It’s an ongoing debate about whether we should be exposing our children or students to smartphones and if yes, then at what age?

The truth is that there are multiple benefits of handing over your mobile phone to any child. The trick is to control when to hand it over, for how long and to manage what the child is watching.

Once these aspects are in place, the following benefits will follow: 

1. Provides technological growth

We all know the advantages of being technically savvy. The ease with which one can master various devices, utilise web applications, scan the internet or make quick online purchases, is quite a boon. 

Children who learn to operate smartphones, IPADs or laptops at an early age are able to understand computers more easily and use them to their advantage at later stages in life. It has also been noticed that kids who veer towards devices develop an interest in Mobile Technology, App Creation, Website Management, and even Coding. 

2. Gives an educational boost

Most children love to look at a mobile screen. This is the ideal opportunity to pass on educational lessons through devices. Support their school studies with audio visual inputs to make the learning more fun.

Allow children to look up current topics being taught via Google to undertake some extra reading and studying. You must however control what they are accessing or place security measures on the device that leads one to only credible websites. 

3. Encourages social development

Though many adults believe smartphones to be the reason for their kids to turn anti-social, being on social media is also known to boost social development. This is particularly evident with children who are shy and reserved. They are able to express themselves via social media and develop confidence. 

Many social media platforms are proving to be an effective way to get creative, learn photography or develop a hobby, even if it is just to share it with others. 

4. Teaches responsibility lessons

As children enter the primary grades, a smartphone starts to play the role of teaching them some responsibility. Most smartphones are expensive and kids are aware of this.

Having one in their possession can make them more careful, responsible and mature. 

Utilising and managing their mobile phone data can teach children about saving, budgeting and prudence. 

5. Ensures security

Thanks to in-built tracking devices on smartphones, you can stay aware of your child’s whereabouts. A smartphone is also a necessary communication device that allows two way messaging and calling, when a child is out alone or with friends. 

Hence, though smartphones do have a negative reputation, they can be utilized in numerous beneficial ways. It’s up to parents and teachers to offer the right content and put down some rules to get the most out of smartphones.