A parent of a 3rd grader asked, "should I get a smartphone for my daughter?" She was worried about what this technology will do to her ability to learn how to navigate social circles, the risks of certain social media apps, and unfettered access to the internet. She was worried about her daughter's safety and brain development.
It is not an easy answer for a parent to make. As a parent we must ask why does our child NEED this level of connectedness? Is it so we the parents can communicate with our child? Is it because our child needs this device for academic purposes? Does our child need this device because some of their friends have them and we are worried our child will be left out?
Many of the phones that are being offered in stores are smartphones. Smartphones are NOT just telephones. Smartphones allow access to the internet, download and run apps, play videos and music, send and receive messages and more. (Click Here for a description). The danger is giving that much access to a young brain and socially immature.
You don't have to give your child a smartphone. There are many devices that look like smartphones that lack the need for a data plan. I have included a link to a short list. Click Here.
A phone is a huge responsibility and a great way to help teach your child about responsibility, honesty, decision making and healthy discussions in your home about content they experienced. Wireless carriers offer, although you have to ask, plans that allow YOU the parent to limit the use of a child's phone. There are data caps, timers that can block the data from bing used when at school or "sleeping", and more. Click Here for AT&T. Click Here for Verizon.
This is an organization that has done quite a bit of research into brain development and smartphone use. They have become a great source for may parents and children in helping to wait until the child is better equipped to handle this type of technology. Click Here for more.
Deciding What Age To Give a Kid a Smartphone
USA Article on things to think about before giving a child a smartphone
How Do Smartphones Affect Child Psychology
The Effects of Our Own Media Use on Children