every child has a different level of maturity. Some kids are careless and leave things behind. Getting an expensive device is not advisable for such a kid.
Are they digitally mature? Digital maturity is when kids are able to set or at least follow limits for using the devices. Some children are not able to prioritize doing their studies/ homework before getting on the phone or social media. So, if a child needs to be pulled away from the phone, you may want to consider setting strict limits or screen time before giving them a phone. Tell them they can get a phone only if they manage their screen time well.
Do they know about digital footprints? Talk to your child about the fact that anything they post or write or like remains online forever. And that it may comeback to bite them after several years. Let’s assume your child posts I don’t like XXX president online at the age of 9. Many years later he is working in politics in the same political party and his colleagues find this really old post. What situation would he be in then?
Just like knives, phones have some advantages, but we all need to be aware of them as good digital citizens.