The use of mobile phones has become widespread among the youngest members of our society. This undeniable fact, partially triggered by the nature of the modern market, has aroused the worries of teachers and therapists and has initiated a public debate that likely will last as long as parents don’t assume responsibility regarding this matter.
Should access to technology be limited according to age? Nowadays this question doesn’t seem to present an easy answer. Whereas some of the youngest students have seen their academic performance negatively affected by the use of these devices, some parents argue that mobile phones are a handy and effective tool to preserve their children’s safety.
The currently accepted concept of what is a desirable psychological and social development of a child, seems to be outdated. Mobile phones have become the most common birthday gift from busy parents. Children continually demand these devices from earlier ages and assume owning one provides a symbol of their much desired pre-mature maturity and independence. Owning a mobile phone grants acceptance to a group for children and the illusion of control for parents who rest assured that they could locate their sons and daughters from anywhere at anytime thanks to this invention.
I can’t agree or disagree with the statement for which young children should not be allowed to use mobile phones. I guess first I’d need to be a mother and feel in my own skin what raising a kid in today’s society is like. I’d need to know the fears and challenges that it generates, feel overwhelmed and witness how all my spartan principles go to hell. But one thing is for sure: these devices have drastically changed the way in which we interact with each other, and that includes children and parents. Let's at least think about under which terms we want this to happen.
