Ashleigh WhaleyHow I Introduced Cellphones to My Children, as a Tool Not a Toy.
Introducing Cellphones as a Tool.
After much prayer and research, I recently introduced cellphones to my children, for them to use as a tool and not as a toy! I chose a route which would enable my children to use their cellphones responsibly, without my imposing huge restrictions.
The big question is; How do parents introduce and manage their kids cellphones and screen time? This is a very hot topic of conversation between parents; hence the reason for me to share the method I have chosen.
Age Appropriate.
First of all, my two children had no devices, at all, until they were old enough to understand and manage them, or use them for communication. Subsequently, at ages 11 and 12 years old, respectively, they were each given a phone.
Cellphone Purchase.
I introduced their cellphones as an education tool, so I didn’t buy the latest phones. I purchased them the same phone that I use, which is an older cheaper version. It is so much easier for everyone to have the same phone…
I also needed to purchase affordable phones, as there are no cellphone plans in Zimbabwe. -We simply pay cash for everything!
The children helped me research which phones would be best for our requirements. Picture quality and storage space was at the top of our choice list.
Introducing the Cellphone Tool.
Key Factors.
1. The phones belong to me, as I purchased them!
2. The phone is not a toy!
3. The phone is a learning tool.
4. The phone is a communication tool.
5. I can look through their phones at any time!
6. No non-educational games, with adverts, allowed!
7. The phones are to be used to glorify God – not Satan!
8. The phones are always to be used out in the open – no secrets!
9. The children need to use them to assist with their education.
10. The children need to learn how to use their phones for business.
11. The children need to use their phones to improve their sports and hobbies.
Educating the evil side of Cellphones.
Instead of banning and blocking their phones, I chose to educate them. My children learnt to understand that there is an extremely evil side to the internet! Children can easily access anything on their friends’ phones!
For me, the educational route, with big consequences for disobedience, was the best option. My children know that I don’t just threaten – I act!
Everything they see must be God honouring. Otherwise, they have to have the courage to walk away. I constantly reinforce this, with communication about how they need to have the strength of character to discern and to look away – from all evil internet content.
I have taught my children that God sees and knows all. The cellphone is a tool to help them, but they need to make sure that they continue to honour God in everything.
“Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep it, as it is your life”. Proverbs 4:13
No Secrets.
All phones are public and are to be used in the lounge, just like TV. Children do not have their cell phones in their rooms. No phones are allowed at school, either, except when required for research. I carefully monitor their social media use, which is currently only on Instagram and YouTube.
Create a business.
My children will learn how to use YouTube to create their own channel and they will learn how to market it, as part of their homeschooling. They will also learn how to take good photos and edit videos etc. They may, one day, write an app. I have also challenged them to see who can get a business going first!
The Result.
It has now been ten months, since my children received their phones. They have managed to learn much about photos, videos, editing etc. – and are slowly getting ready to launch their own YouTube channels.
My son is very confident with devices and understands how technology works. It amazes me how he just gets stuck in and can fix and link all our devices.
They both love having their phones to enhance their education, look up facts, use the dictionary, and find maths explanations.
Mr Google has become our new debating friend. We can spend hours discussing topics and questioning facts.
On occasions, I have had to confiscate phones, for disciplinary reasons…The children have to keep to our school rules!
For the most part, the children love to watch and learn – and have gained so much knowledge from the use of their phones.
Wisdom and Discernment.
Wisdom and discernment is what is required, with all the modern technology out there. This is especially true for AI – which is now on the increase.
As parents we need to continue to communicate, watch, listen and guide our children into the future. This can only be achieved with God leading our way.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs. 22:6.
Prayer. Heavenly Father, I ask you to instil in our children, the desire to learn. I pray that our children will respect the wisdom of their parents and be willing to be taught by them. Dear children; In Jesus’ name I pray that the Lord will give you understanding in all things… Amen
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