If we take a photo of a family table, we can observe that there is a new member: the mobile phone. It is becoming increasingly common for parents to use these devices as an ally during mealtime or as a distraction for children. However, What is the right age for children to have a mobile phone?
On one hand, there are parents who give a phone during secondary school, and on the other, those who prefer to wait until the child is 14 or 16, aligning with the legal age to use social media. And, at the other extreme, there are those who give a phone during the school years so that their children can stay connected with their friends. This last trend is becoming increasingly common, but a question arises: are children really prepared for the responsibility that comes with having a mobile phone?
The importance of digital education
Regardless of when they start using a mobile phone, psychologists argue that it is essential to ‘educate children about the risks of the internet and social media’.
Likewise, parents must actively get involved in its setup and supervision. That is, it is important to make it clear from the start that, although it is their phone, it will not be private. This process involves several issues:
1. Phone setup. They should be responsible for setting it up, installing apps, and adjusting the security settings.
2. Supervise contacts and calls, as well as ensure privacy on their social media profiles, if they have any.
3. Use parental control apps. It is becoming increasingly common for mobile phones to integrate these tools. Additionally, the use of geolocation apps is also encouraged. These apps allow parents to track the child’s real-time location and, furthermore, find the phone in case of loss, which is quite frequent.
4. Filter content on the internet. Since this is one of the main concerns of parents, it is recommended to use filters to block access to sites with inappropriate content.
Along with these measures, experts agree that it is necessary to teach children how to manage their screen time. Screen addiction is another major challenge of the digital age, and to prevent it, it is important to set clear boundaries regarding mobile phone use during key moments, such as during meals or at bedtime.
All of this will ensure its safe and responsible use in the future.
What Is the Right Age for Children to Have a Mobile Phone?
According to experts, the recommended age for children to have their first mobile phone ranges from 12 to 14 years old. However, the reality is quite the opposite, as, according to UNICEF, children, on average, receive their first mobile phone before turning 11. This data highlights the gap between the specialists’ recommendations and the decisions of parents.
In this regard, experts suggest that parents should not “succumb to their children’s pressure” with the typical argument that everyone else has one. It should be a well-thought-out decision, considering not only the purpose for which it will be used but also whether the child is ready to have it.
Learn more about our teaching methodology
At Casvi International American School, we are committed to the responsible use of new technologies. That is why, through our guidance department, we organize various educational activities aimed at both students and their families. With these actions, we aim to raise awareness among our students about the risks they may face if they misuse these devices and their social media profiles.
If you want to learn more about our teaching methodology, explore our American curriculum with the IB methodology or contact our Admissions Department.
