It seems each year, the age at which children begin carrying mobile phones and other portable technologies gets lower and lower. My 8-year-old daughter has already told me she wants a mobile phone. There is no real need for her to have one. She is in never in an area where she could not contact us via phone. When she gets a bit older and starts doing more on her own outside the house, I will certainly think about giving her a phone. Am I realistic in thinking that 13 or 14 is an appropriate age to allow children to have their own mobile phone?
One aspect of mobile technology that is so exciting, yet challenging is the fact that there has been such a convergence in the mobile industry. Whereas my first mobile phone was "just" a phone, these devices now manage audio and video content, show us driving directions, and so much more. Many people no longer carry cameras to events as they feel the camera in their mobile phone is now adequate enough. Looking up any information on the internet is as simple as opening up a mobile web browser. Recent products such as the iPhone 4 and iPad have allowed us to carry an incredible amount of mobile creative and consumption power with us on the go, practically anywhere.
It's apparent that our children know these devices exist. They have a certain "coolness" factor to them. My kids play games on my iPhone, and my daughter has an iPod touch. The only noticeable differences between these 2 devices, is that the iPhone can place voice calls, work outside of the range of a wi-fi network, and has a camera.
I've talked to my daughter about mobile phones and how they are not appropriate for children to have. My explanation being that we always know where she is, and that she can use the home phone to contact her friends from school. My wife and I actually had a conversation yesterday about setting an example for our kids in regards to how we use mobile technology.
While in the car, I am guilty of having fumbled with my phone, read and composed emails, composed text messages, and much more. My wife pointed out a while back that she felt this was a bad example to set for our kids. I agreed. I no longer touch the phone when in the car, and use a bluetooth speaker kit to place and answer all calls. Our children notice that as we drive by car after car on the road, the majority of those we see are holding phones to their ear. I've explained that a driver, physically interacting with a phone, radio, or other device while in a moving vehicle is extremely dangerous. I point out to my daughter that I do not touch the phone while I'm driving in the car.
Mealtime at restaurants has certainly changed. How often do you or someone you are with place or receive a phone call while having lunch with a guest? How about checking email or Twitter? Once again, I am guilty as charged. I've begun dialog with my kids about proper mobile phone etiquette. I've also carried the conversations over to the iPod touch and Nintendo DS. My main theme is that it is not appropriate to focus your attention on a device when you are dining or are entertaining a guest.
My wife and I are really trying to set an example in these areas. We realize that it is up to our generation to assist our children and students with the adoption of, and adherence to etiquette norms in all aspects of communication. We've all in someways become too wired. There is no time that we are "off-limits" unless we adopt a self-imposed technology hiatus.
Thoughts? I'd love to hear if your children have mobile phones, how old they are, and any suggestions that you may have.
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