5 Facts You Did Not Know About Kids Cell Phone Use
My 8 year old has recently started asking for a cell phone. There really is no reason that she wants one other than being like her older siblings. My son has a phone, but as a senior in high school, it’s almost a requirement to have a phone. He is always needing to coordinate with me, especially since his schedule is just so hectic.
I was compensated in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
Now it seems like kids younger and younger have cell phones. It’s common place to see them being used by elementary school students.
Here are 5 Facts You Did not Know About Kids Cell Phone Use:
Texting Machines
If you take a look around a group of preteens or teens, their faces are usually buried in their cell phones. That’s because 1 in every 3 teens sends more than 100 texts a day, adding up to more than 3,000 texts a month.
First Cell Phone
The debate seems to start early as kids seem to ask for a cell phone earlier and earlier. But, on average, kids are usually around 12 years old when they get their first phone. Although they may not have their own phones, over 20 percent of kids under the age of 8 know how to use their parents cell phones. I know this is true, my 5 year old can call her Dad using my phone with no issues.
Online
Cell phones are often the only way that kids can access the internet. Kids use their phones to post on social media, watch movies, play games…basically to combat boredom. Strangely enough though, girls are the majority of mostly using their cell for the internet usage.
Safety
Safety is always the number one concern with parents. We seem to constantly hear about cyber bullying and internet predators attacking children using the internet. We want our kids to be safe, and it’s scary to think that almost 70 of youth admit to hiding their online activities. Cyberbullying impacts at least one out of every five middle and high school students, but many who experience it, don’t tell anyone, experts say.
Usage
Although cell phones were made for communication, with the invention of smart phones, cell phones can do so many amazing things. The number one thing kids use their cell phones for is taking pictures. Kids seem to document everything about their lives, and having access to a great camera…literally in their pockets.
But, having these great devices at the tips of their fingers can also lead to an amazing over use of their devices. Before you know it, kids are spending more time with their screen instead of the real world. Researchers have concluded that excessive use of Cell phones can have many negative impacts on kids.
One study has concluded that excessive screen time for kids results in anxiety, sleeplessness and depression. It also results in lower grades and unhappiness among kids.
The thing that appeals to me is you can track what your kids are looking and how much. I also love that you can limit the time on each app. Very cool.
Sounds like a great app. My oldest is 10, thankfully he has not asked for a cell phone. When we do get him one this is good to keep in mind.
These are good to know. When it’s time for my little girls to have a phone, I think it’s better to give them an old school phone where they can only call or send a text message.
My kids are all begging for one!! I have been sticking to the no phone rules for them but it is starting to sound really convenient to get them one.
You have to protect your kids from the internet! There’s a lot of stuff out there that can traumatize them!
These are great facts! That sounds like an amazing app to have on your child’s phone!
I like how you can set time limits. I think this is great and ideal for younger kids .
I’m glad there are safety options like this. Parent’s can stay connected with their kids without having to worry.
This sounds like an amazing app. I will have to try this with my kids. I would feel a lot better if i could track there usage.
I think it is great that you can schedule blocks of time the kids don’t use their phones. Mine take their to bed and try to use them.This would nip that in the bud!
Yup, my kids know how to use my phone better than I do. HA! When my kids get phones, I totally love the idea of the Trackidz Dashboard. Sounds very helpful
I am going to be that parent that doesn’t let their kid have a phone for a long time. I want him to be able to communiacate with his mouth. I also worry about cyber bulling! I love this app!
My daughter just turned 12 and I have been wondering if I should get her one. As they get older and more mobile, it’s easier to keep track of them.
This sounds like a great app to have! I really love the block feature of the Trackidz app. Creating block schedules would be so helpful in preventing over-usage.
This is great to know. My daughter is at the age where she is asking for a phone, and my need one soon so I will keep this in mind.
Thank you for introducing me to Trackidz. I was worried about getting a phone for my son but this put mine mind at ease.
I feel that every parent with a child under 16 should have this app on their phones. It is a great way to have some sort of control. There are far too many crazy people out there preying on children.
I think Trackidz would be great for kids but I think it is ridiculous that kids of all ages have phones now. That is why so many kids aren’t applying themselves to school, sports, or other things anymore because they are too busy on their electronics. Also people don’t even communicate anymore from adults down to children. It’s a shame.
Great read thank you so much!
I personally think that the only phone a kid should have is a phone that can only make calls. They should only have the phone for an emergency. Far too many kids nowadays have zero ability to communicate face to face because all of their interactions occur on a phone in “text speak”.