I owned a phone really early in my life. I think it was in high school that I got my first smartphone. But even before then, I was already registered to a social media platform and owned an account. It was 2go. It was just about the time when the app was a sensation. Somehow, I think that I joined the app late, or maybe it was that I wasn't actively involved and so I didn't progress across the star ranks as I did a good number of my peers. Like I've mentioned in a couple of my other posts, my social life(in reality and online) is more or less inexistent. But that's by the way.
So, like I said, I was just in my very early teens when I joined social media, and that's like the case for most kids then and now. The only difference right now is that infants/kids now have media accounts where they create content. And maybe that's not a problem, but I'm usually concerned and curious when the account is updated with content very often. I just think that is the child doing it willingly or is going made to. And even at that, does the child get the time off to really be a child rather than a tool for monetization and popularity.
I've read takes online ffon persons on what ages a child should own a phone and even come on social media. Thinking back, when I owned a phone, I was only concerned with listening to music, playing games, and reading novels. Only. Social media wasn't my thing.
I do agree l, on many grounds, that kids these days are handed phones very early, even in their developmental phases. Sometimes. I'm led to agree with people who say that kids shouldn't own phones until they're out of high school. But then , some of these schools create groups for classes where important information and assessments are given.
The problem with kids and smartphones is the addiction to it, and with social media, there's the issue of online influence. Even as adults, we sometimes fave difficulties and mental clashes by virtue of what we come across online, how much more a young child who isn't very self-aware, and who lacks a solid mental doggedity?
Social media is a wild, addicting space, and not every parent/guardian takes the time to supervise and regulate how their child/wards use it. I feel like a child could benefit more from not being a part of it until maybe their mid teens. They gain more by being in touch with their immediate environment, reading books that aren't necessary academic works, and grooming and learning about themselves, building character.
On giving phones to young ones, i feel like it's not all that bad. It's okay to, as set at an age which is fine by the parent. I only mind that it shouldn't be at their performative, developing ages. Maybe in their early teens. However, social media should not be allowed or it should be supervised. Im a bit on the edge here, cause, i had a phone very early and joined social media at my leisure but was barely supervised and i turned out fine cause i already had a mind of my own and had knowledge beyond my age. But not every kid could fare that way, so caution should be applied.
Thanks for gracing this post.
Greetings!