I would agree that cell phones are a great way to stay in touch anytime, anywhere. But is your child old enough to have one? It’s a tough call for many parents because it’s not just about age.
I being a tech enthusiast, would always look at the positive side of the Technology, Before I look any further, I'd like to tell you that I just read an article about it on the Rewardme site's Family Life section and thought to give my views on it.
I am participating in the ‘Ready For Rewards’ activity for Rewardme in association with BlogAdda.
Should I Really Buy my Child a Smartphone?
It’s a common question that many parents are wrestling with, especially this holiday season as the smartphone becomes one of the top most wanted gifts on the wish list among kids.
Smartphones, in particular, introduce all kinds of concerns for parents, such as their kid’s potential loss of sleep,cyber-bulling, not knowing who contacts their child, browsing the web too freely, distraction from school, access to too many games, cost of a lost phone...
Sexting has become a major case right now!
I being a tech enthusiast, would always look at the positive side of the Technology, Before I look any further, I'd like to tell you that I just read an article about it on the Rewardme site's Family Life section and thought to give my views on it.
I am participating in the ‘Ready For Rewards’ activity for Rewardme in association with BlogAdda.
Should I Really Buy my Child a Smartphone?
It’s a common question that many parents are wrestling with, especially this holiday season as the smartphone becomes one of the top most wanted gifts on the wish list among kids.
Smartphones, in particular, introduce all kinds of concerns for parents, such as their kid’s potential loss of sleep,cyber-bulling, not knowing who contacts their child, browsing the web too freely, distraction from school, access to too many games, cost of a lost phone...
Sexting has become a major case right now!
And the list goes on and on.....
But you can't beat the convenience. If your child has a cell phone, you can call or text to find out where they are or what they are up to. And in an emergency or something as simple as trying to pick up your child, a cell phone can be crucial if your child needs to reach you -- or vice versa.
The benefits outweigh the risks in most cases, and it’s why one of the fastest growing segments of smartphone usage is among kids. In fact, Nielsen(I had to Google the spelling!) data recently revealed that 70% of kids age 13-17 now have a smartphone, compared to two years ago when that figure was only 36%.
But we cannot forget the Health Considerations
Cell phones work by using radio waves. That's radiation (though it's not like what you'd get from an X-ray). Does that affect health, especially if children start using phones at a very young age when their brains are still developing?
So, the question for parents becomes when is the right time to give a child a cell phone. The answer is not entirely straightforward. It’s not just about age. It’s really about readiness on many different levels.
But you can't beat the convenience. If your child has a cell phone, you can call or text to find out where they are or what they are up to. And in an emergency or something as simple as trying to pick up your child, a cell phone can be crucial if your child needs to reach you -- or vice versa.
The benefits outweigh the risks in most cases, and it’s why one of the fastest growing segments of smartphone usage is among kids. In fact, Nielsen(I had to Google the spelling!) data recently revealed that 70% of kids age 13-17 now have a smartphone, compared to two years ago when that figure was only 36%.
But we cannot forget the Health Considerations
Cell phones work by using radio waves. That's radiation (though it's not like what you'd get from an X-ray). Does that affect health, especially if children start using phones at a very young age when their brains are still developing?
So, the question for parents becomes when is the right time to give a child a cell phone. The answer is not entirely straightforward. It’s not just about age. It’s really about readiness on many different levels.
Once you cross over the hump and decide to give your child a smartphone, here’s a list of things to do to ensure your kids stay safe and act responsibly with their new device:
What signs do you think prove a child is ready for a cell phone?
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