Quick-Fire Write: Mobile Phones

Should children have mobile phones? Many of us have a phone, whether it’s for contacting family and friends, playing cool games or education, many of us have them, but should we?

Are mobile phones a good thing for children, and why?

On one hand, phones are great for contacting family and friends, especially at this time when you can’t see anyone (due to Covid-19). On the other hand, they can be a distraction from school work and can make you cranky, upset or even tired if you spend too long on one. However, a small glimpse in assigned breaks or to catch up with friends is absolutely fine.

How can mobile phones help you in (and out) of school?

Mobile phones can be fantastic for school work; with an amazing search engine, Google, you can find practically anything you need to know! With lots of educational games found on the App Store and on the internet, your skills can be sharper than ever! As well as for education, phones are great to keep in touch with parents if children are traveling alone.

What are the risks of owning a mobile phone?

Phones are great, but there can also be a downside to owning one. When at home, a child could be watching the newest show when they should be doing their school work. Not only this, but if irresponsible with their phones, they could come into contact with dangerous adults with sinister intentions or come across inappropriate or violent images and photos.

Yes there are many downfalls to having a phone, but if used responsibly, they can be completely safe. If you’re still worried, there are fire walls and settings to stop children seeing the wrong things.

At what age do you think children should have phones?

The age that a child should be allowed to have a phone depends on a few factors: whether the child is mature enough or can be trusted; whether if it’s essential (if they need to travel home alone) and if their parents can have access to the phone at all times. Safety first!

Conclusion

In conclusion, phones are a great thing to have if used properly and to have for fun.

I think children should have a mobile phone especially when they are on their own so in case of an accident the child can contact their parents. On the other hand, if the child is too young or they haven’t learnt online safety yet, then the child could find inappropriate pictures/videos on YouTube or snap chat; or they could encounter an adult who tries to get personal information about the child e.g. how old they are, what they look like, what school they go to and most importantly where they live.

A phone can help a child by allowing them to keep in contact with their families, which is helpful especially during COVID-19. The child can search things that they want to know on the World Wide Web which can help them in school and out of school. 

I think the risks of a child owning a phone are that they could get addicted to it and not want to spend time with their family. They won’t be able to socialise because they are always on their phone. The final one is that the child could be cyber bullied which can hurt them mentally.

I think a child should have their phone at the age of 10-11 because that probably is going to be the time when the child will start walking on their own to school. If the age was lower, then the child will probably drop it or an adult will get personal information from them. If the child was older they could have an accident trying to get to school and they wouldn’t be able to call their parents for help.

Are mobile phones a good thing for children and why?

I think a person from 9-12 is an average time to get a phone because children could become blind, if you look at a phone too much but, from a certain age a phone is needed for a kid.

How could a mobile phone help you both in and out of school?

In school it can help because you can text your parents you came to school safely, and for you out of school if you can’t be bothered to walk you can call up an uber to pick you up, also notify your parents where you are.

What are the risks of children owning a mobile phone?

The risks are you meeting a stranger online and people getting information of where you live that there not meant to know, you losing your phone or someone taking it, getting addicted to it and not telling your parents your location.

At what age do you think children should be allowed a mobile phone and why?

I think kids should get a phone at age 9-12 and above because those are reliable ages that know not to talk to strangers online and never send personal information to unknown people. Kids also need a phone to talk to friends, keep up with the news, call people and check homework.