When to get your child a mobile phone is something that most parents spend time thinking about. They might have started asking for one when they were very young, claiming that their friends at school had the latest iPhone, or that they needed one to keep up. Most parents wait until their children are a little older. Often the last year of elementary school or as they start junior high.
This can seem like the right time. Their life is changing. They’ve got new friends and commitments. They might be traveling to school on their own for the first time, and their independence and freedom is growing. They’ve reached the age where a cell phone won’t just be something that they play games on, which they could easily do on their other devices. It will have other benefits and advantages. Let’s take a look at five of them.
It’ll Give You Peace of Mind
Perhaps one of the best reasons to buy your child a phone has little to do with them and more to do with you. It’s scary, giving them more freedom and independence. Knowing that they’ve got a phone in their bag can make them feel closer. You can ask them to check in or send them a quick text if you are worried.
It’ll Keep Them Safe
A phone also gives them safety. Program in your number, but also the numbers of other trusted adults that could help out in an emergency. Teach them about other helplines and services that they might need.
It’ll Teach them Responsibility
There are many ways to teach a child responsibility, but a phone is a good one. Give them a budget, or ask them to get a part-time job, or earn money around the house to pay their bill. Let them know that if they don’t stick within their limits, or look after their device, they will lose it.
It’ll Help You to Communicate with them
Older kids and teenagers aren’t always great at communicating with their parents, and many of them text and chat on WhatsApp and Snapchat more than they speak in person. Buying them a phone gives you another way to keep in touch, and to keep the lines of communication open. You’ll probably find out more about their lives from social media than you do from speaking with them.
To Give them Independence
Giving your child independence is tough. It’s scary and worrying. But it’s also essential if you want them to develop and grow into an adult. A phone gives them more options. It shows that you trust them, and it helps them to become more independent, without being cut off from parental support and guidance.
It’s vital that you remember, that while your child’s first phone is a big deal, it doesn’t need to be as scary as you might think. You can set parental controls. You can use the best phone tracking app for families to keep them safe. You can change settings and set ground rules. It’s still in your control.
There’s no right time or right reason, and it’s a big purchase. So, take your time to consider your options, and don’t proceed until it’s the right thing for your child. Remember, they are all different!
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Thanks for the blogging Love