Mobile phones provide security and contact for your child but it is important to teach your child about phone safety. Issues include cyberbullying, unprotected use of social networking, access to unsuitable content on the Internet and phone theft.
Smartphones pose several challenges and dangers for you and your child. These risks include cyberbullying, unprotected use of social networking, access to unsuitable content on the internet, eye strain, decreased attention span, and phone theft.
If RF radiation is high enough, it has a 'thermal' effect, which means it raises body temperature. There are concerns that the low levels of RF radiation emitted by mobile phones could cause health problems such as headaches or brain tumours.
New studies also suggest that an hour a day spent with their smartphones plays a significant part in the rise of depression and anxiety among children. Kids and teens who use social media tend to have low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and poor quality sleep according to the British Psychological Society.
Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and most notably, childhood obesity. In addition, cellphones with Internet access can provide a platform for dishonest and risky behavior.
Children are also vulnerable to addiction, because they're not disciplined enough to set limits. They can lose sight of their interests, dreams, and schoolwork. Studies show that smartphone use can cause anxiety, harm relationships, and even damage kids' eyesight.
The most common ones are headaches, dizziness, fatigue, neck pain, and eyestrain. These problems can be caused by the electromagnetic radiation emitted by phones. Students need to be able to focus on their studies. But it can be difficult to concentrate if you're constantly using your phone.
For years, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended no more than two hours of screen time for children and teenagers, and absolutely no screen time for children under 2.
Some of the ill effects on physical effects observed are obesity, sedentary lifestyle, disturbed sleep, eye strain, neck, back and wrist pain.
At what age should a kid get a phone? Experts suggest that you should wait to get your kid a smartphone until at least 8th grade. Along with age, a kid's social awareness, understanding of technology, and maturity should be considered.
Having a phone of their own may help kids socialize and build friendships. Older kids and teens may also use their phones to plan group schoolwork and social gatherings, or even play games together. "Phones can be a tool to promote social skills, such as using them to FaceTime with friends and family," says Reena B.
What is the ideal age for a first phone? Your children could be ready for a smartphone or similar device anywhere from 10 to 14, or during middle school. A sixth-grader (typically 10 to 11 years old) could be a good start for considering a phone or a wearable.
Too much screen time can: Make it hard for your child to sleep at night. Raise your child's risk for attention problems, anxiety, and depression. Raise your child's risk for gaining too much weight (obesity)
Children who overuse technology may be more likely to experience mental health issues, including lack of attention, low creativity, delays in language development, delays in social and emotional development, and addiction to these technologies.
For preteens, excessive screen time can lead to conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, which are behavior disorders. A recent study found that playing video games and watching YouTube videos is linked to developing OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
That's because screens and sleep do not mix. The light emitted by the typical screen inhibits the production of melatonin in our brains. Melatonin is the chemical that allows us to fall and stay asleep. In other words, a screen is like a wake up call for our brains.