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It’s the holiday season, and many parents are planning to give their kids their first smartphone. And for many, this has been a fraught decision, as there are many pros and cons.
On the one hand, life will be much easier when kiddo can go out on their own — and you can always reach each other if needed. They can stay connected to their friends, share content, and participate in online spaces together, which is pretty much all they talk about, anyway. There are a bazillion apps that they can use in support of academic goals, curiosities, and creative pursuits. And it puts an immediate end to any badgering and/or borrowing your phone which, let’s face it, can get pretty annoying.
But there are also some risks. While the research is not yet conclusive on the effect of smartphones, video games, and social media on teenage brains, parents and educators continue to report escalating problems, including exposure to inappropriate content, online bullying, disrupted sleep, distraction, and addiction, among others. These factors can significantly complicate a young person’s wellbeing and the wellbeing of your family.
It is impossible to know how your child will react to their first phone, but I encountered this insightful tip from several parents who have been down this road, and I wanted to share.
