Mobile phones have revolutionized how we live our lives. They’ve evolved from being mere calling gadgets to helping entertain us, inform us research, and even play games. Most parents are always conflicted about the possibility of buying phone devices for their young ones. For all their positive contributions phones can also present a dark side, especially to young users. Giving your teen a cell phone enables parents to track them via GPS, communicate effectively, set call and game limitations and regulate their digital purchases.
We live in a very mobile society in which we travel far and wide every day. At the same time you may want to keep track of your children and ensure that they can get you when they need you. There are many instances that may pose a safety threat or possibility of hazard. An example is if your son has to use public transport every day.
There are phones as well a cell service providers who provide Family GPS system. This means you are able to tell exactly where a child is at any given time. Phones can also enable you to sync your schedule with that of your kids and ensure the family is able to save time.
Some kids are obedient, respectful and have a strong sense of discipline and boundaries. Such children make it easy for you when you hand them a phone. You will always rest in the confidence that they will behave properly in how they use the phone. Otherwise, you might have to effect much more controls in how they use it and who they can call.
Phone and internet addiction is a real and growing problem. That’s why you have to be very keen on protecting your kids from becoming highly hooked to internet especially social media. This also extends to using the phone in undesignated places. Your child has to be careful about the kinds of contents that they upload online including their location to the outside world.
This is a very real possibility that you have to discuss. Will you secure an insurance policy or will you have it replaced. The alternative is to get a safe cover that protects it from a fall. You still need to agree on what the implications will be in the event of a breakage or loss.
What happens in the event of a breach? The issues of cyber bullying, breach of privacy and access to adult sites are critical, urgent and require forethought and mitigation. Your kids need to have a well-rehearsed reporting protocol in the event that their safety is in jeopardy or they encounter online bullying.
Before handing the phone to a kid make sure you draft down the ground rules. Go through each of the rules and agree on the specific punishment for breaking each of the rules. Make sure you implement the rule and effect the punishment. Your child has to have a clear grasp of the rules and their ramifications.
Most kids don’t need many fancy features, especially if the purpose of the phone is to give them a way to contact someone in an emergency. However it may be a good source of entertainment if you train them properly on how to use it. We live in a hyper connected world and access to camera, data and texting is absolutely essential. You can buy an advanced phone then disable some of the features. Some service providers can also provide the necessary limits that will make the phone services secure for your kids.