"Parenting in the digital age has been characterized as one of the most challenging tasks of the modern era". (Throuvala et al., 2021) 

• A basic phone with a limited range of functions, such as the Nokia 225

• A flip phone, such as the Jitterbug Flip, with GPS tracking

• A prepaid phone for a trial run, by Mint, Tello, or T-Mobile2  

Above taken from https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/what-is-the-appropriate-age-for-a-cell-phone-

"Balanced digital use refers to digital engagement in a way that is beneficial in meeting the information, communication, identity formation, and entertainment needs of an adolescent without risking an adolescent’s psychoemotional development or compromising physical activity opportunities" (Throuvala et al., 2021) 

Homelife:

Examples set at home will be carried out into the world by your children!  Check and manage phone usage in the family home.

"Phubbing is a social exclusion behavior related to mobile phone use (Roberts & David, 2017) in which users ignore their interlocutors to attend to their phone." (Xie & Xie, 2019) 

CONNECTING WITH PEERS:  If you child is approaching the age which you are thinking about buying them a device, or if they have a device and you are working on teaching management skills, it is recommended to connect with other parents around you.  As smart phones will be pervasive in the social and communication aspect of adolescents lives you want to be aware of what those around you are doing and perhaps align yourself with peers that have the same philosophy.   A way to start this conversation with a group may be to each take a survey such as the one below and discuss the results. 

Questions:

1.  Why do you want your child to have a mobile device?

1. • A) To contact them when they're alone (e.g., walking to school)

   • B) For educational purposes/ learning new technology

   • C) Because their friends have one/ not feeling left out

   • D) All of the above

2.  Realistically...How often will you monitor your child's mobile device usage?

2. • A) Daily

   • B) Weekly

   • C) Occasionally

   • D) Rarely or never

3.  How does your child handle screen time currently?

3. • A) Follows rules without issue

   • B) Occasionally pushes limits

   • C) Often needs reminders

   • D) Regularly overuses screen time

4.  What type of mobile device are you considering for your child?

4. • A) Basic phone for calls/texts

   • B) Smartphone with parental controls

   • C) Tablet with educational apps

   • D) Any device they want

5.  How important is it for you to control what your child can access online?

5. • A) Very important

   • B) Somewhat important

   • C) Not very important

   • D) Not important at all

6.  How will your child's mobile device be used primarily?

6. • A) Communication and safety

   • B) Learning and education

   • C) Entertainment and games

   • D) Social media and internet browsing

7.  Are you prepared to discuss internet safety and responsible usage with your child?

7. • A) Yes, thoroughly

   • B) Yes, but briefly

   • C) Not sure how to

   • D) No, not ready

8.  How does your child handle social interactions and peer pressure?

8. • A) Very well, makes own decisions

   • B) Generally well, but sometimes influenced

   • C) Often swayed by peers

   • D) Struggles significantly with peer pressure

9.  What age do you have in mind that you feel is appropriate for your child to have a smart, mobile device with internet access?

9. • A) Kindergarten

   • B) Elementary (1st-5th grade)

   • C) Middle School (6th-8th grade)

   • D) High School (9th-12th grade)

10.  What is you biggest concern?

10. • A) Privacy and online safety

    • B) Addiction and distraction

    • C) Self-esteem and mental health

    • D) All of the above

CONNECTING WITH EDUCATORS:  

Don't forget to engage with your child's school, the district, and their teacher.  You play a role in giving your input to broad policy and cooperating with your child's teacher in smart phone management.  Most schools and districts and independent schools will have sent communique regarding policy.  Make sure you are aware and discuss with your child's educators.  Whether your child goes to public or independent school, know how decisions are made and consider getting involved.   

Consider the following graphic from the Burnaby School District.  Teach your children good Digital Citizenship and device management.