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“Wait until 8th” is a new drive of parents delaying giving smartphones to children until 8th grade (typically the last year of Middle School before the first year of high school in the US). It was recently featured on the Today Show, and apparently, 11,000 parents have signed the pledge.
I think waiting until 8th grade is not a priority. I think 6th grade works better for most kids as that is when they start being able to go off to other places after school.
Because smart phones can be used as an instrument of bullying, and because 7th and 8th grade are the worst years ever (IMO) for hormonal rotten children...(again, my opinion) wait til they're freshmen in high school.
I didnt have a cell phone until I was like 25 (in 2003ish) so I am not cool with the idea of kids having phones. It just seems like there's so much trouble for them to get into on them.
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Our grandkids got those wristwatch type phones when they were 9 years old.
Their parents were able to "track" them and the kids could call home.
Later on, at 12 years old, they got the hand-me-down phones from their parents.
I think it really depends on how you raise your kids...
From what I have seen with neighbours, some "parents" should not have a smartphone...
“Wait until 8th” is a new drive of parents delaying giving smartphones to children until 8th grade (typically the last year of Middle School before the first year of high school in the US). It was recently featured on the Today Show, and apparently, 11,000 parents have signed the pledge.
Your thoughts, please?
I would not agree. Both of my children got phones before middle school. We never had any trouble with it. Both are older now and still turned out fine despite the phones being in the pocket/bag. Phones are simply not a big deal in my opinion.
I didnt have a cell phone until I was like 25 (in 2003ish) so I am not cool with the idea of kids having phones. It just seems like there's so much trouble for them to get into on them.
I agree. I grew up in the era of no connection to school when the bell rang and I went home. Today it all follows kids into their private residence...the gossiping, teasing/bullying, comparing, bragging etc. It's just too much information and I feel really sad for all these kids who don't have time away from the virtual world. Unfortunately with so many kids having one, parents who go against the tide really have to stand their ground.
I agree. Before that they are bound to have friends with phones so it's not as if they can't communicate with anyone at all if they have to, and those younger than that shouldn't be running around alone anyway.
I definitely agree. We screwed up on this with our oldest. Not only phones but computers, i pads, lap tops, all of it needs rules and limitations. If you start when they are young its easier to manage. You can buy cell phones that are strictly for kids without all the bells and whistles adults want if they need one. Make use of parental controls, take away electronics and phones at bedtime, turn off your internet at night, Lock PCs with a password that only you know. A lot of the things children are exposed to today could be reduced if us parents were more proactive.
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