Today’s kids are no longer satisfied with play stations and music systems! They demand mobile phones from parents! However, parents are reluctant to provide children with a mobile phone for many reasons. Although mobiles are widely used by children, they are not toys and should be handled with care. If not used responsibly it brings more harm than good. The only advantage of providing children with a cell phone is the concern for safety. Helps keep parents in touch with children when they are away from home. Children can also communicate with parents during an emergency.
Some people believe that handling a mobile phone can make children have a greater sense of responsibility and learn to relate to society. Another noted benefit of providing kids with a cell phone is that your teen won’t keep the home phone busy all the time. Although opinions on the provision of mobile phones to teenagers are mixed, the truth is that teenagers are using mobile phones extensively.
It is the duty of parents to make their children understand the need to use cell phones responsibly. Some children may be mature enough to take responsibility, but not all may be. Parents should make sure their children are ready to take on that responsibility before giving them the device. Adolescents are at a very vulnerable age and there is a high chance that a teenager will misuse mobile phones. Owning a mobile at a young age can make them addicted to the device.
Constant short messages, cell phone games and other plug-ins can distract their minds from studies and other activities and tether them to their cell phones. Furthermore, we hear constant reports about the harmful effects of excessive use of mobile phones.
How can we expose children to these types of threats?
New and attractive mobile models have emerged on the market, especially for the children’s segment. Parents may provide children with mobile phones out of concern for their safety, but there is a possibility that children will demand more advanced and stylish phones. Equipping children with expensive mobiles actually threatens your child’s safety by attracting thieves. Providing mobile phones to children is the same as giving them a luxury that is addictive under the guise of a necessity.
The advantages and disadvantages of providing mobiles to children have been weighed above. Finally we came to the conclusion that parents are the true judges of their children’s capabilities and needs. It is up to parents to analyze their children and come to the right decision. Consider all the facts mentioned above before you decide to buy a mobile phone for your child.
Never give your child a cell phone if he demands it to fit in with his group of friends. Materialistic thinking should not be encouraged in children. Children should be properly explained that it is inappropriate to have a mobile phone at their young age. Track your child’s mobile usage by adopting a suitable plan. Don’t let marketing gimmicks get the better of you and your kids take undue advantage of you.
It is not necessary to entertain all the whims and fantasies of your children by constantly updating the existing model of their mobiles. Let your child understand that cell phones are provided for the sole reason of safety. Discourage them from spending too much time on mobile phones and engaging in games and other time-consuming activities. It is every parent’s dream that his children grow up to be responsible citizens.
However, parents must recognize that in some cases it is only their decisions that influence the determination of their children’s future.
