What concerns might parents have when it comes to giving their kids smart phones?

As parents, it's natural to have concerns about giving our children access to technology, especially when it comes to a smartphone. 

A smartphone can be a powerful tool for communication, education, and even entertainment, but it can also open many doors to potential dangers such as cyberbullying, screen time addiction, and exposure to inappropriate content. 

So what should a parent do? How can parents balance their concerns about the dangers of smartphones with the potential benefits that smart phones can offer?

One thing is clear: smartphones are here to stay and have become part of our daily lives. 

As parents, it’s our responsibility to educate and guide our kids on the pros and cons of having a smart phone.

The first step for parents is to educate themselves about the potential dangers of giving a child a smartphone at an early age. 

This will give parents a clearer picture of what they’re dealing with and help them make informed decisions about what is best for their children. 

Below are some potential dangers that a child might encounter when using a smart phone and how we as parents can help them see those dangers and overcome them:

• Cyberbullying: No child should be subjected to bullying, and the internet has made it all too easy for it to happen. By educating your child on responsible online behavior, such as the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, you will help them jump this hurdle. It’s also important for children to realize that whatever they write on social media is read by a large number of people and can stay there forever. So teach them to be careful about what they write on social media. 

• Screen Time Addiction: The desire for a child to be constantly on their smart phones is real and strong. They just can’t help themselves. It's up to us as parents to set up strict and clear guide lines for them to follow. It’s also important for them to have other activities that will keep them busy. 

• Inappropriate Content: The internet is full of inappropriate content. Just one click can send your child down a rabbit hole of inappropriate content. Lucky for us, many smart devices have parental controls. By setting up those parental controls on their smart devices, monitoring their online activity, and educating them on the dangers of the internet, we can help keep them safe and provide peace of mind for us while they browse the internet. 

• Cost: Smartphones can be expensive, as you all know, especially when you add the cost of the monthly phone and insurance plan. Teach your children to take good care of their smart phones, and this will help you save a lot of money in the long run. 

• Responsibility: Children under 15 years old may not yet have the maturity to handle the potential dangers of smart phones. Also, not being mature enough to handle a smart phone can distract them from schoolwork and affect their social interactions with family and friends. Trust your instincts. As parents, you will know if your child is ready for a smart phone.