We are in the 21st century, where technology has taken over almost every aspect of life. Decades ago, humans struggled to perform simple tasks, using crude tools and methods. However, with the advent of technological tools, life has been easier for humans. Gone are the days when humans traveled on foot, now there are various means of transportation; whether it is a car, train, or plane, you are free to go for whichever suits your budget and standard of living. There is no doubt that technology has improved human life. It has taken our lives from point zero that it was to a whole different level. Interestingly, this same technology is like a double-edged sword; while it has advantages, it also has disadvantages, especially when it comes to a child’s life and family lifestyle.
As I mentioned earlier, technological gadgets have made human life much easier. An example is cell phones. Gone are those days when humans had to communicate with technological smoke signals, trained birds, and other traditional methods. Gone are the days when humans had to travel long distances to libraries to read books or access materials. Today, these things can be done with just a few clicks on your cellphone. Rather than going to libraries, there are different websites online where people can read books. Also, social media platforms have made it quick and easy for people to communicate with friends and families, despite the distance. However, over the years, it seems cell phones have proven to have more disadvantages than advantages, which is why it is important to be mindful of when to allow a child to use a cell phone and when not to. For today’s Hive Learner topic, the community asks us what age a child should be allowed to own a smartphone and have social media accounts.
Times have changed. Nowadays, even kids in elementary schools have cell phones and social media accounts. Growing up, throughout my elementary school days, I never owned a cellphone. At that time, I was focused on doing what kids my age did; playing video games, watching anime and cartoons, listening to evening stories told by parents and older siblings, and the like. We were so busy with these things that having a cell phone didn’t even cross our minds. I got my first ever phone when I got to senior high school. My older brother got a new phone and passed the old one down to me. I started using cell phones at a very normal age, and what’s more interesting is that technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now.
Today, kids are introduced to cell phones at a very early age, and not only does this make them academically lazy, but it also exposes them to negative things that they shouldn’t be exposed to. Using AI as a case study; the advent of AI tools has made students academically lazy. What’s the point of reading a book when you can just get the answers using AI? What’s the point of writing an assignment when you can just use an AI, and then copy and paste? That is how worse things have become.
It doesn’t stop there. Kids who are given cellphones at a very early stage, start exploring every nook and cranny of the internet, and the internet is not a safe space! Recently, I read a short story that explores the effects of pornographic content on a kid’s mental health. Most times, parents are not always watching their kids and when they are not under watchful eyes, they start to do and undo and this is why it is important to find balance.
In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with giving a child a cell phone at a very early stage, let's say elementary school. However, at this stage, they should be restricted from the internet. They should only be allowed to watch cartoons and play games. At this stage, their brains are not yet well developed, and having access to the internet, especially social media platforms would only complicate things.
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I'm sure you want your child to be smart. I bet the child would find a way to get to the internet. So this topic is a bit hard but I just think personally, it something you can hope for or do what you can. But you can't expect your child at 8 not to own a phone when the school requires he/she to have one and 90% of his/her mates already have one.
Hmm. Hi, Sam.
Of course, I want my child to be smart. Who doesn't? However, exposing them to the internet, particularly social media platforms at a very young age (when they are in elementary school) can be dangerous, don’t you think?
An eight year old child using a cell phone (AI) is wild.
I taught chess in a school in PH. Basic 6-7 students are required to have a Hp notebook or Chromebook. They use it in clas. It is compulsory. I remember clearly that the youngest child in that class was 9.
I’m taking a bet that in th next 5 years, it would be a standard for most schools. So @justfavour my guy, what do you do?
I’d add that they don’t use it everytime, however they have it in their possession at that early age. Na just prayer o! Pray for our kids lol
One interesting thing I find about this topic is the fact that if you refuse a child to use a smartphone because he or she is too young for it, they might as well learn how to use it elsewhere. Probably from another classes whose parents didn’t restrict him or her.
Personally, I’d rather expose my kids to the things that other children know but always make sure to let them know the rewards and dangers behind every action and decision they take. This particular case is for parent to figure out ways to not over restrict or under restrict their children. And like I mentioned in my post, every child is different and they should be handled differently.
Thanks for sharing this with us. ❤️
Now that I think about it, you are right. If parents deny their kids from using phones at an early age, they can always find alternatives. That's when they'll now ne curious to explore other areas. Your opinion on this matter is quite interesting.
Thank you for stopping by.👍
It’s my pleasure sharing. 😊
I can relate to this so much. Setting boundaries has been a challenge, but your insights offer a helpful perspective.
This is a conversation we need to keep having. Thanks for sharing
Hello there. To make things work, parents need to learn how to set boundaries and stick to them.
Thanks for stopping by.
You're right, lot of children especially at the age of two pr three years are now used or even addicted to cell phone which is not supposed to be. To me the actual age for a child to use phone is when he/ she are in high school maybe SS2 should be okay because by then they should be around eighteen years or maybe seventeen years. Also, if you refuse to give a child phone, they may get angry or so but later they can start using their friends phone to do whatever they want to do. Nice write-up.
Nowadays, children in elementary schools now use cell phones. In my opinion, this should not be the case. Exposing them to the complexities of the internet at that age can be dangerous.
Technology has truly taken over every part of the world as well as our lives. There are countless advantages to children using phones as well as disadvantages. Reading books online has become the best option and the quickest means of reading.
Parents just have to guide the children from entering some unwanted sites. AI has made most of the students dull.
Kids of today know things on social media when we the adults don’t know. They are curious and would make sure to explore every corner of the internet which sometimes isn’t healthy for them.
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