Since the beginning of time, there have been many distractions, but nowadays we live in a world that is full of technology. At least everyone you know owns an electronic device, including young children, but do you even know if it's good for them? Many people have debated that kids below 7 should not get any electronic devices, but what is the actual problem with kids getting electronic devices?
The concern is that about 80% of kids below 8 own electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and many more. Some kids nowadays don't go outside to play like their brothers and parents did. Parents are worried their kids will become sedentary because of the devices, these actions cause the kids an unhealthy lifestyle that can lead to obesity and diabetes. In the U.S. there are about 3.2 million deaths that are caused by physical inactivity including children. Another reason why some don't like children to handle electronic devices is cyberbullying, which can happen in games or apps. Cyberbullying can affect a kid's mental health causing them to believe what the person is saying, this can affect their attention span and their academic success. In other cases, cyberbullying can start suicidal attempts and death. Another reason why some think they're not safe is because they can watch inappropriate content on the media. Experts say that kids who have a screen time of 3+ hours can also develop sight issues in the future; the bad thing is that kids watch addictive videos that are categorized as safe content that can cause them to act in a strange behavior and if the video is removed they might throw a massive tantrum.
But it isn't all negative, parents can control the content and what apps their children are watching, controlling screen time and type of content is a great idea, but not many parents know how. Some kids who own electronic devices can watch educational content that their parents approve and they can learn while viewing, or parents could download apps like Duolingo and many more that can give the kid new skills to learn. People also like electronic devices because kids can develop skills and new talents whether they are technology, or learned on videos.
In my opinion, kids should not be allowed to freely browse through the internet until they get older, let them play with toys, let them get dirty, and let them play outside, I think that the issue is the parents because they give them an electronic device so their kids can calm down, be quiet and don't bother, and if they gave them an electronic device (I-pad) they at least should put parental controls to keep their kids safe, it is ridiculous the number of irresponsible parents who just give them a tablet and let them view whatever content they want. There are parents who know that their kids are watching inappropriate content but don't do anything about it. To be honest, based on my experience of seeing the effect technology has on my little cousins, I think that it is slowing them down and making them more sedentary, so in conclusion kids below 8 should not get electronic devices.
Do you think kids should be allowed to use electronic devices?
Do you think that kids will do better or bad without devices?
Do you think that controling the content they watch will help?
https://connectusfund.org/16-pros-and-cons-of-children-using-technology
Replies
I think once kids hit a certain age is when they should be allowed to have an electronic device. Once a kid reaches the ages around 4th-5th grade is the earliest they should be getting a phone. Recently, it is a big safety issue that some kids don't have phones, like if they had to walk home from school or go to someone elses house and needed something.
I think that kids should be allowed electronic devices at a certain age. When I was growing up I did not have an electric device until I was in the 6th grade. I got a computer to help me with school and other work. I was not constantly on this device, and it helped me become more organized. However not I have a phone that I spend too much time on, I wish I could better restrict my time on it. But yes, having an electronic device limit seems like it would help.
I got my first phone when I was in 5th grade. My parents split up and it was easier to communicate with them. I personally feel like kids need to have a real reason to have a phone. They shouldn't just expect to get one just because they hit a certain age.
I agree with you because some kids don't need cell phones, but having a reason like yours greatly changes it a lot.
Honestly, no. Electronic devices keep so many kids back from being the best they can be. If we didn't have phones, I guarantee we'd be smarter and we would procrastinate less without a phone. I think at first kids would be very unhappy about not having phones, but sooner or later they'd get used to it. I think that controlling the content kids watch could help, but you can't prevent your kids from seeing some things. I think getting rid of phones permanently would be the best solution for kids.
I agree I think electronic devices can keep kids back from being their best selfs, but however I do think phones and electronic devices serve a purpose for not only communication but just to get information from. I think that if you could monitor/prevent what kids see on these devices it would be a great solution to protect kids.
I agree with you, kids can do better without phones and can learn so many other things, like our grandparents or people who grew up without that source of technology and managed to make extraordinary things without the use of technology.
I think kids should be at an age where they can understand what's out on the internet. If you chose to give a youger child an electronic then watching what they do would be a good option becasue after all they are a child and they probably don't know any better. I think it's beneficial for kids to learn and limited screen time can help them.
I think kids should be able to have electronics but I also think that parents need to set boundaries on them. Kids aren't always wise on what they do so they need guidence from their parents.
I agree because problems start because of the parents' lack of boundaries, and if they don't have set boundaries, they will be lost and look at bad stuff.
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