Experts provide crucial advice on the appropriate age for kids to start using smartphones.

One parenting expert recommends waiting as long as possible before making a decision.

Those giving parenting advice often mention setting limits on kids' screen time.

So, what is the appropriate age to give children their own smartphone?

According to Dr. Joshua Stein, child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical director at PrairieCare in Minnesota, this question isn't as simple as it appears.

"The number of children who own smartphones by age 11 is heavily influenced by various factors, according to what he told Planet Chronicle Digital. While it's estimated that half of kids have smartphones by that age, many families delay the purchase."

The decision to grant a child a smartphone should be made carefully, taking into account their "maturity, development, and impulsivity," as suggested by Stein.

Smartphone kids split — A psychologist encouraged parents to have a "direct discussion" with their child about being ready for a smartphone. (iStock)

He remarked that it's probable that you're already aware of your child's capability to handle a smartphone responsibly.

It is advisable to delay the decision to allow screen time or access to inappropriate content if there have been family disputes about these issues or if there have been previous vulnerabilities online.

Titania Jordan, chief parenting officer at Bark Technologies in Atlanta, advised parents to "wait as long as possible" before introducing smartphones.

No parent I've spoken to in the past decade has ever wished they had given their kid a phone sooner.

"Granted, I know this isn’t always possible."

High school students using their smart phones in a hallway — Most children are exposed to pornography online by age 9, one expert warned. (iStock)

According to Jordan, the author of "Parenting in a Tech World," each family is unique, and some children require devices at a younger age due to specific circumstances such as divorce or extracurricular activities.

When it comes to tracking your child's location and ensuring they communicate safely with trusted contacts, safer tech is the way to go, she advised.

Experts proposed alternatives to traditional smartphones, such as smartwatches, flip phones, or cellphones without internet access.

Making the decision

Stein advised that evaluating the impact of screen time on the child and family is a "valuable first step" in making this decision.

A child's previous behavior on a video game system, a parent's smartphone, or a school laptop can reveal if a smartphone would be problematic for them.

According to the expert, many children have already accessed inappropriate websites or struggled with too much dependence on screens even before the age of 10.

"This suggests that they are not prepared to handle the responsible use of a smartphone."

Mother and daughter on cellphone at home — A "valuable first step" in making this decision is to evaluate how screen time may have previously impacted your child and family, one expert recommended. (iStock)

Jordan recommended considering these questions to assist parents in determining if their children are prepared for a phone.

Does the child obey current screen time rules for TV and video games?
Does he/she maintain schoolwork and effectively manage responsibilities?
Does the child frequently lose or misplace things?
Does he or she get distracted easily?
How well does the child handle conflict and learn from mistakes?

"Kids are going to make mistakes, but the potential for danger with phones is very high."

"Jordan emphasized that while kids will inevitably make mistakes, the risks associated with using phones online are significant and they must comprehend and accept the consequences of their actions online."

Stein said that this decision can present an opportunity for parents to have a conversation with their family about their morals and values.

He stated that families have unique expectations and levels of risk tolerance.

father lying down on the sofa with his daughter on her phone — Parents should let their children know that not allowing them to have a phone is not a punishment — but a safety decision, according to experts. (iStock)

"While this conversation may be difficult, parents can reassure their child that their time to access exciting technology will come, but not yet."

It's important for parents to inform their child that the decision is made for safety reasons and not as a form of punishment.

"Stein proposed that allowing a child to explain how they can use the phone safely and appropriately can also show their maturity."

Cellular consequences

Stein highlighted the "obvious and profound" risks of using a cell phone too early, including predation and exposure to adult content.

The psychiatrist also expressed concern about the impact of screen time on the child.

Worried parent comforting depressed crying teen daughter — A Gallup study from 2023 found that teens who had more than five hours of screen time per day were 60% more likely to express suicidal thoughts or harm themselves. (iStock)

Excessive screen time and social media access at young ages can increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety in children, as warned.

Stein raises another concern that children may spend more time online instead of engaging in sports, theater, or other extracurricular activities.

"He stated that screens can quickly replace experiencing life firsthand with observing others' lives through short videos and snippets."

teen girl hides phone screen from mom — "There is evidence that children who have excessive screen time or access to social media at young ages are more likely to be depressed or anxious," one psychologist warned. (iStock)

Stein emphasized that parents should teach their children that what they see online is often an "idealized self" and not reality.

""Explore your child's awareness of feeling inadequate based on flashy presentations," he said."

Mental health advisory

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on the effects of smartphones and social media on teenagers.

The use of social media can lead to an increased likelihood of cyberbullying, depression, sleep problems, self-harm, and body image issues, as stated in the warning.

In 2023, a Gallup study revealed that teenagers who spent over five hours on screens daily were 60% more likely to have suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

Teens on phones — For parents of kids who use smartphones, weekly check-ins are a "necessity," a psychologist said. (iStock)

The children were 2.8 times more likely to have a negative view of their body and 30% more likely to report a lot of sadness.

To safeguard their mental health, parents should closely monitor their children's phone usage, as Stein stressed.

"Weekly check-ins are a necessity."

Stein cautioned parents about the language their kids use, the websites they visit, and how effortlessly strangers can reach them.

It is important for families to emphasize the need for an "open channel of communication" regarding smartphone use and to report any inappropriate or threatening behavior, he stated.

Teenage boy and his mother using smart phone at home — "It is important that your family values are conveyed in these situations rather than dismissed by avoidance of a hard conversation," a psychologist said. (iStock)

Parents should also remind kids that online posts are permanent.

"Stein stated that children are unable to commit the same errors as previous generations due to the digital age, and that an inappropriate online post could haunt them forever."

Jordan urged parents to discuss with their children the risks associated with smartphone usage.

The expert recommended that parents use a third-party monitoring app to scan their child's phone for threats and stay updated on popular social media platforms.

by Angelica Stabile 7/25/2024, 8:08:35 PM

lifestyle

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