Have you ever wondered what could be the most difficult technological decision for parents? Perhaps it would be about deciding when to get their kid their first smartphone. Different people have different opinions. Similarly, not all parents can be on the same page when it comes to handing kids their first smartphone.
If you are a part of a parenting community, you will come across many parents asking questions such as what would be the right time to hand over their kids a smartphone or are their kids ready for a smartphone yet? The truth is, only you can find out when your kid is ready for their own smartphone.
Only you can understand what would be the perfect time to give your kid their first smartphone. No one else can decide that for you. When you look up for assistance on the internet in making this important technological decision, you will stumble upon several things. For instance, a kid should take ownership of a smartphone at the age of six or every parent should ensure installing an iPhone or Android spy software.
A study revealed that the average age for a kid to own their first smartphone is ten years old. However, most parents would be reluctant of handing smartphones to their kids of this age. They would only let their kid own a smartphone when they think the time is right and their kid is ready for their own smartphone.
Every parent should consider a few things before deciding to let their kid have their first cell phone. Below, we have discussed a few important things to keep in mind before giving your kid their first smartphone. These things will help you realize whether your kid is ready to own their first smartphone.
Get Your Partner’s Advice
A recent study revealed that about 37% of dads are more inclined towards giving their kid their first smartphone while they are in elementary school whereas about 41% of moms are more likely to hand over a smartphone to their kid when they are in middle school.
It is very important for both parents to be on the same page when it comes to deciding when to hand over your kid their first smartphone. Both fathers and mothers should take this technological decision mutually. Make sure you and your partner are on the same board. Seek advice from your partner and see what they think about letting your kid have their own smartphone.
Make Sure Kid Values Their Belongings
No one but only you are the bestdecision-maker for your kids. Only you can decide whether your kid is capable enough to handle the responsibility of owning a cell phone and then using it sensibly and responsibly. If you think your kid is not ready to own a smartphone, then you shouldn’t give them.
No doubt owning and using a smartphone comes with a lot of responsibility. Most cell phones are expensive these days. So always make sure your kid is ready to take the responsibility of owning expensive electronic equipment.
Considering that most iPhones and Android phones are quite popular among kids and teens, the average cost of a good smartphone, be it iPhone or Android, is around $700. Therefore, handing such a costly piece of equipment to your kid may not be possible for every average family.
Make sure your kid knows and understands the value of an electronic device like a smartphone. If your kid is more likely to misplace or lose an itemor is too young to look after their things, then it is better to make them wait a little longer before purchasing a smartphone for them. Do not get them a phone until they are mature enough to understand the value of the smartphone and can take care of their belongings.
Peer Pressure Factor
Your kid will be likely to be influenced by their peers who own smartphones. If you find your kid telling you that almost all of their friends have their own smartphones, then it’s time for you to carry out some investigation.
It is better to get in touch with your kid’s friends’ parents and ask them if they have given their kids smartphones. This will confirm whether or not your kid is telling you the truth. While you are asking their parents about these things, you can also ask them whether they are monitoring their kids’ smartphone activities by using a spy app for Android or iPhone. Also, ask them if they have placed any cell phone rules for their kids.
Set Internet and Social Media Rules
If you want to consider giving your kid a smartphone, then you need to set some internet and smartphone rules for them. You should educate them about using the internet and social media safely and responsibly.
Make sure you also tell them that they shouldn’t be posting personal information on social media apps or anywhere else on the internet. They should also be aware of potential social media and internet dangers so they can stay away from them as far as possible.
Determine Your Kid’s Need or Desire
Another factor you need to think about before handing your kid a smartphone is understanding whether a mobile device is a need or desire for them. If you are worried about your kid coming late from school and want to stay updated about their whereabouts, then you would need to stay in touch with them. That is only possible with the help of a smartphone. In this case, giving your kid a smartphone becomes a need.
On the other hand, if your kid is asking for a smartphone, saying that all of their friends own one, then you need to check if they really need a smartphone or if they are only asking to keep one because their friends have their own.
