Technology advancements are just passing swiftly. Gadgets are becoming more of a necessity and not only a desire. Adults and even young children are into the gadget craze, specifically cellular phones. Cellphones were designed in order for people to communicate even when they are away from the office or house or even when they are mobile. However, is it really necessary for a 12 year old to have her own cellphone? An article in CBC highlighted the concern and fears of parents because of the unstoppable trend that their young children are into.
The daughter of Vancouver digital strategist, Annemarie Tempelman-Kluit is 12-years-old, one day on her way home she thought it would be good for her daughter to have her own phone. Though, this isn't an easy decision to make, she said that like any other thing, example riding a bike, they need to have a model to follow. She recalled that they were never taught about to use things like cellphone or what are the skills need to operate it.
Many parents like Tempelman-Kluit, are also having a hard time in making this decision. The decision making is also affected by the stories that are circulating around, like dangers of too much screen or more commonly cyber bullying and not only that, they also worry about the bills that are too high because of data overusage.
The children in this generation are all digital natives. They basically grew up in the world where smartphones and tablets are a common item. Young kids now are too concentrated in using social media. A 10 year old child knows how to join and use social media platforms. It is surprising, given the fact that social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Snapchat has a policy that users need to be at least 13-years-old and above.
Parents should be more cautious about what their children are doing when they are using their phones. Giving them these gadgets can either teach them something important or it can lead to a situation most parents fear the most.
