The age of children to use mobile phones is decreasing. In a recent study, 22% of primary school age children, 60% of 8-12 year olds, and 84% of adolescents stated that they have their own mobile phones.
Of course, in this case too, families are faced with the issue of when to buy a mobile phone for their children. There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of mobile phones by children, which is valid for every event.
Valid Reasons for Your Child to Use a Cell Phone
The biggest reason most parents buy a cell phone for their child stems from the need for security. Thus, families can reach their children whenever they want. They also want to give the assurance that their children can reach them whenever they want. This is especially necessary if your child is alone at home after school or if he or she is walking home from school.
Weigh the Risks
If your child uses a mobile phone, they may access inappropriate websites via the Internet. You can watch content that includes violent, death and sexually explicit images. Most children fantasize about content they don’t understand.
Children with cell phones tend to stay awake all night for the sake of playing phone games or texting with friends.
Mobile phone of course carries the risk of cyber attack. You are safe the moment you close your door at home, but if you have a mobile phone and social account, no one is safe from cyber attacks anymore.
Children using mobile phones may actually become increasingly socially isolated by texting and social media. Because there is no longer the need and time to meet with friends or people around.
There are other risks for the child who is not ready to use a mobile phone. For example, sharing false information with people, constantly calling the family at inappropriate times, and having financial burdens such as mobile phone bills and internet shopping.
Deciding to Buy a Mobile Phone
If your child will sit down with you to discuss how to use their mobile phone. If he can decide and agree, then the mobile phone is ready to use. This situation actually sits right at the age of 12, 13. Using a mobile phone, receiving gifts for him, should be given only by the decision of the parents, not by the factors of grandparents and peers.
Ask yourself if your child has made mature assessments and good judgments about your child in the past that are appropriate for their age. If he has bad decisions and is immature, he is not ready to use a mobile phone either. Moreover;
When a frightening situation happens to them, how do they deal with it?
When something goes wrong, do they turn to you to fix it?
Does he or she have good dealings with events? understand it.
Also review why your child wants a cell phone. Does he want to text with friends, spend time on Facebook, or peers because his cousin has a cell phone?
See if your child is mentally capable or more importantly emotionally ready to use their cell phone properly. See if your child is meeting his/her responsibilities in other areas, such as finishing his/her homework or cleaning his/her own room. For such children, they can use mobile phones at the age of 9.10.
Warnings for Your Child’s Safe Cell Phone Use
Use parental control apps or programs that limit or control your child’s cell phone conversations, texting, and sites.
Do not allow your child to upload games or ads.
Use a regular mobile phone rather than a smartphone.
Be an appropriate role model in using your own phone.
Set up screen time limit.
Tell your child that you will monitor cell phone use closely.
Know their passwords.
