Are you wondering when the best time is to give your child a smartphone? You're not alone. Many parents struggle with this decision, and today, we want to discuss an organization called "Wait Until 8th" that has a powerful suggestion for parents: wait until your child is at least 14 years old before giving them a smartphone.
Why 14? According to the organization and psychologist Jonathan Haidt,
waiting until the end of puberty is crucial for a child's mental health.
During puberty, children have a strong need to fit in and are constantly checking in with their peers. Introducing a smartphone during this time can lead to negative effects on their mental health, as they are exposed to powerful algorithms that can provide enraging or harmful content.
Adults also have a problem with that
Even adults can struggle with the impact of smartphones and social media on their mental health. So, if it's difficult for grown-ups, imagine how much harder it is for children going through puberty. This is why some experts, like Haidt, believe that waiting until the end of puberty is essential.
However, some people argue that even 14 might be too young. We suggest waiting until a child is 21 or even avoiding smartphones altogether.