Kids and Smartphones: Addressing Parents' Top Concerns

Nowadays, it has become a common scene in every household—your little one hardly out of kindergarten and scrolling through a smartphone like an expert. And yes, it's hard not to wonder—are smartphones a blessing or a curse for kids? On one hand, smartphones are an opportunity to get hands-on with endless learning and connection; on the other, they may expose your child to lots of distractions and risks.

If you too are confused between handing your smartphone or locking it away till high school, many parents just like you are worried about the same. Did you know, as per a survey, almost 70 percent of parents worry about their kids' screen time, while 57 percent struggle to set boundaries around smartphone usage? It's time to understand your concerns and figure out a balanced approach that works right for your family.

Read this article where we will address the parent’s top concerns about kids and smartphones.

One of the biggest concerns parents face is managing screen time. . The fact is— smartphones are just like magnets—they can scroll and play for hours if left unchecked. Honestly, who wouldn't?

However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, no more than two hours of screen time per day for children aged 6 and older should be given on smartphones. Unfortunately, a latest study showed that kids aged 8 to 12 spend an average of 4.4 hours daily on screens, excluding schoolwork.

The best way is to set boundaries, including a screen-free zone during meals and bedtime. Most importantly, set an example for them yourself.

While smartphones open doors to plenty of opportunities, they come with several cyber risks, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. Nearly 59 percent of teenagers have reported some kind of cyberbullying at one point in their life.

Therefore, it's important to expose your child to some basic digital literacy skills, such as ensuring online privacy, how to recognize scams, and why sharing personal information is an absolute no. You can also use parental controls to keep a check on their online activities alongside regularly discussing them.

Surprisingly, social media can be both a confidence booster and a confidence crusher. According to a report, nearly 35 percent of teens felt their self-esteem was negatively affected by social media. The pressure to post, like, and share actually creates a toxic cycle of comparison and FOMO, or fear of missing out. 

Thus, the best approach is to delay social media access until your little one is emotionally ready to handle it. And when the time actually comes, make sure to set some rules and track their engagement regularly.

It’s no secret that smartphones can be a big distraction, particularly during study time. Did you know that simply having a phone nearby can reduce academic performance by up to 20 percent? Thus, it's important to encourage the use of smartphones as a study resource rather than for distractions.

Excessive screen time not only impacts mental health but physical health too. In fact, prolonged smartphone use can lead to eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and a lack of physical activity. In fact, kids who use screens for more than three hours daily are twice as likely to experience issues with sleep.

Parenting in the age of smartphones is indeed overwhelming. However, with some patience and lots of communication, you can effectively help your child in their journey towards responsible smartphone use. The next time you see your child staring at their screen, remember, it's your opportunity to guide and connect.