Over the past few decades, cell phones have gone from a luxury to a necessity for most people. The age that people start to get cell phones gets younger each year. If your child is around the age of 10, you’ve probably started having the conversation about what age is appropriate for them to have a cell phone.

While there’s no perfect age to give your child a cell phone, there are some factors that can help you decide. Understand the risks and best practices before making the purchase.

What’s the Best Age to Get a Child a Phone?

Your child can own a smartphone anywhere from 10 to 14 years old. According to Common Sense Media, 42% of children own a phone by age 10. By 14, the number increases to 91%.

The pressure to own phones intensifies once kids enter middle school and parents worry their kids may feel left out if their peers have phones. Many parents will give into the pressure, but you should think about what’s best for your child first.

Sixth grade is a common age to start discussing proper phone usage. This is the age when your child’s friends may start getting cell phones, so you should be aware of that. You can start teaching your child about digital safety and responsibility to prepare them before actually giving them a phone.

However, at that age, children are not always responsible enough to take care of their possessions and use technology responsibly. If you’re worried about your child misusing a phone, consider waiting until they are 13 or older. Giving them a phone as they enter high school can allow you to be in contact with them when they have more freedom.

The Risks of Early Phone Ownership and Usage

Owning a smartphone earlier than suggested can bring several risks. Before buying a new phone, ponder on these potential downsides your child might experience.

Constant Distraction

Phones distract kids and adults from what matters, such as family quality time, homework and sleep. Additionally, it can be distracting for children with ADHD, who may find it more challenging to resist the stimulation.

Poorer Academic Performance

Unhealthy smartphone use can contribute to decreased academic performance. It may happen when a child finds watching YouTube videos or video-chatting with their friends more important than doing homework or sleeping early.

Compromised Privacy

Giving your little one phone access at an early age can make them susceptible to scams where their personal information is collected. Since young children haven’t developed proper judgment yet, they may give their location to a stranger pretending to be their parent’s friend.

Distorted Self-Perception

Smartphone ownership means exposure to social media. Many students are on social media platforms, with 94% of older students reporting using them daily.

While that number decreases in younger age groups, it doesn’t mean they’re immune to the perfectly curated images on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Young kids with phones will be exposed to unrealistic beauty standards, photo filters and influencer culture, pushing them to mimic others rather than being themselves.

The Benefits of Having a Phone at the Right Age

Consider the following benefits before making a smartphone purchase for your child:

• Academic support: A smartphone can provide them with apps that help them succeed at school, like Duolingo.

• Improved social relationships: Children with smartphones can contact friends and loved ones outside school, allowing them to foster friendships and improve social skills.

• Sense of responsibility: Having a smartphone can teach your child how to care for their belongings.

• Tech skills: Exploring a phone’s features exposes a kid to the wonders of technology, helping build their confidence as they understand how to navigate the gadget.

How to Teach Child About Proper Smartphone Usage

A child new to a smartphone won’t understand how to use the gadget properly without someone showing them first. Implement these strategies for smarter smartphone usage.

Implement Gadget Breaks

Almost 60% of teenagers who use technology in their bedrooms experience sleep problems. Not getting enough rest can negatively affect a child’s mood management, immune system and grades. Implementing gadget breaks at specific times — such as dinner time and family activities — is an easy way to mitigate these drawbacks. Set ground rules and the consequences of breaking them.

Responsible Content Sharing

Warn your child against forwarding or creating content, emails, or text messages that might harm others and themselves. You should also remind them not to share personal information on websites unless they have your permission.

Use Parental Controls

iPhone and Android devices have parental control settings to help you monitor content, restrict applications, see your child’s location and set screen time limits, providing an extra layer of protection for your kid.

Be a Smart Parent in The Smartphone Era

Whatever the age you give your child a smartphone, you must teach them proper phone usage and ensure they’re using it responsibly. Your kid learns a lot from observing closest to them, so ensure you model proper phone usage.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
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Last year, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation shared surveillance footage of kids riding bicycles through the Boston Tunnel in peak traffic.  Despite the risky behavior of popping wheelies and riding alongside vehicles during rush hour, the children managed to exit the tunnel without any reported injuries.

