When Should Kids Receive Tech Gadgets?
My friends and I are major consumers of products for our kids. It’s a constant struggle trying to decide what they should be allowed to have. I have a closet in which I hoard goodies, but my son now has the idea that all his heart’s desires are hiding in there.
Kate Baggott, writer and youth media analyst, wrote in her blog:
Normally, I say, “you don’t really need it” and B thinks it over and we talk about how many toys we have at home already. When I was growing up, there was a lot of conflict about money and it was always the reason to go without. In truth though, a lot of it shouldn’t have been about money but about controlling consumption craziness which doesn’t make kids feel that they’re coming from some deprived environment.
For older kids who want things like iPods, cells phones, and laptops, experts say parents considering a purchase are better off asking some questions first:
- Can we afford it?
- What are the risks versus the rewards?
- Will a cell phone be used mostly for chatter or for contacting parents?
- Does the child really want the device?
- Does she seem to be reacting to peer pressure and advertising campaigns?
Other issues to consider:
- Maturity - Does your child have the self-control to stay under cell phone plan minutes or to resist the urge to reveal personal information through Internet instant messaging?
- Physical Concerns - Repetitive stress injuries from prolonged computer keyboard use, electromagnetic radiation from cell phones (scientifically unconfirmed), and hearing loss from long-term exposure to loud noises.
Have your kids received any of these types of tech gadgets yet?
Associated Press, November 25, 2005
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POSTED IN: News and Links about Children's Things
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