As children get older, parents naturally want to give them more independence, such as walking to the park, playing at a friend's house, staying home for a short time, or getting to activities on their own. A smartphone can seem like the obvious way to make this possible, but it isn't the only option.
There are lots of ways families can give children more freedom while keeping communication simple and age-appropriate:
- Long-range walkie-talkies: A simple way for kids to check in while playing in the neighbourhood or exploring outdoors, without access to the internet or social media.
- A home phone: Allows children to call friends, make plans or contact a parent when they're home alone.
- A kids' smartwatch: Some watches offer limited calling or messaging, without the apps, social media and internet access of a smartphone.
- A basic talk-and-text phone: When children eventually need a way to coordinate rides or activities, a simple phone can provide communication without introducing the distractions and social pressures of a smartphone.
The goal is to match the technology to what children actually need. A child who needs to call home doesn't necessarily need a device that also gives them access to social media, games and the internet.
Starting with a more limited device can give children time to develop the responsibility, judgment and independence they'll eventually need to manage a smartphone.
Explore more resources from Unplugged Canada and join thousands of Canadian families taking the Unplugged Canada Pledge to delay smartphones and support connected childhoods.