When Should You Get Your Kid a Phone

Published by Rufuson Oyinki · September 11, 2017 

When Should You Get Your Kid a Phone?

Parents should give kids a reality check by setting limits on phone usage that the whole family follows. For example, families can set dinner aside as a time when everyone puts down their phones and checks in with each other. For families who are on the go, car rides are another good time to unplug and have a conversation.

To help teens learn self-regulation skills, Dr. Steiner-Adair suggests using technology to tame technology. “Applications like Rescue Time and Freedom are a great resource for limiting their distractions online,” she says. These applications monitor Internet usage and can be set to block distracting sites after a set amount of time. Such tools are particularly good for kids who find themselves too distracted or overwhelmed by social media when they’re doing homework or before bed.
When should you step in?

Of course parents should limit their teenagers’ access to phones and other media when they feel kids are using them inappropriately.

But Dr. Marwick thinks the dangers to teenagers sharing and socializing online can be exaggerated; most teens are better at avoiding cyber mistakes than you might think. And many are getting smarter about how they present themselves on social media, using Facebook to positively brand themselves for college and keeping multiple Instagram accounts for personal use or portfolio work.

Stamp a family Cell Phone Rule:

Rule #1: No cell phones in the bedroom at night

Rule #2: No cell phones in school especially to curb distractions

Rule #3: No cell phones on important family times

Rule #4: Rule out all picture mails

Rule #5: Ensure each cell phone contact is only real friend or family members only for security reasons and Finally;

Rule #6: Restrict Wireless Devices, harmful Websites in the Classroom and at homes