The pandemic phase has transform many things in life. From our lifestyle to educational system. It was the phase when many individual finding it an oppurtunity started their online coaching classes and inviting number of student to enroll. This made many kids to join the classes and as a result their dependency over smartphone has increased. Over the years, smartphone has become an integral part of life. Kids can be seen glued to the mobile screen all the time. But making kids so dependent over digital device is the right or wrong has always been a subject of discussion.
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I have seen at many instances that, instead of personal caring, a new mom would prefer to hand smartphone to their kids for entertainment. The online availability of various toons films and rhyming poems is easy way to keep the baby occupied. But what seems to be easy way is affecting the child in many way. Also by doing so a gap has been created between mother and child. The over exposure and dependency over smartphone could harm a child in many way.
The ideal age to give a child a smartphone varies, but many experts suggest when the children were in middle school i.e around 10-12 years old or even later. Some parents wait until 14 years old, while others introduce phones earlier if there's a need for safety or to facilitate communication. There are many factors that needs to be considered before handling the smartphone to our kids.
- Maturity; Children need to be able to understand the risks and benefits of using a smartphone, including the potential for cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and addiction.
Responsibility: They need to be able to handle the responsibility of using a phone responsibly, such as managing screen time, following rules, and not engaging in online behavior that could harm others.
Necessity: A smartphone may be a useful tool for staying in touch with parents, especially if they're involved in extracurricular activities or need to navigate public transportation independently.
Individual Readiness: Some children may be ready to handle a smartphone earlier than others, depending on their maturity level and the support they receive from their parents.
While many people consider mobile as a boon, but at the same time it is worth noticing that it's addiction is very harmful. Before handling over the devices to the children, the parents must ensure the necessity for such device. If the child needs a phone for communication, consider starting with a less sophisticated phone with limited features. Establish rules for screen time, online behavior, and general phone usage. Take advantage of parental control features to monitor your child's phone usage and block inappropriate content. Educate the child about the risks of online interactions, cyberbullying, and the importance of protecting their personal information. Monitor their phone usage, especially when they're using social media or accessing the internet.
Children learn from their parents, so show them how to use a phone responsibly yourself. The decision of when to give a child a smartphone is a personal one. It's important to consider the child's maturity level, the need for a phone, and the level of parental guidance that can be provided.
In good faith - Peace!!
