What’s the right age to give your child a smartphone?

Every new-age parent will have to decide when to give their children a smartphone. These tips from a child psychologist will help you sail through the dilemma.

By: Naz Haider | | Updated: August 31, 2016 6:09 pm

Handing a smartphone to your child is giving them a powerful communication and media tool. With the technology becoming extremely user-friendly, even 2-3 year olds can operate smartphones, and because it is addictive, kids as young as 6-years-old either have or want their own phone. Needless to say, parents are worried and confused about when to give a smartphone to a child, and how much to monitor them. Concerns range from dangers of the virtual world, excessive screen time and lack of interest in the real world. A study [1] has linked watching excessive television with obesity, and if you come to think of it, putting a smartphone in your child’s hand is equally damaging. She can access unlimited ‘entertainment’, watch television shows and play games. This will leave her with very less or no time for physical activities.

You definitely cannot deprive your child of a smartphone forever, but giving it at the right age can ensure that your child is capable of using it responsibly. So is there a magic number? Dr Shachi Dalvi, child psychologist, shares a few tips and also explains when your child is ready to have her own smartphone.

A good age to have your personal smartphone is 14-years. A child on the threshold of teenage start developing a rebellious streak and also wants to be more independent, and wanting a personal phone is one way. As a parent, you can promise to reward your child a smartphone when they turn 14, depending on their behaviour during their 13th year. You can also give the cellphone as a reward for academic achievement. As you give your child a cellphone, speak to them about using it responsibly, and what kind of activities will be unacceptable.
Keep a tab on your child’s online activity, what kind of pictures she clicks or shares, virtual games she plays. Most virtual games teenagers, and even schoolgoers, play nowadays are violent games. Playing violence-based games can make you hyperactive and also promotes a violent outlook.
It is tough at this age, but monitor and ration your child’s screen time. Dedicate some time every day when nobody in the family should use their phones. It could be some time before and during dinner, or a few hours before bedtime.
Ensure that your child spends ample time in the real world — playing sports, reading books, interacting with family and friends. You can help your child maintain a healthy balance by being a role model.
According to Dr Dalvi, 14 years is a very generic age. Each child is unique and as a parent, you need to understand whether your child is responsible enough. Work towards creating an understanding that you and your child need to be on the same page when it comes to smartphone usage. This will happen only when your child knows that your concerns are there because you love her, and not because you don’t trust her.
If you want a younger child to have a phone so that she can contact you anytime, give her a regular phone that does not have data connection.

A child getting a phone is a rite of passage that every new-age parent and child will have to go through. It is only through a healthy relationship and good communication that you can make it safe, smooth and positive.

Reference

1. Robinson, T. N. (2001). Television viewing and childhood obesity. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 48(4), 1017-1025.

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Published: August 25, 2016 1:27 pm | Updated:August 31, 2016 6:09 pm

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