Terrific Tech - Kids and Cell Phones

 It’s a new era, kids are being exposed to technology younger and younger, and parents everywhere are wondering: When should I get my kid a cell phone? The team at WhistleOut surveyed 1,000 U.S. Adults and over 400 parents to determine how old kids should be before they get their first phone and what the fears and risks are:

• Over half of Americans say that it’s crucial for kids to have access to cell phones during the school day by age 13
• Over 60% of parents allow their kids to have access to a cell phone or tablet with internet access
• The ability to have contact in an emergency is the #1 reason parents give for getting their child a cell phone
  • 56% of parents want their child to have a cell phone for communication while they attend school

Read the full report here: https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/when-should-kids-get-a-cell-phone
I had a chance to learn more in this interview:

Why do so many families see it as important to give their early teens or tweens a cell phone?

According to our study, 88% of Americans believe that having a cell phone is an important part of staying connected in today’s world, and 82% of parents want their kids to have cell phones in case of an emergency. The world can be a frightening place, and this is the first time in history that we parents can have direct contact with our underage kids no matter where they are and no matter what situation they find themselves in. It’s as much about connectivity as it is peace of mind.

Why might some families wait?

Despite the benefits of giving our kids access to cell phones - connectivity and safety, primarily - it’s also unknown what the side effects will be. Constant access to technology can be a good thing, in moderation, but there are also fears about it leading to depression, anxiety, and phone addiction.

How can families make sure they're making the best tech decisions for what their kids need?

Each child and family are unique and should approach these decisions by keeping in mind what’s best for them, but parents can use this as an opportunity to teach kids moderation and safety practices that they’ll need as they get older. This can include practices like limiting screen time and installing parental controls to ease them into being safe and responsible tech owners.

About WhistleOut: A telecom comparison site determined to help people make the best tech and financial decisions for themselves and their families.