The next time you are out in public look around and take notice of the number of young children with electronic gadgets in hand. Even toddlers are reaching for their parents’ cell phones and pressing buttons like they’re old pros.
So, when exactly is the right time to introduce handheld wireless devices like smartphones, tablets and iPods to your own kids? Read on for some thoughts on the subject.
Early On
Experts agree it is wise to limit toddlers’ access to this kind of technology until pre-school.
By the age of three or four, many children have been actively around electronic media from birth and could benefit from beginning to use it on a well-supervised basis, especially for educational reasons.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested
Kids’ use of handheld electronic devices should be well-monitored at any age. But experts go on to say that a child is likely not ready for more independent use of his or her own cell phone or tablet until between the ages of 11 and 13.
Parents should be looking to strike a balance between introducing responsible use of electronic media and preventing overuse that takes away from normal childhood activities. If you are considering introducing this kind of technology with your own child, be prepared to set limits on how and when they are allowed to use it. We might be doing our children a disservice by not introducing the technologies, since they are certainly not going anywhere anytime soon; but, it can just as easily go the other way and present a danger to their well-being.
Be a model for your child. Use your own devices practically and responsibly, but also show them the value of a good book or an afternoon at the park.
Monitoring Content
Apps for a smartphone or tablet should be scrutinized just as any website would be online. Make sure those you purchase for your child are age appropriate. Not to worry, there are plenty of kid-friendly options. Look for educational content and use available parental controls.
The Teen Scene
By the time your child reaches his or her teenage years it will be difficult to deny their need to have access to wireless technology. Many schools are on the verge of expanding their wi-fi capabilities to allow students to bring their own handheld devices to the classroom (a serious no-no just a year or so ago) to use them for school purposes. Until that happens at your teen’s school though, remember, you are in charge. Make sure your child knows you have anytime access to his or her device and will be checking in regularly to ensure you are on top of things.
When weighing your options for your own children, keep one thing in mind. As much as we may want it to be, the world is just not the same place it was a generation ago. The technology is here to stay. Now, we need to figure out how to make the best use of it while still giving our kids a safe, well-rounded upbringing.
Charlie Adams is a tech guru and electronics wizard who loves writing and traveling. He is looking forward to spending his summer in a few Cape Town hotels as it will be his first trip to South Africa. He cannot wait to relax on the beach, get some good writing done, and enjoy his Cape Town luxury accomodation.