Children with cellphones, tablets etc

Recently my daughter received a gift from my cousin. Its a android phone but only meant to be used in watching children's video on youtube or playing games for learning. Do you think it is a good idea for her to have one at the age of 5? Its a new generation so I guess it is the normal thing to get into but I don't want her to get hooked on being on her cellphone all the time. I make sure that I see what she is looking at and only give her short time in using it. Any thoughts or comments on this?

You are doing the right thing by guiding and timing your daughter's use. There should be time where she can play with her siblings, watch cartoons with them and spend time on the phone. This is a new age and as long as there is guidance, I don't see any harm with kids of now-a-days using mobile devices.

Technology is a part of our lives, so I think it is ok they have access and know how to use it. It's similar to us growing up and schools trying to teach us to use a cassette player, or a keyboard and mouse.

But I think there is a difference between watching videos and playing games. There are a lot of educational interactive apps that are great learning tools, then there are videos that are just like passively watching tv.

When I let mine use the iPad or iPhone, it's only for playing games or reading books. I don't let them watch videos (as they already have regular tv viewing time).

Well we only have movie time, we don't watch TV only movies also I think new kid shows are poorly made now and sending the wrong message out. I rather them watch something I can monitor and know that won't send them bad messages. I am very strict when it comes to my girls it bothers me if I see them imitating something that I don't approve of and this can just be a dance move or how they project themselves. Media is showing a different message in how girls or women should act and I don't want my girls to think they have to be the same way.

I always check and see what they are doing and I have went through her phone and kiddie proofed it to make sure that she wouldn't accidentally click on something that I don't want her watching. Media does play a part of everyday life so I like to keep control over that. Just don't know if I am being over protective or not. Its hard having little girls and the horrors the world can offer to them.

I do not see anything wrong with as you are monitoring what she is watching and for how long. It is inevitable that they will have to learn these devices soon enough. There are many educational games and shows that she would be able to watch and play on there. My children have tablets that they use and have been using for a while now.

The only main issue with all the technology coming out is that they are so absorbed in these gadgets that they aren't really enjoying and going out playing with others and making memories as well as long term friends. Call me old fashion but I think kids who can play outside with others develop faster than kids hiding in the house to play on gadgets, watching tv etc. But this is a new age and I guess it is now the norm. I don't really want her having a cellphone but I don't want to offend my family nor do I want to take away something that was given to my daughter. So I have no choice in the matter but to give her time on the thing as long as she behaves and does not act out other wise that is the first thing to be taken away.

Well this is certainly an issue that parents everywhere deal with at some point, and we were no different. It is hard because when you think about it I think that we should introduce our kids to these wonderful inventions, because they are going to be a part of their world so the better they are with them the better off they will be, but we all know that kids will want to use them for things that are not always the best, so it becomes an issue of monitoring. As long as you can promote them being used in positive ways I would say the earlier the better.

A little time watching videos and playing educational games seems fine. It is best to only use it on your terms. For example, if I know we are going to be waiting a long time at the doctor or an appointment I have my kids bring their tablets. I often load a new educational game on it before hand which will keep them busy so I can focus on the task at hand. They also can use their tablets when I need to use a phone call or really need to focus.

We use tablets for part of their school work sometimes as well. I have math games on their tablets as well as my phone so they can practice their math facts. We also are learning sign language by using YouTube. My point is, use the technology to your advantage.

A word of caution, cell phones and tablets do emit small amounts of radiation. Most people do not notice but others can develop a sensitivity to it causing nerve damage or other health problems. Limiting your child's device time is probably the best prevention. I also recommend charging devices away from sleeping areas.

Wow, that's a generous gift to her! Haha. Anyway, on to the topic, I do think it's better to have kids play outside or with toys. But I understand that times are changing and technology is a part of that.

And we cannot really stop our kids from being exposed to gadgets and technology and internet as well. The most we can do is guide them, control the exposure and educate them about it. This way, although they get exposed to it, they know their limits about the said gadget.

I think you're on the right track, with monitoring her usage and keeping a limit on it. Apart from that, as long as she continues to interact with other kids and do other activities, it's fine. Just keep her well-rounded and not just focused on the gadget itself.

My son is 5 and has had a tablet since he was 3 years old. It has helped with his fine motor skills and research capabilities. He is in kindergarten and is reading above grade level and is preforming excellent. My daughter is just 2 years old and she uses my phone daily to take pictures, play games and watch videos on YouTube. It is just amazing how this generation of children are capable of learning so quickly. Technology is a part of our lives now, and I believe it should be monitored by us parents. My daughter sings songs and speaks in complete sentences. They are permanently attached in the winter time, but as soon as that sun comes out they are outside playing, and do not watch until after dinner by their own choice.

Hi, I also had the same problem as you. I'm a mother of a 5 year-old boy and I allow him to use my iPad to, just to get access to certain content, of course. I think these games by Vkids are pretty awesome. You can try look them up on Appstore =)

I also think it is very important to limit the time and also control what you children are using the phone for. There are some good games and videos but for me also analogue education games are very important. It's important to find a good combination.

Yes a limitation of time is very important. However also the use of smartphones and tablets is. They should not be behind once they are older. Anyways going outdoors and let them play and let their imagination and creativity crow is also very important!

Hi !

I don't know if this can help but I know a UK Network for children (it's a kind of SIM card) called ParentShield, its purpose is to monitor the usage of mobile phones. I believe that you can limit the hours of use and do some other interesting things. It is not that expensive and it may be useful for your child, especially when he/she will be a bit older.

I wanted to give you the website's link but I am not allowed because I've just subscribed lol. however if you just type ParentShield on Google you'll find it.

Hope that it helped a bit

It is normal if you kids are playing games on phone but you need to make sure they are not addicted. For this, you can download some good parenting apps that you can use to manage your kids easily. You will assign tasks to the kids & then after completing, you will reward them. This way you can divert your kids' mind towards other apps.