While these kids fortunately survived unharmed, there have been several cases in which the children involved were not so lucky.

Teaching your child to ride a bike should be fun, but what happens after that is a major concern, especially as they get older and more independent. In this article, we discuss why risky behavior is on the rise, its negative impact on children, and what parents can do about it.

Bicycle Stunts That Bring Injury and Death

Although the Boston Tunnel kids made it out alive, other bicycle stunts involving children have turned serious and, sometimes, even deadly.

In mid-2013, a Northern Kentucky teen lost his life performing a dangerous bike trick in a parking lot. In a different incident, one of his friends burst an artery in his head while trying a similar stunt.

“Swerving,” another dangerous bicycle stunt fad, is currently causing havoc on the roads and endangering children’s lives in the US and abroad.

Last year, three young people died in two separate incidents involving e-bikes in western England. Tragedies like these are the result of the dangerous trend of teenagers driving recklessly and aggressively through traffic.

Why Kids Do It

Our kids are growing up too fast. While children have always gotten up to mischief, dangerous stunts like these are far more dangerous and much more common than they were in previous generations.

There are a number of reasons why kids are drawn to this sort of behavior:

Peer Pressure

Children may feel pressured to participate in risky behaviors to fit in with their peers or to gain acceptance and approval from their social circle. The phenomenon now referred to as “fear of missing out” (FOMO) can drive kids to engage in dangerous stunts to avoid feeling left out.

Desire for Attention

Studies show that children, especially around age 10, undergo significant brain changes that make them more susceptible to seeking social rewards and approval from peers.

Kids may attempt dangerous stunts to seek attention, recognition, or validation from others, especially in the context of social media where likes, shares, and views are equated with popularity and social status.

Influence of Social Media Challenges

Viral social media challenges and stunts can influence children to imitate what they see online, as they may perceive these activities as exciting, fun, or trendy. The visibility and popularity of such challenges can motivate kids to participate without fully considering the risks involved.

Lack of Risk-Assessment Skills

Children’s developing brains and limited life experiences may result in a lack of fully developed risk-assessment skills. This can lead them to underestimate the potential dangers and consequences of engaging in hazardous activities, making them more susceptible to trying dangerous stunts without fully understanding the risks.

HOW KIDS ARE HARMED

The most immediately apparent consequences of this risky behavior are serious injury and even death. But what about the psychological harm done when children engage in these activities or even when they watch videos of dangerous bike stunts online.

Thrill-Seeking Behavior and Psychological Impact

Participating in or witnessing extreme and dangerous activities can lead to increased impulsivity, mood disorders, and other psychological challenges that affect mental health.

Brain Trauma and Emotional Consequences

Brain injuries sustained as a result of dangerous stunts can have profound emotional consequences on children. Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, such as headaches, memory loss, nausea and difficulty concentrating, can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.

Injury-Related Stress

The fear of sustaining injuries or the aftermath of experiencing traumatic events during dangerous stunts can contribute to heightened stress levels and more serious mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Social Pressure and Performance Expectations

Social pressure to perform ever-more daring stunts can lead to children taking increasingly serious risks. It can also cause considerable emotional distress.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN

You can take the following steps to help your kids avoid being influenced by dangerous bicycle stunt trends:

• Educate yourself and your child
• Encourage positive participation in healthy activities
• Maintain open communication: balance privacy and trust
• Monitor their behavior
• Model responsible behavior
• Create a safe online environment
• Discuss consequences
• Empower critical thinking

Some resources you can use to support your children and educate them about the dangers of stunts include:

• The Common Sense Education Toolkit: This resource provides articles, videos, printable handouts, and conversation starters to help families reflect on their media habits, build digital citizenship skills, and discuss online safety with their children.

• NYSSSWA Resources & Activities for Parents: This site offers various activities and resources for parents, such as guides on forest and outdoor learning experiences, at-home learning activities, and coping with emotional stress from traumatic experiences. These resources can help parents engage with their children and address the risks associated with dangerous behavior.

