When you are a parent, it is important that you find the right balance between caring for your kids and giving them space to grow. Today, we can see small kids playing with tablets, mobile phones, and there is a lot of peer pressure out there. You will need to use your own judgment when it comes to when to get your child a mobile phone and computer. You don’t want them to be left behind, but you will also have to ensure they are safe online and offline. Below you will find a few tips to help you decide.
Their Age
The first thing you will have to think about whether or not they are old enough to make the most out of technology. If they only want to use the device for playing games, you might be better off helping them on your home computer or laptop first. You can try to monitor your children’s technology use at home before you trust them with their own device. You can create them their own account where they can install their own games and apps, so you can ensure they are safe and responsible.
How Responsible They Are
It is also important that you check how responsible and streetwise your kids are when it comes to looking after their own things and devices they borrow from you. No matter how careful kids are, you might still need to have the contact details of iFixYouri Smart Device Repair handy, just in case they happen to drop a phone or tablet, or you need to remove malware or other unwanted software.
Staying In Touch
If you would like your kids to stay in touch when they are at a sleepover or a school trip, it might be a good idea to get them a phone. No matter how much pressure they put on you to get the latest model, you should know better. Explain to them that it is expensive to get a phone and a contract, and tell them that as soon as they get a small weekend job or a paper round, they can start saving up. It is better to make them appreciate the value of items at an early age.
Security Features and Parent Control
There are some devices that can simply kill your family life. If you want your kids to stay healthy and exercise, you might want to delay buying a gaming console. It can be very addictive for small kids, not to mention that their posture will suffer. There are some tech gifts you should simply avoid if you don’t want to deal with the negative consequences.
Cost
It is also important that you monitor the cost associated with your child’s technology use. Make sure that you can add a cap to their phone contract or get a pay as you go phone, so you don’t end up with nasty surprises and excessive bills.
Deciding when your child is ready for a phone or tablet is one of the most challenging things a parent needs to do. Use the above tips to make the right choice.
This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.
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