In this post at the beginning of the year we reflected on the use of the smartphone in children under 10 years of ageToday I tell you what is the ideal age to have the first mobile, if it is possible to speak in such terms (since everything depends on a set of factors to take into account). But the objective of this post is to share with you some data from the latest INE survey on "Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Homes". Seven out of ten children (10 to 15 years old) in our country have their own mobile phone device, constitute a percentage of 67 percent, which increased last year, breaking a negative trend attributed to the crisis.
The proportion of use of information technologies by the child population (10 to 15 years old) is, in general, very high. Thus, computer use among minors is practically universal (95,1%), while 93,6% use the Internet
The Basque Country, Asturias, Castilla León and Castilla la Mancha are the autonomous communities where the number of children with mobile phones is higher. The increase in the use of these devices among minors is not surprising, since they have many possibilities, and can be used to socialize, learn or have fun; There are even secondary schools in which its educational use is encouraged. But as we all know, any tool used without taking precautionary measures can cause problems, and smartphones are not exempt, that's why ...
Children and mobiles, at what age?
As I have anticipated, it all depends on each family, its rules, whether the child is going to need it or not, etc. The reality is that for a few years, mobiles are the star gift of First Communion, and tablets, of Santa Claus / the Three Wise Men; But the evidence shows us that we could wait a few years for them to launch their own phone, and of course I consider it totally inappropriate for a child to have a better quality smartphone than their parents, because it is not educational to get such expensive objects without effort.
For example, the exposure to risks is greater the younger the age of the user, because immaturity facilitates exposure to dangerous situations, and also that they act (online, it is understood) without thinking
When I speak of evidence, I mean, for example, this reference to a study stating that almost half of the kids are addicted to their phones (according to the parents' criteria), and that they spend a lot of time in front of the screens ("which screens" is not specified here, therefore it could be qualified), which causes emotional dependence. And I also mean documented cases of negative consequences by exposure to sexting or grooming.
In any case, it is strongly discouraged that children under 10 have their own smartphone, and risk prevention professionals on the Internet, place the most "appropriate" age from 14, considering that psychological development provides maturity to manage the use and possible conflicts that arise. In addition, I think it is important that the consequences derived from misuse are assumed, but a child under 13/14 will hardly be able to do so.
My son already has a mobile, how do I act?
I have collected some of the best tips, if you can expand them in the comments, or tell us about your experience:
- Internet access via WiFi: the data rate is sometimes considered a luxury, and that is why it should not be available to such little people.
- The minor must know what is expected of him in terms of his behavior on the network. Do we want him to respect others? Who knows how to protect himself?
- Set an example: it is essential, you educate more so than with a sermon. What's the use of telling your 13-year-old son that he doesn't need to say goodbye to his classmates if he just saw them when you just sent a message to your wife who is in another room in the house? (I'm not making it up, they are things that happen).
- Nothing to take the cell phone to bed, nothing to turn it on during class.
- Specify when it is going to be used before buying it: on weekends? School days? Those in which the child goes to the Conservatory after the Institute?
- In your family you decide, not the parents of your children's friends, nor - of course - those friends.
Any of these recommendations is modifiable or adaptable to the situation of your family
I end with my opinion: it is true that according to what ages it is not necessary to have a mobile, as it is in practice that it is a tool that facilitates their social integration. It's advisable delay the purchase as much as possible, and establish rules once the girl or boy already has their brand new (and not for that reason, the latest generation) mobile phone. In this matter, balance is a virtue.