Should Children Be Given Smartphones?

In the era of technical gadgets it is really very difficult to keep kids away from them. As a matter of fact, tablets and smartphones are very useful in keeping kids busy and quiet especially for the parents who have a hectic schedule and busy lifestyle. However, the question here is not about the relief of parents, but whether smartphones are good for very young kids or not. Well, there are consequences, of course, but if smartphones are introduced moderately they can be of great help in making kids smart and updated.

Today’s world is different from the one even new parents had when they were young. Almost every person has a mobile phone in his hand and children are exposed to the uses of smartphone very early in their lives. In other words, staying updated and getting to know technology has become a necessity today. In addition to all this, there are many practical and long term benefits of letting young kids use smartphones.

Positive effects of smartphones on kids

1.       

      Kids get an opportunity to stay updated and they develop an aptitude for technology. This is an important skill and will be of great help in future. Technology might be a part of learning during school and your kid will be able to grasp things better and faster.

2.      Using smartphones at an early age helps kid explore world at an early age.  It also helps children improve their vocabulary and improve reading skills.

3.      Games on phones help develop peripheral vision. They make children more sharp and alert.

4.      Visual motor task of kids like tracking objects or searching for items visually gets improved.

5.      Smartphones offer an opportunity for the child to learn and stimulate mind in a fun filled way.

6.      Smartphones are great tools for children to communicate. If they know how to use it, they can even communicate with their parents or grandparents and make video calls as well. Skyping and facetiming are great use of screens and good ways to communicate with friends and relatives.

7.      Smartphones and other gadgets can actually be used to promote cognitive and social development of young kids.

8.      Using smartphones help children use their imagination and this has positive impact on their learning experience.

9.      Using smartphones from early age, though in moderate amount, makes child use decision making and problem solving brain regions often.

     10. Proper and quality use of smartphones affect young child’s attention span, comprehension and various other skills.

To maximize the benefits of smartphones and minimize its harmful effects, parents should be aware of the possible side effects. So, along with monitoring and sharing the exposure, they should limit screen time for their kids. You should choose media that is specifically designed for kids of that age. Parents should create rules for using smartphones and other gadgets. Since children follow what they see their parents doing, they need to be role models for their kids as well. Watching TV and interacting on smartphone is different. Playing with touch screen makes children fast and active.