Kids today have so much more to worry about that when I was a kid. Life just seems more complicated and busier today. While the internet was an amazing creation, it is also something that really keeps us parents on our toes.
From taking photos and sharing on social media to reading inappropriate information online, kids have access to do so much – not really understanding the whole consequences either. My oldest is 10 years old and asks for a cell phone every day, to which I say “When you can be responsible for your own shoes, you can get a cell phone.” Yes, it is a daily struggle with him just to keep track of his shoes and I see that never-ending.
I fear the day my son has a smartphone. I mean with his computer, it is so much easier to check things and stay aware, but a phone seems harder to me. Kids are also smart and sneaky, yes I was one of those kids. Even though my husband and I are both pretty tech savvy, I fear too that we won’t know everything to check and restrict.
I found this neat infographic all about protecting kids on their smartphones and honestly it surprised me. It was a good awakening for whether both myself and my son is ready for a phone.
Dee Johnson says
These are great tips! We are just now considering letting our 10 year have a cell phone for emergencies. There’s so much to think about to keep your child safe. It can be overwhelming.
Amanda Wood says
Thanks for this information! It’s super good to know. My son is still little, but I catch him playing with my phone sometimes, and it won’t be long before he’ll be more tech savvy and i’ll need to be aware of what he’s doing!
Janet W. says
That’s an alarming stat that social media accounts are opened around just 11 years of age. That’s a lot that you child can be exposed to at an early age.