How smartphone usage impacts preteens and teens

Mr and Mrs Kumar put off getting a smartphone for their 12-year-old son, Dev, for as long as possible.

- Kerina De Floras

They worried that getting him a smartphone might overtake his life, and that he might lose interest in things he was good at. Dev often complained that he was the only one among his friends who didn't have a phone of his own. On his birthday, Dev’s uncle gifted him a smartphone, and his parents’ fears turned out to be true to an extent. Now, Dev spends more time on his phone, has hurried meals with the family, and often skips after-school football practice to play video games with his friends.

Why parents struggle

We live in a world where children’s exposure to gadgets is inevitable. Devices, especially smartphones, can strongly influence a child's life—their habits, routines, hobbies, friends, and even their relationship with their parents. Smartphone overuse is a growing concern for parents, especially of preteens and teens, whose screen time and online activities are difficult to monitor.

Impact of smartphone

Kids today are growing up in an era where the use of smartphones and other devices has become ubiquitous. When you question your teen about the long hours they spend on their phone, the most common reply you'll get is, “Because everyone does.” And yes, that’s true—their peers are indeed spending a lot of time on gadgets.

Setting clear rules

e Having open communication with your teen about their online activities will help them open up to you when they come across any disturbing content. You can start the conversation by asking them to explain the apps they like, to get them talking.

e Be arole model for safe internet use, and urge your child to update the privacy, security, and location settings on their devices.