Parents need to weigh potential otracization against the cost of giving a smart device, which could be as high as ending their normal childhood development.

Personally I think no phones until 16 is a good rule.

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kube-system 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Parents need to weigh the potential bad effects of social media against the cost of otracization, which could be as high as ending their normal childhood development.

Social development is very critical during school-age years.

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tokioyoyo 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Easier to say. Your child will just despise you for willingly making their school life hell.

	▲	akramachamarei an hour ago \| parent \| next [-]
		I went through high school until almost 16 with no phone whatsoever. Twas fine. I remember peers around me for the most part had smartphones at the start of high school, maybe even some in middle school? I don't want to say exactly when this was for privacy, but I don't see why phoneless school living could be so disastrous. But then, I am a bit of an oddball and introvert.
	▲	HlessClaudesman 2 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		I'm living it. They don't despise me, yet. My youngest just spent a rainy afternoon reading books, drawing pictures, and is now breaking out a boardgame, the horror! Hopefully they grow up well adjusted and come to appreciate the sacrifice. Cell phone and social media addictions arn't inevitabilities they are choices.