Gulf News readers were given the opportunity to debate on our Facebook page this week. We asked the question, “What do you think is the right age for children to own mobile phones?” We received a variety of responses from our readers with most saying that the ideal age could be anything from three to 18 years. We present a selection of their views.
Lost bonds because of phones
Do children need mobile phones? I don’t think so. Many parents say that they need it so that they can stay connected. I would say they need their parents more than a mobile phone. Parents these days have lost the connect with their children. They would rather create bonds with gadgets that link them virtually. Gone are the times when emotions were abstract. These days, emotions are expressed in the form of emoticons used online. If you thought that if your child had a mobile phone they would be safe then you are wrong. If they were in trouble, the time taken to react would still be the same if there was no connectivity. A simple example is the case of the MH370. Each passenger must have had a mobile phone, but not one person could send a warning note. When danger strikes there is no time to react, so there is no point whether you have a mobile phone or not. Do you still think children need mobile phones? I think they need guardians who should hold their hand and lead the way rather than a Global Positioning System (GPS) on a mobile phone. You should not have had a child if you didn’t have the time to take care of him or her.
From Ms Dorothy Naveena
UAE
People of all ages
If parents of the current generation really want to see their children move forward, they shouldn’t prevent them from using technology as that can only stifle progress. The world will eventually become a place where every five-year-old has a phone and that’s okay. It’s something we have to learn to accept as progress. Sure, monitor how it’s being used but don’t prevent the usage of technology as that’s an awfully regressive mentality. There’s no correct age for technology, it’s built for people of all ages.
From Mr Raib Khan
UAE
Make your own rules
The mobile phone became available at a mainstream level when my girls were in their early teens. Both of them had them but they could only text or call. I kept a continual contact when they were outside the home. They were told if they ever ignored my call, the phones would be taken away. It gave me peace of mind to be able to keep in touch with them and knowing they could make emergency calls. It’s a sad truth that children are vulnerable and I think that it would be acceptable for them to have a phone, without an internet connection, from the age of seven years for safety and communication reasons. Considering children have access to the internet at home and at school from early on they don’t need it on their phones. I think 16 years is realistic to trust your child to use a smartphone responsibly. On the issue of family time, you are the parent so make your rules! No phones at the dinner table. If you play games together in the evening rather than watching TV you’ll engage your children’s minds more effectively. We played scrabble, Pictionary or chess. We even got large intricate jigsaws and worked on them together.
From Ms Gayle Marina McMurdock Smith
Dubai
What they need
There is nothing like the right age for mobile phones. There is a phrase that necessity is the mother of all inventions. So, if it’s necessary for a child to carry a mobile phone when going to class or any public place where you want to get in touch with him or her then there is no harm. But just because of peer pressure you cannot buy your child the latest smartphone, which is used by him or her to play games or chat most of the time; that’s harmful. We cannot restrict our children from using technology, but at the same time we have to teach them how they can use modern technology positively. As a parent it is our responsibility to decide whether our child really needs a mobile or not and also counsel them about the pros and cons of the device. Most of the parents spend money and buy gadgets for children rather than spending valuable time with them. It is our social responsibility to give children what they need, not what they want.
From Ms Tuhina Bhattacharya
Dubai
A good reason
I’m 15 years old and I use a mobile phone as I live far from my school and travel by public transport. I have a younger brother, too, who travels with me. So in case of emergency, my mobile phone helps me a lot. I think children of age 15 and above have the right to use mobile phones if it’s properly monitored by their parents and if there is a good reason, similar to what I mentioned earlier.
From Mr Nasuk Nazim
Abu Dhabi
Negative impact
Mobile phones can be given to children when they start going out with their friends so that parents can be updated about their whereabouts. However, parents should set some limits on its usage at home to prevent any misuse and to ensure that children are not negatively impacted by technology.
From Ms Lubna Maryam
Dubai
A level of trust
I believe more than worrying about the age it is better to have no communication gap between the parents and children. Parents should have regular conversations with their children from an early age. There should be a good level of trust and understanding between them. Children should feel comfortable around their parents. Once you have such a bond, I don’t think there is any age restriction or limit before handing over anything to children.
From Mr Iqbal Mohammed
Dubai
Always in touch
I gave my daughter the simplest mobile phone when she was six years old. We programmed our numbers to her phone’s speed dial and instructed her to call us whenever she is on the school bus heading home. It is an important tool for us to know that our child had a good day in school and is safe on the bus, plus it gives us an estimate time of her arrival. In grade two, the school prohibits mobile phones for pupils and so her phone is switched off during school hours.
From Mr Artcon Villadelgado
UAE
The ideal age
For every child the age won’t be the same. Generally, a child is capable to own a phone when she or he attains puberty. But some children even at the age of 16 are immature and can misuse a cell phone. So to be on the safe side, I feel that between 16 to 18 years is the perfect time for them to get a mobile phone.
From Ms Saima Khan
Dubai
A simple solution
I would give a cell phone to my children at any age as long as they are not super expensive, have incoming call barring so only my family can contact them and I wouldn’t give them a lot of credit balance on their phones to waste. I will even reward them if they keep the battery always charged and answer all calls.
From Mr Dhruv Pala
UAE
When they turn 18
I think 18 is an ideal age as the person is by then an adult. The radiation will not harm them as much and it will not influence them as much, as it would when they were younger. The media is very influential and children have a curiosity to access various websites. After the age of 18, when they are in college, a mobile phone is a must to track them down.
From Mr Dilip Shahani
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Anywhere in the world
In this day and age, I would suggest giving a mobile phone to even your four-year-old. For example, if I went missing anywhere in the world and I had my phone with me, whether on or not, my family can track me instantly via the police network. Even if I was buried somewhere, they would certainly know where their daughter is. Therefore, it is a necessity now.
From Ms Ayesha Hussein
UAE
Misusing their phones
The age is not relevant, but instead whether the child is mature enough. After parents believe that their child is mature enough, they provide their child with a mobile phone. I’m a young individual and have personally witnessed many children misusing their mobile phones. Parents give their children a mobile phone so that they can contact them whenever in need. But, the children stay online and play games most of the time.
From Ms Sara Waseem
UAE
Carry at all times
There is no such thing as a ‘right age’ for mobile phones. It is more to do with the necessity. School-going children today are more vulnerable to crimes than they have ever been. A basic phone, without an internet connection, should be carried by children at all times when they are not with their parents.
From Mr Shadab Ali
Dubai
Necessary to communicate
A child’s maturity level, family circumstances and above all the real need for a mobile phone should be considered before deciding the right age. I would give a mobile phone to my child when I feel like he or she cannot contact me through any other means but communication between us is absolutely necessary. A phone that can dial only my contact number if my child has to come back alone, or a prepaid phone with limited calls and necessary features would be ideal. I would know the ins and outs of the mobile phone that I hand over to my child. And with these precautions I find it alright to give a phone to my child at an early age of even five years.
From Ms Anju Keswani-Chhatwani
Dubai
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