[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”2px||4px|2%|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” module_alignment_tablet=”” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Dr. Nicole Beurkens” position=”Child psychologist” image_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/09\/30144434\/Dr.Nicole.png” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||24px|7px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” position_text_align_tablet=”” position_text_align_phone=”center” position_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/11\/23151818\/ShouldIGetMyChildPhone_BlogRebranding_InsideImage_Cover_BlogImage_Desktop.jpg” alt=”Tips to help your child stay safe during the back to school period” title_text=”ShouldIGetMyChildPhone_BlogRebranding_InsideImage_Cover_BlogImage_Desktop” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||24px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Have you been considering a smartphone as a potential Christmas or birthday gift for your child this year? If so, you\u2019re wise to consider the decision carefully. While your child will probably think it\u2019s the best gift ever, it\u2019s important to understand the potential benefits and risks before you wrap up their very own cell phone. This article provides crucial things to consider, tips to help you <\/span>identify whether your child is ready for their own cell phone<\/b>, and how to set reasonable expectations for you and your child once they have one. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are many potential benefits and risks associated with children\u2019s use of smartphones. Here are several of the important pros and cons to consider in relation to your specific child and situation:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Phones are convenient.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no doubt about it, smartphones make our lives considerably easier. This is especially the case if we have busy schedules or often have to be flexible with school transportation or other activities. If your child has their own phone, <\/span>it\u2019s easier to effectively communicate and plan<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Phones provide social opportunities.<\/p>\n Whether we like it or not, the internet has become a primary space for social interaction among all age groups. Whether it\u2019s social media, games, or texting, <\/span>we rely significantly on our phones to forge and maintain social connections <\/b>and keep up with the people we care about. In and out of school, kids often use their phones for all of these reasons and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Technology is more important than ever in school.<\/p>\n Computers and phones have been integrated into almost all aspects of our kids\u2019 education<\/b>, and there are lots of situations where it can really help your child to have access to their own phone for class activities or other learning endeavors.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Smartphones can improve quality of life.<\/p>\n With proper expectations and guidance put in place, <\/span>smartphones can be a helpful tool for your child to use<\/b> when they want to relax after a long day <\/span>or <\/span><\/i>settle in to get work done. My family especially loves listening to music while we do almost anything – even cooking or doing homework. Smartphones also provide access to apps that can support stress reduction, coping skills, and more. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/11\/23151904\/ShouldIGetMyChildPhone_BlogRebranding_Insideimage_Desktop.jpg” alt=”Technology tips to help with the back to school routine” title_text=”ShouldIGetMyChildPhone_BlogRebranding_Insideimage_Desktop” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Smartphones can be distracting.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s at school or at home, <\/span>having access to a smartphone is highly distracting for most kids<\/b>. If a child struggles to manage their time and attention without a smartphone, this is likely to get worse when they have access to one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Phones provide access to inappropriate content.<\/p>\n We don\u2019t want our kids exposed to age-inappropriate content<\/b>,<\/span> including pornography<\/span><\/a>, and the internet is unfortunately a common offender here. Giving kids a smartphone has the potential to allow them too much freedom over what they see and do, which can lead to potential trouble and harm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Increased risk of cyberbullying<\/a> or other social challenges.<\/p>\n While phones can allow for more social connections, they aren\u2019t all necessarily positive. <\/span>Your child is at increased risk of witnessing or being the victim of bullying<\/b> with texting and internet access, and especially if they are using social media apps. There is also the potential for other socially inappropriate behavior, especially for kids who have not yet learned to manage their communication and relationships in more mature ways.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Cell phones are a large responsibility.<\/p>\n Phones are expensive, can be easily lost or damaged, and require a high degree of responsibility to care for appropriately. <\/span>Kids are especially likely to break or lose their phones<\/b>, which can be an expensive problem to fix.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Of course, there are a<\/span> number of factors<\/span><\/a> beyond these that can influence your decision. Your child\u2019s age, level of responsibility, maturity, trustworthiness, and more can all help you decide whether they should really have access to a phone yet. The most important thing to remember is that <\/span>your child is ready for a smartphone when they show you that they are mature and responsible enough<\/b> to handle the risks and responsibilities that come along with it.<\/span><\/p>\n In general, I have found this means most kids under 13 aren\u2019t good candidates for smartphones. However, there are situations where a child over 13 still isn\u2019t ready, or a younger child clearly is. Taking into account your family\u2019s own circumstances goes a long way toward making the best decision for you and your child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Here is a simple checklist that you can use to assess readiness for your child to have their own smartphone:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve decided that your child is ready for a phone, that\u2019s great! Now, the challenge is making sure that you work together to avoid the pitfalls that we\u2019ve already identified. Especially for younger kids, it can be incredibly useful to <\/span>sit down and create a contract or set of rules surrounding their smartphone usage<\/b> so that they know exactly how they should be using their new piece of technology. The<\/span> American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span><\/a> has some helpful downloads for creating tech contracts with kids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Establishing clear rules about daily time limits, no-phone zones, consequences<\/b>, and more go a long way toward helping your kid get the best out of their device without creating more problems. Here are a couple of other specific things you might want to plan for once you\u2019ve wrapped up that special gift:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n From the outset, <\/span>sit down and have a talk about how they will use their new phone<\/b>. Creating a set of rules for them to follow is the best way to make sure, especially at first, that you have made the right decision in allowing them to have a phone. It also gives your child a chance to prove that they are responsible enough to keep it. Be sure to include everything from when they are allowed to use their phone to where they may use it, and include when and where they <\/span>should not<\/span><\/i> be using it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nShould your child have a smartphone?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Pros of your child having their own phone:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cons of your child owning a cell phone:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Is my child really ready for a cell phone?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to make cell phones a success for your child<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Set clear expectations<\/strong><\/h2>\n