Student Cell Phone Use
Source/Author: Anna Baralt, Director of Educational Technology
December 16, 2018
One of the most frequently asked questions I get from parents and guardians is “What age do you think it is okay to give my child a cell phone?” I wish there was any easy answer, but unfortunately there isn’t. There is no right age, but rather many factors that come into play when making this decision.
There is no doubt a cell phone is convenient. You can find out what your child is doing, or let them know what you are doing at any time. Having a cell phone can help your child be more independent and are especially handy if your child spends time away from you due to after school activities. In dual household families, a cell phone can keep parents and siblings connected.
Yet, cell phones can be a mixed blessing. They can be a distraction, and their use can be addictive for some children and teens. Screen time often comes at the expense of face-to-face interactions and other activities like playing outside, and there is the potential for children to engage in inappropriate activities (bullying, sexting, unauthorized social media use).
Yet, cell phones can be a mixed blessing. They can be a distraction, and their use can be addictive for some children and teens. Screen time often comes at the expense of face-to-face interactions and other activities like playing outside, and there is the potential for children to engage in inappropriate activities (bullying, sexting, unauthorized social media use).
Here are some questions to help guide you during the decision-making process. If you can’t give a definitive YES to most of these questions, your child is most likely not ready for a cell phone yet.
- Does your child keep track of their own belongings?
- Is your child responsible when it comes to preparing themselves for school or after-school activities?
- Overall, is your child responsible?
- Can your child avoid damaging the phone?
- Will your child remember to charge the phone on their own?
- Does your child travel between family members regularly?
- Does your child travel alone from place to place (i.e. ride bike to school) or is left alone often where there is no phone (i.e. at soccer practice)?
- Does your child “need” to be in touch for safety reasons?
- Does your child have respectful face-to-face interactions with their peers?
- Does your child understand the basics of being a good digital citizen?
- Can you trust your child to use text, photo or video capabilities responsibly?
- Do you have time to spend modeling and monitoring your child’s cell phone use?
- Are you willing to implement and enforce a cell phone policy with your child?
- Can your child follow guidelines your set forth for them (i.e minutes or time allowed)?
- Are you willing to pay the costs associated with a new device?
Of course, you should also consider the following: What is the main reason why your child wants a cell phone? Pressure from your child is not a good enough reason to give them one. And no, you will not be the only parent not willing to give your child a phone (even though they probably whine to you, “But everyone has one.”) If you are feeling pressured, check out the website https://www.waituntil8th.org/. There are many other parents sharing your concerns.
Finally, If you do make the decision to give your child a cell phone, you don’t have to start out with a smartphone. A simple phone with calling and/or texting is a great way to begin. Or, if you are passing down a smartphone or need to purchase a new one, setup the phone with content and privacy settings that you can gradually remove as your child matures.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out with your questions or if you need support.
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