When Is the First Cell Phone Suitable for Your Child?
As many children go to virtual school and are isolated from friends and loved ones during the pandemic, access to smartphones or other devices to maintain relationships has become more important to them than ever. But even before the pandemic, mobile phone use among children was on the rise: A 2019 study by Common Sense Media found that more than half of all children in the US had their own smartphones by age 11 (over two-thirds by age 12) – and many are still getting it. younger .
But what factors should parents consider when assessing whether it’s time for their kids to buy their first phone? We asked Leah Plunkett, Associate Professor of Legal Skills at the University of New Hampshire, Visiting Lecturer at Harvard Law School and author of Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before Talking About Our Children Online , for some guidance.
Plunkett says one of the biggest challenges for parents trying to figure out when to give their child a phone or device is simply the lack of experiences from their own childhood to share about the topic.
“I didn’t have my first email account before college, and I didn’t have my first mobile phone until I graduated from college,” Plunkett says. “In many other areas of life, all of us, as parents, can think about the time when we did not get on the sports team, or about the time when a friend did not invite us to spend the night, but we do not have the same experiences with these devices. from an earlier age. There are things that our children know, but we do not.
“We lack the credibility and credibility of life experiences with devices at a younger age. In addition, since we understand all aspects of digital life as adults, we are still in the process of learning. “
So where do parents start? Here are some tips.
Start having confidential conversations at a young age
“When parents give their kids devices, in terms of privacy, the first thing that parents should try to explain is age-appropriate that the device — even if it looks like something you’ve just held in your hand — is any connected device. on cellular or Wi-Fi, collects information about you that you may not even be aware of, ”says Plunkett. “Anything you share on a connected device cannot remain with the person you are sharing it with.”
At a younger age, these fundamental conversations don’t have to be overly detailed. But as children get older, these conversations should become more subtle as they become more capable of understanding the implications of privacy and how data might be used by third parties.
Do your research
Plunkett recommends Common Sense Media as a good starting point for parents looking for ways to start thinking about digital life for themselves and their kids. The site has a section dedicated entirely to cell phones , information on what children of different age groups should know about cell phone use, and tips for setting rules for using screen time.
There are also sections where parents can ask questions and get answers from other parents on topics that include privacy , do’s and don’ts when managing passwords , and be sure to know the school ‘s device policies so you can enforce those rules with yours. children.
Plunkett also says that parents are encouraged to study manuals or manuals for phones or devices on their own and get their children involved.
“I would also recommend that parents think about when they get a phone or device, sit down and talk it over with your kids,” she says. “Even if that means you need to read the website or product information behind the scenes for a bit, try to show your kids how it really works. I’m not saying you need to get into a workshop, but you really want to educate them about the various applications, programs and settings, and simulate the research you did yourself to figure it out. “
Ask other parents how they handle the phone with their children
More than ever, kids are using phones and devices to communicate with everyone from friends and grandparents to teachers and coaches. The way these adults interact with children on devices can model or influence their own evolving behaviors through technology.
This is why Plunkett recommends keeping in mind how other adults use devices, and also suggests asking other parents on your network how their kids’ phones are set up.
“For example, when you give a child a device, you might ask (other parents), ‘What do your children have access to? “Says Plunkett. “What are your expectations? This can go a long way in creating a sense of community of norms and expectations. It is important for children to know this, especially now that many of us are so excited compared to normal life that they have the feeling that parents are still talking to each other. “
Decide on functions and device
If you feel like it’s time for your child to have their first phone, there is one particularly effective way to prioritize privacy: “Make your digital device as dumb as possible so it can still do what you want it to do,” Plunkett says. “I think if you’re looking for a starter phone, you can still get a phone that isn’t a smartphone; that’s where I would start. “
For parents who are interested in “dumb” phones as a starting point for their kids to do basic things like calling home to register or finding a way to call friends or family, here are a few options:
- Nokia 3310 : This phone allows kids to do some basic things like making calls, sending text messages and taking pictures. The battery lasts a long time, but the phone has access to the Internet and some apps, so it might be more suitable for older teens or young teens as it isn’t entirely dumb.
- Jitterbug Flip : This phone was designed with seniors in mind, but kids can also benefit from larger buttons, a long-lasting battery, and a larger screen than most older clamshells.
- Jethro SC490 : Another phone aimed at seniors but with kid-friendly features like big buttons and a big screen.
- Kyocera Cadence LTE S2720 : This clamshell phone has been praised in reviews for its long battery life, although the camera quality has been cited as a drawback.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade from a dumb phone to a smartphone, or want to take the giant leap right from the ground up to smart, here are a few more considerations .