STORY: KELLY CARMODY
It was as large as a house brick, equipped with an antenna of equal size, and didn’t have internet capabilities.
What am I talking about? My first phone. I was 18 and the year was 1999 — so not that long ago.
Mobile phones sure have evolved significantly from the brick style that required a backpack to go anywhere — there was no way that was ever going to fit in my pocket.
However, what also has evolved is the age children are receiving their first phone and in today’s times that can often be at a much younger age.
Deciding when a child is ready for their first phone should not be solely determined by the number of candles on their birthday cake, but rather should be a personal decision that each parent carefully considers.
It’s a momentous milestone in a child’s journey that marks their entry into the broader world towards increased independence and responsibility.
Yet, how can we be confident they are truly prepared, and as parents, what measures can we take to ensure their safety?
Currently making their way into Australia’s mobile phone market, Dumb Phones are being adopted by people looking to cut down their screen time.
This option could be perfect for your child’s first phone; who knows, it may be something you want to try for yourself.
Recent studies show that problematic phone use by people of all ages has increased significantly, so maybe heading back to simpler times, such as my ‘brick phone era,’ might not be that bad.
What can a Dumb Phone do you ask?
Well, it’s basically a simple mobile device that’s mainly used for voice calls and text messaging.
It doesn’t have all the fancy features of smartphones, like apps and internet access, and they’re known for being straightforward, with physical keypads and long battery life.
This might only be an option for some, but it’s worth considering. You may want all the internet capabilities to track there whereabouts?
Whatever you decide while navigating through the ever-evolving landscape of technology, quite often beside tech-savy children here are some factors to consider.
Age and maturity: Consider your child’s age and maturity level. Are they responsible enough to handle the responsibilities of owning a phone?
Purpose: Define the purpose of the phone. Is it primarily for communication, emergencies, or entertainment? This will help determine the features and capabilities needed.
Budget: Decide on a budget for the phone and associated expenses such as data plans and apps. Consider whether a new or used device is suitable.
Parental controls: Look for phones with robust parental control features. This allows you to monitor and manage your child’s phone usage, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and set usage limits.
Durability: Choose a durable phone suitable for a child’s lifestyle. Look for solid build-quality models and consider investing in a protective case.
Educational opportunities: Consider how the phone can be used for educational purposes. Can apps or features support your child’s learning and development?
Safety and security: Prioritise safety and security features. Ensure the phone has built-in safeguards against cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
Communication: Discuss rules and expectations for phone usage with your child. Establish guidelines for when and how the phone should be used, such as during homework or before bedtime.
Emergency preparedness: Teach your child how to use the phone in emergencies. Program essential contact numbers, including yours and other trusted adults.
Digital etiquette: Teach your child about responsible digital behaviour, including privacy, respect for others, and the consequences of sharing personal information online.