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In today’s modern world, it is an unavoidable question which every parent will face at some point: how old should your child be before you let them have their own phone?
Mobile phones have many advantages, such as providing a way to keep in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. However they also have their disadvantages, such as the cost to run them and the unsociable behaviour they can create from excessive use.
For parents who are considering the right time to give their child a mobile phone, here is some helpful advice from Dover College…
It may be interesting to learn that there is no legal age for owning a mobile phone. The right age to allow your child to have their first phone is really up to you as a parent. Before you make any decisions, it is important to consider whether you believe your child is mature enough to look after a phone, and if you can trust them to use one sensibly. Another major consideration is if your child really needs a phone?
It is common for parents to wait until their children start secondary school, before they let them have their own phone. At this age, children begin to make their own journeys to and from school, and socialise with friends in their spare time; so having a mobile phone is useful for keeping in touch and tracking their location.
If you are considering purchasing your child’s first phone, a basic ‘feature’ phone could be a sensible option. This type of phone will allow your child to call or text you, without the ability to browse the web, which is possible with a smart phone. Feature phones are also a cheaper alternative to smart phones, which may lessen the worry of the phone becoming lost or damaged.
On the other hand, a smart phone has the added advantage of GPS technology, which can allow you to use a tracker app to monitor your child’s location. This useful feature will not only contribute towards your child’s safety, but it can even help you to locate your child’s phone if it is lost or stolen.
If you decide that your child is ready to have a mobile phone, it is essential to discuss the importance of using it safely and responsibly. You should also help your child to set up their phone and add important contact numbers in case of an emergency.
If your child will have internet access on their new phone, be sure to add any necessary parental controls and discuss the importance of online safety.
If your child has asked for a phone simply because they like the appeal of downloading their own apps, watching videos or playing games, then you may be best off looking into a tablet instead.