Kids and smartphones. It’s a modern-day relationship that most parents just don’t know how to navigate. We want them to be safe, but we also want them to have the latest phone with all the cool features. The problem is that kids are growing up in an era of unprecedented technology without any guidelines on how they should behave around it.
How can I make my kids smartphone safe?
The first step is to talk to your kids about smartphone safety. Make sure they understand the risks associated with using their phones, and discuss how they should behave when using them. You can also set some ground rules, such as not using their phones in bed, and setting time limits for phone use.
You can also help make your kids cell phone safe by installing parental controls in your child’s device or in-app, which you can block certain type of content they shouldn’t be seeing. Here are a few other ways to keep your kids smartphone safe:
- Set ground rules for when they can use your smartphone and theirs.
- Have their passwords.
- Make sure they understand social media etiquette.
- Encourage digital safety education at school or through other means like watching YouTube videos about cyberbullying or understanding internet safety-speak.
- Teach them how to handle strangers online.
Kids these days are so tech-savvy. With the new iPhones and all of its features, parents will have to teach their children some smartphone safety basics before handing over the new phone. Below are some of our tech-savvy tips to further your discussion and awareness when allowing your kids to use smartphones:
Positioning is Key
If you’re not using your phone, put it in a place where you can see it. This will help prevent kids from sneaking off with their phone without permission.
Passwords are Important
Set a password for your phone and make sure your kids know it. This will help prevent unauthorized access to your device.
Be mindful of what apps your kids are using
There are a lot of apps out there that aren’t appropriate for kids. Make sure you know what apps your child is using and limit their access to age-appropriate content. Consider parental control apps, if this is a big concern for you.
Talk about Stranger Danger
It’s important to talk to your kids about stranger danger, even if they’re using their phone. Teach them to be aware of who they’re talking to, and never give out personal information.
Be a Role Model
Most importantly, be a role model for your kids when it comes to smartphone safety. Follow the guidelines you set for them and set a good example.
What age is appropriate for children to have a smartphone device?
This is a question that doesn’t have a definitive answer. However, Common Sense Media provides guidelines for parents to help them make this decision. According to the website, smartphones are generally appropriate for kids aged 13 and up.
But it’s important to note that every child is different and some may be ready for a smartphone at an earlier age. If you’re unsure, it’s best to wait until your child is older.
Smartphones offer a variety of features that can be beneficial for children such as educational apps, GPS tracking, and parental controls. However, with great power comes great responsibility. It’s important for parents to teach their children how to use smartphones safely and responsibly.
The bottom line is that smartphones provide a lot of entertainment and educational value for kids, but they also come with a lot of dangers. Make sure you follow these tips to help your kids stay safe when using their smartphone.
