Is your child a smartphone addict?

A majority of seven to ten-year-olds have access to and know their way around gadgets. Here’s how to monitor their usage... MUMBAI: The litt...

A majority of seven to ten-year-olds have access to and know their way around gadgets. Here’s how to monitor their usage...

MUMBAI: The littlest prolific mobile phone user these days is as young as seven. In fact, children that age aren't just making calls, they're also playing games, listening to music and even watching videos.

A recent survey conducted by a cartoon channel in India revealed that 95% kids live in homes with a mobile phone while 73% of Indian kids are mobile phone users. Interestingly, of these, 70% fall under the age group of seven to 10 years while 76% are in the age group of 11 to 14 years.

Reasons clinical psychologist Saloni Sawnani, "Most families, especially in metros, don't use landlines at all. And since both parents have mobile phones, a child has access to it since a very young age."

A good age

The mobile phone has now become something of a necessity should you want to know your child's whereabouts . But it is actually debatable at what age your kid should be handling a phone. Consultant psychiatrist, Dr Pavan Sonar, says, "A kid who has genuine use of the device and is mature enough can be given a mobile phone on conditions of limited use, as governed by parents. I feel it can be given after kid passes Class XII examinations (around 18 years of age)."

Too early?

Experts believe that handing over the gadget to a kid who is as young as seven years may not be a good idea as it can be detrimental to his/her physical and mental health. "A child often gives away his number to other freely and there is a higher chance of him/her being bullied. It can also prove to be a distraction and affect one's academic performance," says Sawnani.

Addiction to technological gadgets at an early age also discourages kids to engage in physical activities, leading to instances of obesity. Dr Sonar lists some other negative effects: hearing loss, chances of ear infections, chances of brain tumours, attention problems, deterioration in academic performance, detachment from actual friends, sleep disturbances and mood swings.

Monitor the usage

If your pre-teen inevitably requires a mobile phone, as a parent, it is your responsibility to monitor its usage. Sawnani says, "Just like parents have specific time slots for their kids to watch television, they should let their child use the phone only during the allotted time." Dr Sonar adds, "Kids can be encouraged to use it only during vacations and not otherwise. They should be told that it's a privilege, which can be taken away from kid if he/she misuses it."

Children often demand mobile phones under peer pressure. According to experts, they should be educated about the gadget's negative impact to avoid peer pressure.

Be smart about smartphones

Here's your guide to ensure mobile safety for your kid...

* If your child is using a phone with web access and mobile apps, opt for limited internet access and turn on web filtering. Go in for pre-paid plans to help your kid understand the expenses that go into mobile phone usage.

* Talk to your kids about when and where it's appropriate to use their mobile phones. Ask them to hand over the phone when studying or sleeping.

* Younger kids model their behaviour around their parents. So, set the right example. Don't use your phone while driving or eating.

-- Krutika Behrawala

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com