Should Children Under 10 Own Cell Phones? ✓ Solved
Should Children Under the Age of 10 Own Cell Phones?
Should children under the age of 10 own cell phones? Depending on whom you ask, the technology is either beneficial or has negative effects on health and environment. We live in a world where dependence on technology is increasing day by day regardless of the user's age. Children at the age of 10 are in their developing stage where cell phone use might restrict their average growth and development. No, children under the age of 10 should not own cell phones because it could bring cognitive and physical development challenges, lead to unsocial behavior, and promote academic malpractice.
Cognitive and Physical Development Challenges
Children will be unable to develop critical thinking habits due to their dependence on technology. Their body and mind can face developmental hindrances as a consequence of excessive mobile phone use. Researchers indicate that excessive phone use contributes to low self-esteem in 37% of children (Pellissier, 2014). This is especially concerning as formative years are crucial for developing cognitive abilities. The overreliance on technology to solve problems inhibits children's ability to think creatively and independently.
Unsocialized Behavior and Introversion
Lack of interaction with peers and adults can detrimentally affect the social behavior of children. At the age of 10, children are learning social norms, ethics, and morals, which are essential for their emotional growth. The involvement of cell phones in their daily lives can impede this learning process, resulting in children developing introverted personality traits, which negatively impact their social tolerance and interactions (Hardell, 2017).
Academic Malpractice
The presence of cell phones can lead to severe academic challenges, as children may spend excessive hours on their phones instead of focusing on their studies. This strategy may eventually cause academic failure and low retention of information. Studies have shown that children who frequently use their smartphones struggle with maintaining concentration, which affects their academic foundations negatively. Moreover, their poor academic performance can lead to a lack of encouragement and recognition from parents and educators, diminishing their interest in studies further.
Conclusion
The use of cell phones poses significant cognitive development challenges for children under ten years of age. Additionally, children develop introverted personalities that hinder their ability to interact with society effectively. Finally, cell phone usage results in academic malpractice, which can lead to poor future prospects for these children. Given these numerous adverse effects, it is clear that technology may not always be a positive force, and parents should establish regulations surrounding their children's use of such devices to protect their future.
References
- Hardell, L. (2017). Effects of Mobile Phones on Children's and Adolescents' Health: A Commentary. ResearchGate.
- Pellissier, H. (2014). Your child’s brain on technology: cell phones.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics, 138(5).
- Rideout, V., & Robb, M. B. (2019). The Common Sense Census: Plugged-in Parents. Common Sense Media.
- Abu Talib, M., & Mohamad, G. (2018). The Effects of Mobile Phones on Children and Adolescents: A Parental Perspective. International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, 17.
- Nikkelen, S. W., et al. (2019). The relationship between media use and children's development. Journal of Communication, 69(5).
- Twenge, J. M. (2017). IGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—And Completely Unprepared for Adulthood. Atria Books.
- Radesky, J. S., et al. (2020). Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics, 145(1).
- Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). The relationship between adolescent well-being and digital technology use. Psychological Science, 30(5).
- Pew Research Center. (2018). Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018. Pew Research Center.