The right time to purchase a phone
Peer pressure often influences when a child starts asking for a smartphone. However, the decision to buy a phone should not be based solely on your child’s wishes.
As a parent, you should consider official recommendations as well as the practical pros and cons of the purchase.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) does not recommend purchasing smartphones for children under 11. For a younger schoolchild, a children’s phone watch or a simple mobile phone without internet access could be a good option to consider.
Base your decision on the intended use of your child's future phone. With a phone watch or a basic mobile phone, your child can keep in touch with their family and friends, without being tempted by the internet or mobile games.
If needed, explain to your child that hobbies or daily schedules may be the reason for buying a smartphone earlier in some other families.
Sometimes, however, the daily needs of your family may indeed require you to purchase a smartphone earlier than your child’s peers. Discuss the purpose and limits of the phone together before you actually buy it.
Restricting smartphone use
Before you buy a smartphone, discuss time limits on phone use with your child. Discuss your respective wishes and thoughts on daily phone use together. Agree on the hours and times of day when the phone can be used.
As a parent, you must also set an example. Make a commitment to moderate your smart device use in your daily life. Setting an example of how to use your phone also helps your child to stick to the agreed rules.
You can make a phone parking space together at home and park your family's phones there when you come home, before evening activities, during dinner, etc.
If necessary, you can install apps on your phones to limit your child's gaming and other smart device use from your own phone.
