Research Paper

Should Children Be Allowed to Use Phones and Social Media?

What happens when a dry sponge meets water? It will absorb as much water as possible. Sometimes, one could compare children with a sponge because of their tendency to imitate the behavior of people around them or get information from the internet and incorporate what they see into their lives. Due to the rapid development of the technological age, information on social media and the internet is diverse. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the number of children using mobile phones and social media. The data given by Jacqueline Howard in the article “What's the Age When Kids Start Social Media?” reflects the large number of children who own mobile phones and use social media: The report showed that approximately 56% of the children had their own social media accounts, based on the parents’ survey responses. Among those children, the parents reported that the average age when initially signing up for the account was 12.6 years” (Howard). Considering these facts, parents have a reason to start worrying about their children's use of technology and social media. The topic of whether or not children should use mobile phones and social media has not only attracted the attention of many parents and experts, but also generated diverse opinions. On the one hand, proponents believe that children need to use social media to enable them learn basic social and technical skills, to make friends with people around the world more easily, and to learn from their peers online. On the other hand, opponents believe that it would have a bad effect on children's mental health. In some instances, cases such as cyber bullying could occur in children may not know how to respond to such issues. In extreme cases, increase use of phones and social could affect some children to an extent that they find it challenging to communicate well in real life. While there are a number of pros and cons associated with using mobile phones and social media, parental guidance is an appropriate strategy to address the cons.

Those who agree that children can use mobile phones and social media defend their position on the basis that children can easily understand the latest technology and learn basic social skills. In addition, the internet can broaden their horizons, help the children know current affairs, and provide them with an opportunity to obtain all sorts of newest knowledge and information. In later life, these children can engage in individual research. Using the Internet, children also get a chance to enrich their minds and acquire knowledge that schoolteachers are not in a position to offer. In addition, they can use social media to communicate with others. Some children lack confidence and dare not talk and communicate with the outside world. With the availability of the internet, these kids could easily overcome this psychological barrier and eventually broaden their horizon in the process of this virtual communication. In some cases, children can meet other people with similar interests, make more friends through the topics of interest, and learn to build and maintain strong friendships and relationships. This is very benefit for children. According to Ronaldo Tumbokon, “Social networks actually make kids more relationship-oriented, considerate, and emphatic. Kids remember people's birthday and greet them. They comment on pictures, videos and status of their friends. They create longer term friendships by being in touch online even when friends are no longer physically meeting”.

For those who object to children's use of mobile phone, they identify reasons such as decline in school performance and the negative effect on their ability to express and communicate. Younger students obsessed with playing mobile phones and addicted to social media spend hours a day. Most of them have no control and planning ability. This means they have little time to do their homework and review content from textbooks. This eventually leads to a decline in academic performance. Other negative effects include difficulties participating in important class activities and the lack of attention. These also cause a further in level of performance. This vicious circle explains why sections of students lack the interest to join middle school. Given the negative effects, many parents are completely against allowing their children to play with mobile phones or even use social media.

It is important to note that the findings from numerous studies show that children's use of social networks affects their mental health. The situation could become worse when mature people are unavailable to help or guide them on proper use. Based on Jean Twenge’s article "Tech bosses limit their kids' time on smartphones: why shouldn't we?" In other words, Jean suggests that many celebrities limit the amount of time their children use technology. For example, Steve Jobs revealed in an interview with the New York Times revealed how he banned children from using the newly released iPad and limited how much technology his kid could use at home. In addition, “many other tech experts also limited their children’s screen time, from the co-founder of Twitter to the former editor of Wired magazine” (Jean).

Although there are a number of risks associated with social media use, there exist strategies that can help reduce the potential for harm. Being the guardians of their children, parents want the best for their children and worry when their children being hurt. When parents learn about their children's increase use of social media, it is important to make a series of prevention and protection measures. Parents can learn some basic information about these sites before their children use social media. They should let their children know about the dark side of the internet including the risks of uncontrolled use. Ronaldo also offers some advice, such as telling children to spend more time on real-life friendships and activities, which allow for real face-to-face interaction. He also recommends kids to have interest in other aspects and participate in fun activities. When the child uses social media, parents can consider setting rules with their child about how much time they spend online. “Mental health peaks in an hour a day of device use, with issues becoming more frequent among those using devices two, and especially three or more hours a day” (Jean). It is beneficial for children to use it in a reasonable time. “Should we instead adopt a cold turkey strategy and just take teenagers’ phones away? The research suggests this is not a good idea. Young people who don’t use smartphones or social media at all are less well-adjusted than teens who use them a little – perhaps because teen social life these days requires at least some digital media” (Jean).

In conclusion, it is apparent that people have varied opinions on this topic. While social media has many benefits, it is also associated with numerous negative effects such as reduced performance in schools and hindering children’s ability to plan and control. As mentioned earlier, parents can take different measures when seeking to address the problems brought about by phones and social media. They need to start by letting their children comprehend the dark side of the internet including the risks of uncontrolled use. When in school, teachers also need to be very observant and take appropriate disciplinary measures against students found using phones or social media while in class. I also feel students have a role to play by letting their phones to be a tool they use – not a tool that uses them. Through this, it is easier to avoid the dangers or risks of inappropriate use while at the same time enjoying the benefits that come with phones and social media.