Category: Parenting

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.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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?

Deciding to adopt a child is a big decision that will change your life forever. While the process requires patience and dedication, adoption can be incredibly rewarding. For many parents, it is one of the best decisions they have ever made.  Here are five key reasons why adoption might be right for your family.

1. You Can Provide a Loving Home for a Child in Need

There are thousands of children in the foster care system waiting to be adopted into a permanent family. Many have experienced trauma, instability, or lack of nurturing care. By choosing to adopt, you can provide a warm, stable home environment that these children desperately need but may have never experienced before.  Knowing you are giving a vulnerable child the gift of family, security, and opportunity for the first time can be unbelievably rewarding and fulfilling.

2. Adoption Creates New Beginnings

For adopted children, being welcomed into a new family represents a chance to leave past hurt and uncertainty behind. Adjusting to adoption can take time for the child and parents, but your consistent love and support can help them overcome early challenges and allow this new family unit to thrive together. Moreover, witnessing their gradual growth, accomplishments, and joy will affirm that this new beginning was meant to be.

3. You’ll Experience the Joys of Parenthood

As an adoptive parent, you’ll get to experience all of the significant milestones and daily joys of parenthood. From first steps and words to school plays and cuddles before bedtime, these moments of laughter, silliness, and simple acts of love can make the process well worth it.  Sharing these family experiences and making lifelong memories will bond you together.

4. Your Family Will Grow in Unexpected Ways

The adoption process itself can strengthen your partnership as you work together to prepare your hearts and home. Witnessing the child’s progress and embracing their uniqueness as individuals can expand your capacity for empathy, compassion, and unconditional love. Additionally, adopted children will flourish as they see what it means to be valued and cherished.

5. You’re Providing a Bright Future for a Child

By adopting a child and welcoming them as your own family member, you are giving them access to a brighter future that they may not have had otherwise – one with better education, healthcare, stability, and opportunities to develop their talents and interests.

Knowing you helped dramatically change the trajectory of a deserving child’s life for the better is a special gift.

Taking the Next Steps

If you are considering adoption, it is important to thoroughly research the process and seek expert guidance. Some steps include contacting your local authority or adoption agency to learn about requirements, attending information sessions, choosing between private/public adoption, undergoing home visits/interviews, completing training, and working with experienced solicitors like family law solicitors throughout the legal process. Having the right support can help make your adoption journey a smooth and rewarding one.

While adoption has its challenges, the incredible rewards it brings for children and families make it one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. With an abundance of love and the right support, adoption can change lives for the better.

While regular day cares work wonders for busy parents, drop-in-daycares work as a perfect solution with ones looking for a flexible solution. It is very different from a conventional day care center as parents do not have to commit to the services on a long-term basis and use them on an as need basis.

Let’s dive deeper and help you understand this very refreshing concept that can be a game changer for you and your child.

What Is Drop-In Daycare?

Drop-in daycare is a service that is there for you when your initial childcare plans fall through. For example, you may have a regular babysitter who called in sick. Or your regular daycare has an emergency situation, such as a water leak or needs to close temporarily due to an outbreak of the flu with the staff.

You can also think of drop-in daycare as a supremely helpful friend who can look out for your kids whenever you have to step out of your home on short notice. It may be date nights, meetings, or anything else you can think of. The only difference is that you will have to pay for your daycare, which I am assuming you don’t do with friends.

Why It’s Great for Parents

As parents, we love some flexibility. You don’t have to book a daycare weeks in advance, if not months. You can use their services when you need them. It makes it ideal for parents who do not have a specific schedule, are entrepreneurs, or work in fields that have impromptu scheduling issues. Or you may just need some alone time in the care while running errands.

What to Expect

Drop-in daycare centers come with a wide range of child-friendly activities to keep your little ones busy and entertained. Activities can involve arts and crafts, storytime and physical play. Most daycares also take care of the meals and snacks that children require throughout the day.

Finding the Right Place

Please note that every single daycare won’t offer drop-in services. Do a bit of research on which ones offer this service in your area. Look for reviews online. Make sure to visit them in person. Always make sure that they are following safety guidelines and are licensed.  Ask other parents for reviews and their experiences. Always prioritize your child’s comfort and safety over everything else.

Tips for Parents

• Plan Ahead: Even drop-in daycares require some level of planning. So, plan out your schedule as best as you can.

• Pack Essentials: Make sure to pack all the essentials such as an extra pair of clothes, socks, formula, any snacks that they love, their favorite toy or anything that your child cannot go without.

• Goodbye Routine: Keep the goodbyes short and sweet to keep it easy on you and your kid.

• Stay Connected: Ask the staff to send you pictures and videos of your kid from time to time. Stay connected with the caregivers about how your child is adjusting to the new routine.

Ask for Additional Information

Ultimately, the drop-in daycare you choose for your child will have additional requirements or advice on what they need to best care for your child.  Be sure to ask them about what they may need to best care for your child.  Remember, these are not your daily care providers.  Your child may rarely only visit this center or periodically.

Once you have established a relationship with your new childcare providers, you can rest easy that your child is in good hands.  Just as vital, your child will feel welcomed and comfortable throughout the transition to a new place. A place they will be excited to visit whenever you need.

Conclusion

Drop-in daycare is a fantastic option for parents who need childcare that fits into their unpredictable schedules. It saves you time, money, and a lot of hassle. As implied earlier, not all drop-in daycares are created equal. Don’t skimp out on doing proper research. It’s tempting because as a parent, you’re busy.

The time you take now for proper due diligence to find the best drop-in day care will pay off big time for you and your child.