When will your child have a smartphone? Advantages / disadvantages and precautions

Smartphones are useful not only as communication tools but also for crime prevention and study, so the number of households that children have is increasing worldwide. However, on the other hand, many people become smartphone addiction, so special care should be taken when giving it to children. Therefore, this time, we will introduce when you should give your child a smartphone, the advantages and disadvantages of having a smartphone, and points to note.

When is the time to give your child a smartphone?

I think that the time when children start using smartphones differs depending on the country and family, but in Japan and other countries, the number of families who have smartphones for children has increased since they were in elementary school. In addition, there are a certain number of children who have smartphones when they enter junior high school.One way of thinking is to decide because the people around you give it to your child, but it is recommended that you decide what you want to use it for. For children, smartphones are a treasure trove of information. It will also be a way to contact your friends and family. However, if you use it incorrectly, it can lead to major troubles. Decide in advance whether you really need it or whether it is okay to give it a smartphone, and be prepared to use it according to your purpose.

Advantages and disadvantages of giving children a smartphone

When parents give their children a smartphone, it is important that they understand the "merits" and "disadvantages" correctly. The following is a list of typical advantages and disadvantages.

〇 Benefits of giving children a smartphone

Communication between children becomes activeBecome a security measureUseful for learningAcquire IT literacy

〇 Disadvantages of giving children a smartphone

Causes poor eyesight and lack of sleepInterfere with studyingIt becomes a factor of bullying between childrenRisk of accessing harmful sites

Things to keep in mind when giving your child a smartphone

As mentioned earlier, smartphones have some disadvantages, but as you know, they are very useful tools if used well. If you decide to have a smartphone, your parents must take proper measures and protect it. Pay particular attention to the following two points!

1. Decide usage rules

Many of the disadvantages can be prevented by deciding when and where to use your smartphone. While valuing the privacy of the child, it is important to discuss with the child and decide on specific rules, such as using it in a place where parents can see it, not using it during meals, and playing games for up to 30 minutes.What you should be careful about when discussing with your family is not to unilaterally decide and impose rules, but to think with your child and decide on rules that you are satisfied with. And it is necessary to review the rules as they grow and revise them little by little. Also, if you have a problem, it is important to always tell them to consult immediately.

2. Filter

Filtering is one of the measures you should take when giving your child a smartphone, and it is a convenient function that restricts access to harmful and dangerous sites. You can change the setting level according to your age and usage, you can individually register the site you want to use, and you can also filter to restrict access to specific harmful websites. You can set it using the function of the smartphone itself, but you can also filter by using a dedicated application or the service of the mobile carrier. Take proper measures to avoid risks.

A smartphone that protects children's safety if managed properly

If you can have clear rules, your smartphone will be a strong ally to protect your child. When your child reaches a certain age, discuss it with your family and decide whether or not to have a smartphone.