Image by Mirko Sajkov from Pixabay
Wait until the 8th grade before giving your kid a smartphone. This is the new pledge circulating among parents because of the powerful role that having that phone plays in the lives of children.
The smartphone is reshaping childhood in ways that aren’t healthy.
Kids aren’t playing outside. They’re not spending time hanging with their crew or reading books. They’re also not spending time with family. What they are doing is spending time on social media, watching YouTube videos, snap chatting and Instagramming.
Until they’re 16 or 17, depending on their maturity level, give them only a basic phone that just calls and texts. This way, they can still reach you and text you and their friends, so it won’t cripple their social status.
Having a basic phone keeps them away from the things they can’t control or understand. They really don’t need the world brought right up into their faces. Say “yes” to the plan.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch.