• State or District Bicycle Safety Programs: Look for local bicycle safety programs that educate your children about the dangers of reckless riding and how to stay safe.

YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS

If your child is injured or killed performing a dangerous bike stunt they saw online, you may have options to seek legal recourse.

Depending on the circumstances, your options may include, among others:

• A civil lawsuit
• Negligence claims
• A wrongful death lawsuit

Seek legal advice from experienced attorneys specializing in personal injury cases involving children.

PARTING THOUGHT: IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOUR CHILD

If you are among the unfortunate parents whose children have already been harmed by this terrifying trend, you should seek out support for your child and yourself immediately. This should include both medical and psychological interventions.

It is better to be safe than sorry. Always be open to the possibility that your child might be at risk of trying a dangerous new trend. This doesn’t mean you should become a helicopter parent, but it does mean you should take care to shield your child from negative influences wherever possible.

Meta title: Terrifying Bicycle Stunts Trending with Kids | Safe Search Kids

Meta description: Find out how you can protect your child from trying dangerous bike stunts. How are these scary trends harming our children and what can we do about it?

Language immersion is a powerful method for learning a new language. Quite simply, your child is placed in an environment where they must use the target language for daily communication. This approach goes beyond traditional classroom settings, allowing for a more natural and interactive learning experience.

Choosing London for this immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the English language’s rich cultural and historical background. Your child will have the chance to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. They will also interact with native speakers in their everyday environments, and participate in local traditions.

Language Learning Beyond the Classroom

The traditional boundaries of language learning are expanded when your child has the opportunity to learn English in London. This experience elevates their educational adventure.  It offers them unparalleled exposure to the language in its most vibrant and dynamic form. Outside the confines of a classroom, English becomes not just a subject to be studied, but a living, breathing part of daily life.

Attending a summer school in London to learn English encourages your child to think, react, and interact in English, significantly improving their linguistic skills and confidence. The benefits extend beyond just linguistic proficiency; your child develops a global mindset, understanding diversity and cultural differences firsthand.

Engaging with people from all walks of life, experiencing the city’s eclectic mix of cultures, and navigating day-to-day situations in English contribute to a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the world.

How Immersion Encourages Cultural Understanding

Becoming part of British society, even for a short while, offers your child an immersive learning experience that textbooks cannot replicate. Through everyday interactions, from buying groceries at a local market to conversing with peers in the park, your child gains insights into the subtle aspects of British culture and etiquette.

This cultural immersion helps kids understand the context behind the language, making their communication more nuanced and effective.

Living and learning in London exposes your child to the rich tapestry of British history and traditions. Whether it is understanding the significance behind Bonfire Night or experiencing the solemnity of Remembrance Day, these cultural experiences provide a backdrop against which the language comes to life.

Everyday Activities That Enhance Language Acquisition

Engaging in everyday activities can dramatically enhance your child’s language acquisition. Simple tasks, such as reading local newspapers, watching British television, and listening to English music, can introduce them to various accents, dialects, and cultural references.

A variety of activities offer a fun and interactive way to familiarise themselves with the rhythm and flow of the native English language.  It makes the entire process of learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

Participation in local events and community activities further solidifies their language skills. By joining clubs or sports teams, your child can interact with native speakers in a relaxed and supportive environment. These interactions are invaluable for practising conversational English, picking up slang, and understanding idiomatic expressions.

The Role of Family in Supporting The Journey

The involvement of family is crucial in reinforcing the language learning process and providing emotional support and motivation. When your child embarks on a language immersion journey, the role you play extends beyond mere encouragement. You create a supportive environment that enhances their learning by showing interest in their progress, discussing what they’ve learned, and even participating in language activities together.

Your engagement demonstrates to your child the value of their efforts, fostering resilience and a positive attitude towards learning. Regular communication with educators and participation in community or school events related to the language can further enrich this experience.

From Learning to Mastery

Achieving mastery of a new language is a profound step towards becoming a global citizen. This journey from learning to fluency enables your child to communicate effectively across cultures, embrace different perspectives, and understand global issues. The skills acquired through language immersion, including adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving, are invaluable in today’s interconnected world.

