RE: Children and Smartphones: The Ecotrain Question of the Week
This is so important, in this day and age, to figure out how much internet and technology to allow, and how to do it in a SAFE way.
My kids dont have smartphones. They dont need one. I would consider giving my oldest a phone, (for when he does activites away from home), but he doesnt even want one. (He is 14.) Even then, it doesnt have to be a smartphone. There are flip phones and such that are great for emergency contacts without unfettered access to the internet.
We have a landline phone at home, so the kids can always contact me if I leave them alone.
They DO have tablets. The time on these is restricted, and they all have internet restrictions as well. IF they need to use the internet to do searches and whatnot, well, I have a computer in the living room they can use, under supervision. I trust them, but its just that an innocent search, even with filters on, can bring up pictures and articles that are super inappropriate.
Sounds like you have your mama methods figured out and are doing a fantastic job! ♥
We have had lots of conversations with the older children about chat safety and my feelings about porn and other things. I agree this is incredibly important. Right now the younger ones only play games on their tablets and don't ever get on the internet except to watch youtubes on my husband's computer, and since they can't type or spell yet, we have to put it in for them. Once they're on internet, I will probably put some filters on their to prevent stumbling on something awful.
And thank you! Sounds like you're doing an awesome job too. I always think the most important thing is that parents care enough to think about these things and do their best for the kids they love.
Thanks! ♥
I agree, that's what's most important. We all have different ways of doing things and handling situations, but as long as we are doing it lovingly with the children's best interests at heart, then it's all good. ♥
I totally agree.