Motherhood: At What Age Should I Introduce My Child To A SmartPhone? 3

Hello Great Mothers!

According to Priory Group’s new research, more than two-thirds (67%) of parents with children aged 10 to 18 believe that the government should introduce legislation establishing an appropriate age for young people’s use of smartphones. Up to 44% of parents say they would support a smartphone ban for children under the age of 16, claiming that young people only need a basic phone to stay safe online, implying that child safety is a growing concern.

Though there are laws made by school administrators, banning children from taking smartphones to school, there are still no Government regulations banning children from having or using a smartphone. As discussed in my previous article, the decision lies solely on the parents and may be influenced by the family’s culture, the child’s sense of responsibility, self-control, and maturity level.

This decision is very critical for families because excessive use of smartphones can have the following impacts on our children; 

1) Less physical activity and social interactions

Excessive smartphone use can limit a child’s physical activity and social interactions. It can reduce one-on-one interactions. Being preoccupied with phones may make them miss opportunities to have meaningful conversations or bond with family and friends. However, a lack of exercise and social engagement can cause feelings of isolation, loneliness, and poor mental health.

Excessive use of smartphones can also limit our children’s improvement of social skills, like; maintaining eye contact, active listening, and empathic communication.

2) Impacts on Mental Health: 

Maintaining a constant presence on social media may cause increased stress and anxiety. The need to respond quickly to messages or notifications can create a sense of constant availability, which contributes to increased stress levels.

Furthermore, prolonged screen time, particularly before bedtime, has the potential to affect sleep patterns. The blue light that emits from the phone may interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle, causing difficulty falling asleep or poor sleep quality.

God notices your dedication to caring for your home; He will bless you accordingly. So, be joyful, for a happy mother nurtures a happy home. 

Bye!