As your child progresses from learning English to mastering it in an immersive environment like London, they acquire more than just language skills. They develop a rich understanding of cultural nuances and global diversity, which are essential qualities of informed and compassionate global citizens.

Exploring the rich tapestry of the English language through immersive learning experiences offers your child an invaluable opportunity to grow both academically and personally. By stepping beyond the traditional classroom and diving into the culture and daily life of London, they gain a profound understanding of the language. It’s enhanced by the textures of real-world use and cultural immersion.

Encouraging your child to engage in this immersive linguistic adventure can transform their approach to learning English, making it a vibrant, living experience. It’s an investment in their future that extends far beyond mere academic achievement, paving the way for them to become insightful, culturally aware global citizens. This enriching journey, filled with learning and personal growth, promises to unlock doors to new opportunities and broader horizons.

STEM learning, with its hands-on, collaborative approach, goes beyond academic achievement. It helps children foster a deeper understanding of themselves and others, paving the way for more emotionally intelligent future generations.

The benefits of STEM have been well explored, from introducing the concepts early on to all children, to advanced learning for those with an interest and aptitude to go deeper into STEM subjects.

How STEM Boosts Emotional Intelligence

Analyzing how a child’s emotional intelligence can be enhanced through STEM learning is a new concept to mean.  So, here we’ll look into how it can help prepare children for future technological advances. They will also be more equipped to choose the right tech career that best suits their personal qualities and skills.

Creates Opportunities To Practice Social Awareness

STEM subjects often require collaboration via group activities and projects, giving children ample opportunities to practice social awareness. Students learn to read social cues, understand the dynamics of group behavior, and recognize the value of diverse perspectives by working in teams. This practical exposure to different social situations enhances their ability to empathize and engage with their peers constructively.

Encourages Collaboration and Relationship Building

The essence of STEM education lies in its emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. Through various projects and experiments, children learn the importance of building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. This collaborative environment will strengthen their social bonds and teach them the significance of trust and cooperation in achieving common goals.

Challenges a Student’s Previously Held Beliefs

STEM learning can present scenarios that challenge a student’s preconceived notions, encouraging them to question and re-evaluate their beliefs. This critical examination of one’s ideas fosters open-mindedness and flexibility, essential components of emotional intelligence. It equips children with the ability to adapt to new information and viewpoints, enhancing their personal growth and development.

Teaches Children the Importance of Perseverance

The importance of perseverance is one of the most valuable lessons STEM education imparts. As students tackle complex problems and engage in trial and error, they learn the significance of persistence and resilience in overcoming obstacles. This understanding of perseverance will aid them in their future academic endeavors and help them foster a strong, emotionally resilient character.

Enhances a Student’s Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Skills

STEM education sharpens students’ decision-making and critical thinking skills by presenting them with analytical tasks. These activities require students to assess situations, weigh options, and make informed decisions, thereby enhancing their cognitive flexibility and emotional intelligence. This skill set is invaluable in both personal and professional settings, where emotional clarity and rational decision-making are paramount.

Encourages Them To Appreciate Outside Perspectives

A well-crafted, engaging science lesson plan imparts knowledge and encourages students to appreciate outside perspectives. STEM education fosters a sense of curiosity and openness by exposing students to different ways of thinking and problem-solving, critical for emotional intelligence. This appreciation for diversity and alternative viewpoints enhances their ability to connect with others on a deeper level.

Conclusion

How Teachers Can Create Meaningful Dialogue in the Classroom

Teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing a child’s love of STEM and, by extension, their emotional intelligence. By creating a classroom environment that encourages open dialogue and critical discussion, educators can stimulate curiosity and engagement in a meaningful way. Incorporating real-world issues and ethical dilemmas into the curriculum can provoke thoughtful debate and reflection, further enhancing a child’s emotional and cognitive skills.

It’s clear to see how STEM learning can boost a child’s emotional intelligence. A solid STEM education can equip a child with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern world. It’s our responsibility as educators to nurture your child’s love of STEM. These subjects have the unique ability to shape emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and capable individuals.