Smartphones have become a serious tool for addiction. Adults often cling to their phones all day, engaged in various activities from morning until night. This obsession means people don't have time for themselves or even for those around them, as smartphones have taken a strong hold. It's common to see a family sitting together in the same room, with everyone focused on their smartphone, not paying attention to the person next to them, but seriously engaged with their devices.
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In my opinion, children should not be allowed to own a smartphone below a certain age. A tool like the smartphone shouldn't just be handed over to a child at will; just because a parent can afford to buy a smartphone for their kids doesn't necessarily mean they should. The child should be able to grow to a certain age of maturity before owning a smartphone. At the same time, the parent should be able to monitor the child's use of the smartphone.

The smartphone has become many things these days. On social media, you can find content that will have both good and bad influences on your child. A child with a smartphone and an internet connection is connected to the world, and unless seriously monitored, the child will be exposed to all sorts of beneficial and harmful content online.

The negative effects smartphones can have on a child include, but are not limited to, addiction to the device, exposure to inappropriate content on the internet, and even negative impacts on their mental and physical health. A child might become addicted to their phone, spending more of their productive hours on the smartphone rather than doing something more constructive for their lives. The use of smartphones has also been linked to depression, anxiety, and even sleep disorders.
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I vividly remember the period when social media was gradually entering the market. Young people were constantly online on platforms like Facebook and 2go, which were very popular then. Some youngsters would stay up all night long chatting with people all around the world.

However, smartphones also possess many advantages, such as easy access to communication. Children can easily stay in touch with their parents or guardians if they are allowed to own a phone, and parents will find it easier to know the whereabouts of their children at all times. Platforms like WhatsApp have even made it possible for parents to make video calls with their kids. Apart from communication, children can easily access educational materials using the smartphone to find online learning resources, educational apps, or even remote tutors.

In conclusion, children should not be allowed to own smartphones too early in their lives. As I have said earlier, parents shouldn't just buy a smartphone for their child because they can afford it or as a show of love. A child should reach a certain year of maturity to be allowed to own a phone; specifically, a child should be at least 16 years old to own a smartphone. Furthermore, a child should be properly monitored if they are allowed to own a smartphone, through screen time limits, content filters, and open communication with parents about what they encounter online.

Thank you for reading. My name is @rishagamo and this is my response to the Hive Learners weekly Featured Content Week 167 Episode 01: “SMARTPHONE AGE”.

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