Smartphones Should Not Be in the Hands of Young Kids

Technology consumes all of our lives to the point where most of us find it difficult to not utilize some form of it for longer than a single day. Each day we wake up and first reach for our phones or open our laptops, but should young kids have access to these devices, specifically cell phones? 

Kids under the age of 13 should not be granted access to cell phones. The idea of giving a kid a cell phone without smartphone capabilities is waning. It is estimated that approximately 85% of people that have a phone own a smartphone. The basic capabilities of a smartphone include the ability to send and receive calls and text messages, download applications, take pictures, and browse the internet, which is where the problem lies. 

As Facebook whistleblower, Frances Haugen admitted in Congressional testimony, the internet, especially social media, is a dangerous place for a kid under 13. Many kids use their phones for different reasons and purposes, some helpful and some destructive. If a young person misuses the phone without guidance they could endanger themselves or their actions could lead to negative consequences. One of the biggest issues with the internet for younger children is cyberbullying, which can occur on any social media platform where content may be unfiltered or inappropriate. 

Without parental guidance, kids can sign up for any social media platform, download distracting apps and games, or visit inappropriate websites because of the loose restrictions. For example, creating a Twitter account is free and members can follow any account. It is easy to turn off filters that censor profane language and other adult content. Once an adolescent learns how to do this, they are free to tweet anything and view everything the app has to offer. This freedom and lack of adult supervision can create bad behaviors and lead to various problems. 

Cell phone addiction is concerning. How many people become engulfed by what’s on their phones to the point of flat-out distraction? Technology consumes most of us, so purchasing a smartphone for a child sets them up for problems and distractions early. Under the age of 13, kids are progressing through elementary and middle school which shouldn’t require the use of a cell phone. 

Many parents feel the need to provide their kids with a cell phone to remain in contact with them. It acts as a security blanket for the parents because they can quickly get in touch with their child if anything were to happen or in case of an emergency. 

But how often does a parent not know exactly where their child is? At that age, kids are most likely waking up, attending school, coming home, doing their homework, and going to bed. A parent should know exactly where their child is, regardless of whether they own a cell phone or not. 

If the current trend continues, how much longer until children under the age of 13 walk around with cell phones regularly? Purchasing a cell phone for a child creates additional distractions for the child, puts their mental development at risk, and worsens cell phone addiction.