Angela Xiao (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Times have changed, and with technology advancing faster than we’ve ever imagined, it’s certainly no surprise that phones have become a crucial part of many lives. With the rapid integration of technology, we see a rise of children using phones from ages as young as 7 years old! However, I strongly believe that you should obtain a phone at 14-15 years old, during the beginning of your high school years.
High school is when students truly require a phone for communication and networking. In case of emergencies, students can easily contact their parents; in everyday life, students can find many high school events and opportunities with ease just through their phones. With the rise of social media, phones have become a convenient and easy tool to connect with friends; however, for kids under 15 or 14, having a phone should not be a priority as it could lead to an overdependence on technology or even early addiction.
Additionally, by the time students reach the age 15, they’ve become more responsible and mature. Students can then be trusted with such devices. Younger children, on the other hand, may not be mature enough to handle a phone. They can be easily influenced and tricked by strangers online, and they are more likely to lose their phone (especially since phones are smaller, lighter, and harder for parents to keep track of compared to an iPad or computer). Having this device during high school years is a great way for students to get accustomed to the responsibility of owning devices, as well as the decisions that come along with it.
Many believe that phones would be a big distraction for teens, but I believe they could be used a great tool. With countless resources online, technology is filled with a number of opportunities — it even has apps that help restrict your time on social media! So to the younger generation that longs for a phone, I was once in your position, but now I realize that the perfect time to get a phone is when you’re in high school, as you’re more mature and in actual need of it.
