« Controversial Topics in Middle Childhood

Should children have cell phones?

I believe that children should be permitted access to cell phones, but only if they seem to be mature enough to have one. According to a journal written by Twenge and Cambell on the impact of social media; excessive screen time can hinder social development and sleep. Although there are negative effects of having a cellular device, Twenge and Cambell also claim that they can improve certain communication skills and increase learning. Overall, I believe that a moderately mature child should be permitted to have a phone, but parental controls should be in place to certain extent. If a good balance between time on line and time in the real is created then it is perfectly okay of children to have cell phones.


Source:

Twenge, J.M. & Cambell, W.K.(2018). The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and families. Journal of Pediatrics, 142(5), 1-6.

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