New technologies create fear in parents. Above all, if we talk about social networks, in which parents believe they can have little control over their children. If we add to this that in our pockets we currently carry very small computers, with Internet access and with the consequent dangers that currently persecute the little ones in the house. That is why, in this article, we are going to try reach a consensus on what is the best age to enter the world of mobile phones.
Are you sure you know what is the difference between mobile and smartphone? Perhaps this is one of the main reasons why fears arise about leaving a child alone with a mobile phone. Likewise, we are also going to review what the attitude of parents should be in front of children with their first mobile phone. Currently, there are associations that work on small protocols and 'contracts' signed by parents and children. But to know what exactly we are talking about, stay with us and read on.
The main thing – difference between mobile and smartphone
The first thing we are going to focus on is the main difference that exists between the terms mobile and smartphone. Perhaps, if we understand this from the beginning, one of the main fears will disappear. And a mobile phone should not be able to connect to the Internet, but rather The only mission of these devices is to be able to make calls, receive short text messages and, mainly, be reachable..
These devices we are talking about are those mobile phones whose price is not exorbitant - on the contrary - and which are intended for older people or, as is the case, children. Meanwhile, on the other hand, we have what we currently know as smartphones or smart phones. These equipment are those that, with misuse, They can be dangerous among younger audiences. Because? Honestly because of the opportunities they offer users, mainly access to the Internet, e-commerce and social networks, as well as instant messaging services.
The use of ICT by young people has increased to significant levels in recent years and at very early ages.
At the latest study published by the National Institute of Statistics It can be seen how the youngest members of the house have access to ICT at younger ages than in previous years. And the usual thing in these cases is that exposure to ICT starts at the age of 16. However, if we take a look at the published statistics, we can see how the little ones begin to have access to the Internet from the age of 10. But this is not the most worrying thing; almost 70 percent of children use a mobile phone.
The study includes children ranging from 10 years old to 15 years old. And to be more exact, The use of mobile phones increases somewhat more from the age of 12-13. Furthermore, if you want to know more data, the difference between boys and girls is almost non-existent. Of course, girls prefer the use of computers and mobile phones, while boys surpass - by very little - the use of the Internet. In some cases it has been commented on the use of Internet connections to play online.
On the other hand, there are already parents who try to create their own initiative, as is the case with Elisabet Garcia Permanyer, mother of three children and creator of a WhatsApp group with more than 1.000 participants and in which The main motto is that children at 12 years old are not ready to have a cell phone.. The age should be delayed, somewhat more so because of all the problems that can be read daily in the news.
What the experts think about it – the best age for the first mobile phone for children
As is often the case, opinions are disparate among experts. There is no consensus among them. And, as they say, everything will depend on the needs of the family unit, as well as the level of consciousness that the child in question has. Likewise, they warn that Overexposure of the little ones to screens directly affects development o create a good bond in your environment. On the other hand, it is also recommended that children not enjoy meals with a screen in front of them; It is best to instill that during meals they should focus on eating, enjoying the food and talking to their participants at the table.
Now, if we pay attention to what Jordan Shapiro comments in a interview and those he talks about in his book 'The New Childhood: Raising kids to thrive in a digitally connected world' -book in English-, comments that the age of the first mobile phone should be early, not at 3 years old, but an age at which the little ones allow themselves to be advised and instilled good habits of using a mobile phone or smartphone.
On the other hand, everyone agrees that the age at which it is decided to give the first mobile phone to a child is when the time comes to take 1st year of ESO (12 years). And one of the main reasons for this decision is the social pressure that the little ones receive who still continue with that digital disconnection at that age, in addition to the entertainment or security that this provides, according to a survey carried out by the Idealo portal. Do you agree with this survey? Leave your answer in comments.
What conclusions can we draw and what are the main fears of parents when choosing the age of the first mobile phone?
After reading different studies; different interviews and different surveys, we can say that the best age for the first mobile will depend on how convinced the parents are at that moment, what is the child's degree of maturity and knowing that a good digital education is essential to have peace of mind. Likewise, from all this it follows that The biggest fear of parents when it comes to this choice is not the cell phones themselves, but their ability to leave a door - too much - open to the Internet for the little ones in the house..
That is why, if this is your main fear, but you do need to know where your child is at all times - especially when traveling to school, etc. - perhaps the best option is to purchase a conventional mobile phone without an Internet connection and that only serves to make/receive calls. And as the months go by, assess whether taking the step to a more complete mobile phone is a good idea.
Now, if in the end it is decided that the payment of the first mobile phone will be in the so-called smartphones or smartphones, maybe it's time to sit down with the littlest one in the house and have a chat about the main dangers that can occur on the Internet. Likewise, parents are also advised - and this is not what we say, but The experts– proceed with the installation of parental control, try to ask your children what games they use on a daily basis and maintain healthy conversations with them and know at all times who they communicate with through social networks and even video games online.