In this blog post I will be covering the pros and cons of what age a child should have a cellphone. Questions will be raised and perhaps answered. This is intended for all audiences even those who aren’t as immersed like others with technology.

First, I would like to explain the oblivious yet subtle consequences of children having cell phones at a young age. Ever since the age of the internet information has exponential progressed over the years. Access to this data and information has become more accessible than before. Because most of this information is easily accessible and cell phone connected to the internet can virtually look up whatever they want. This can lead to rabbit holes of dangerous and harmful information. At an early age mature information explicit or non-explicit is harmful early on in life. This leaves room for unhealthy behavior to start forming. Some strangers or ‘hackers’ on the internet pray on the young and old as their victims. This can open doors to predators or creeps into their personal life sometimes without knowing it. They have become quite good at what they do and will hid behind characters or usernames in games pretending to be a different person than they truly are. These imposters are far from the only thing detrimental to young children and teenagers. The use of the technology has become an addiction to millions of people. The stimulus that is given off from the blue light and countless data accessible at our fingertips. This has opened studies into the unknown of blue light effect. As of now studies have shown that it can be addictive like a drug in the way it interacts with our brain receptors. Companies have started to try and combat this by instating a blue light filter or “night mode” that turns off the blue light. It has shown that it will keep your brain functioning for longer periods of time than not using it at all. I have personally done this study myself with my iPhone watching videos one night with the blue light on and off. The differences were amazing, and I suggest that you give it a try for yourself. I found myself falling asleep almost instantly after turning my phone off compared to having the blue light on. I would be up for almost another hour trying to sleep. These are just the few but vital reasons why a child should not have a cell phone until a certain age.

As far as the benefits of having a cell phone there are Mutiple reasons. A big factor of having one in this day in age for safety and reassurance. We have gotten rid of many of the public telephones that were used by younger children and adults. Even though many people have a cellphone now adays there is always the risk of asking the wrong stranger to use their phone. For older people and I we can remember phone numbers and we had to in order to communicate. In today’s world we have address and contact lists in our phones removing the need to memorize phone numbers. Another great reason to have one early on is learning more about the world. We can access information like never before within seconds and it can be used to our advantage on learning, curiosity, or entertainment. This can lead to early age maturity and knowledge. The internet has reduced the need for basic learning that can now be accomplish online. Any question we ever have can almost always be answered. A final beneficial reason is knowledge of technology and the internet. Everyone grows up differently and comes from different backgrounds. Kids in the city tend to know more about technology than kids in rural Ares where they know more about mechanics or farming. Having a cell phone and help increase awareness and knowledge of technology early on.

What is the right age? Is there a right age? No one knows the answer for sure. Parents will take action approximately for the wellbeing of their own children. Scientist and experts have made claims of ages 12-16. The argument for being 12 is that some children can become more mature than others at such young age. At 16 it is said that in the United States specifically 16 is the legal age for driving and if a child is leaving the house, they should have a cellphone with them for emergencies. Personally, I think 13 or 14 is the right age to have a cellphone. The main reason is to let them be kids as long as they can. I was robbed of my childhood being surrounded by technology and having to grow up faster than normal. This is a perfect age as it is right before or during the start of high school where they will be doing things away from home themselves or with friends. Every year I hear about a child younger and younger being handed a cell phone and started to get me thinking about an appropriate age. As a future parent I am concerned with technology even though I am fascinated by it. I hope I am not a parent for at least 15 years and in that time, I will be learning when is or the best age for a child or teenage to own a cell phone. Weighing out the risks and benefits is challenging. Hopefully as time progresses, we will know more from studies being done to help determine an appropriate age.