Daughter has bought her 7 year old a phone

[Alisonjayne8]

It's a phone that's capable of social media with all the bells and whistles.

I am fuming about it but what can I do. I watched a documentary about Snapchat and tik tok and what gets shown to new users, it scares the life out of me.

You said friends and family.

She could have easily sent messages through your phone ..like my 6yo does "oh can I tell auntie Jane if she likes sushi?" And she either has to wait for see her. Or I'll send a message "from DD" on my phone.

It is weird to buy a 7 year old a mobile phone...

Awful lazy parenting and the absurd justifications just justify this position.

No child needs a phone at the age. The it will be fine approach completely glosses over the real and practical issues and mental health concerns of children. It isn’t all about TikTok and Snapchat for untoward people to find you it’s the real and scientifically proven negative effects of screens for children based on addiction and dopamine hits.

It's bad parenting. Unfortunately, it's not your kid so you don't get a say.

@Alisonjayne8 https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/the-issue/problem

Signposting this here for information

None of my dc are on any social media?

And you can doubt all you like, I have zero reason to make anything up.

Do you only ever buy your kids things they absolutely need and never anything that's just nice to have? Bet christmas was a joy in your house.

What's nice about giving them a device that's expensive and pointless?

What worries me more than a 7 year old receiving a phone, is that 22% of people think YABU!!!!

That's absolutely terrible and I would judge anyone who bought a 7 yo a phone, ridiculous. DS school have a ban on all phones, no kids can have them or be seen with them in school and on site everyone including parents are told off in seen on them. Parents should be united. Anyone who is blasé about it clearly is not clued up. I personally know of a teenager who committed suicide after an incident on social media - they lacked the emotional maturity to deal with the issue they had. Mobile phones were not designed or intended for children - they are not toys. It doesn't do anything to benefit the kids.
I agree it's lazy parenting - much easier to give your kid a phone, game console, some tech so you don't have to parent. Shameless!

That's because 22% if people are idiots.

I said my son.

Maybe you should concentrate on the screen time that you have impacting your comprehension before coming at me.

Normally not one to judge but here I am

Normally not one to judge but here I am

I am in two minds, as 7 does seem crazy young.

However, when I was in primary school, I would call friends on their house phones. My DC can't do that, as I don't have one. I would listen to CDs - but we use Spotify. We got homework home in school bags - now it's on Teams. I had a camera - now a phone is the best way to take photos that will be automatically backed up. There are lots of other phone apps that my DC use often, e.g audible, simply piano, lego instructions. None of these are bad, IMO.

I went looking for an MP3 player for my 10yo DC, and realised that they were basically just locked down android phones. So why not get one that can also call friends, track location and take photos?

I wouldn't let them have access to social media, use for long periods, contact unknown people, install anything without my permission, etc, either. But it is possible to have a phone, listen to music, take photos, contact friends, and nothing else.

@AgnesMcDoo
🙄

My mistake.

Still don't see why she needs her own phone to message her brother. She can do this through an adults phone.

So they can message friends and family, take photos, play games etc. I'm not allowing my 8yo on Snapchat and tiktok.

You have 2 adults and 2 teens? They are in social media surely? Your 2 younger ones do not need a smart phone.

I have nothing against choosing nice things for my kids. I’m just really good at choosing nice, safe things. You obviously struggle with telling the difference. Smart phones stupid for primary school children. Jewellery, games and books are ok right?

These types of posts show exactly why the old "it takes a village" is very one sided and a load of bull.

8! What on earth? That beggars belief.

My daughter had one since 7 because she lives with her dad part of the week and he is quite dangerous/abusive but cafcass don't care.
I don't care who judges it was the right thing for my family..

She only had a few close family members on it who she could contact, and everything was locked down with safe search on. Only app she had was one for managing her medical condition

🤣🤣

Because its how I choose to do things.

Its worked out well for my family.

Not saying it works out for people with less rules and educating going on in their homes, but phones don't always equal social media.

Because when 10 year old children message each other... They get no respite from issues at school. They get added to groups. They get sent abusive messages, awful photos etc.

Ask anyone who works in a primary school if any child should have a smart phone..... , see how many school staff will say "yes it's a great idea"

No it really doesn't, I'd say at least 75% of their friends also had phones.

Well, the problem is also other people.

I'm sure your children are perfect and have never once had a single issue related to their mobile phone.