As the spring daffodils start to bloom outside, I remember the semi-warm days where my two sons played in our backyard. They spent hours playing baseball, hockey, swinging on the swings and even gathering worms in buckets (Mom still says “eek”). I miss those days, worms and all.
Now, as teens, their phones and online games are a big part of their lives. As parents, we are still managing their screen time. If you are considering a phone for your son or daughter soon, here’s some advice.
There is a lot of talk about when to get your kids their first phone. Most say between ages 12 and 13, but Common Sense Media notes by age 11, half of U.S. children own a phone. Parents should consider each child and what’s best for them. For us, each son was different. For my oldest, we waited until sixth grade and for my youngest, he didn’t receive a phone until eighth grade.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a “Phone Ready Quiz” and advises parents to consider questions such as: “How often does your child need a phone for their safety, such as after school?” “Does your child act responsibly, including finishing things they are assigned at school?” “Are you prepared to take steps to manage your child’s technology use?” “Do they say sorry if they hurt a friend’s feelings? “How well do they follow other tech rules?” “Are you as a parent ready to help support them?”
Before you consider getting your child a phone, AAP points out there are other smart devices that have similar capabilities.
If you decide your child is ready, discuss the technology boundaries, expectations, or create a contract with your child before handing them the device.
I can tell you it’s not easy. As a parent, you have to make a commitment to hold steadfast about managing their phone usage as technology in their world keeps growing. The “all my friends have a phone” has become a new normal.
Help your child by managing screentime with internal smart device tools and apps. Also, be a good role model, and have all family members put their phones down at designated times.
If you are already in the digital trenches with your kids, I get it, me too. That’s why in every issue of Northeast Ohio Parent, we try to talk about ways to do things as a family. Whether it’s reading a book together, making a new family favorite recipe or attending regional or seasonal fun happenings.
For moms with infants, I envy your new beginnings and all the “firsts” that will happen. As you can see from our cover, we talk about steps into baby nutrition and give you tips on those first foods.
Finally, while spring is kind of messy sometimes, it’s also about renewal. So, this season, my promise to my family is we need to hop off our phones and head into more green spaces.
