Should children be given regular access to phones?

We live in a digital era, with digital technology, the internet, and social media at the heart of what we do. There is virtually no way that children cannot have access to these technologies and social media platforms, especially through the smartphones of their parents and other grown-ups around them. IFEOLUWA ADEYEYE interviewed some Ibadan children on this matter. Their views:

Oluwatofunmi Abodunrin

My parents should not give me unlimited access to a phone because I’m still very young to own a phone, and I also need to face my studies. When I’m old enough to use a phone, my parents will get one for me, and I’ll be mature enough to use it well by then.

Covenant Tinuoye

For now, I don’t think using a phone will help me because I’m still a nine-year-old girl. I need to concentrate on my studies for now. I should not be given unlimited access to a phone now because I don’t know how to use a phone properly, though I sometimes wish I could make use of a phone.

Olajiire Eri-Oluwa

I’m too young to own a phone now because I’m still a secondary school student. But I sometimes wish I could get access to a phone so that I can make use of it for my assignments. Maybe my parents can allow me to use it when I need it for my schoolwork and collect it back when I’m done.

Peter Oyeleke

I don’t have a phone, and my parents are not ready to get one for me until I’m old enough. But I sometimes use my mummy’s phone to call, chat, and hear from my aunties and uncles. For that reason, I think my parents should get me my own phone so that I’ll not be disturbing them by using their phones.

Johnson Adewale

I don’t think children should have unlimited access to phones. Phones are useful because they help children to learn new things and to access educational materials. However, having unrestricted access to a phone can expose them to harmful content, which can affect their studies, sleep, or social life. I believe children should be allowed to use phones through proper supervision and a reasonable time limit. Parents should also guide their children towards using technology in a safe and productive way. The goal is to teach children how to use phones responsibly and not keep them away from phones totally.

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Peace Ishola

I agree that children should not have unlimited access to phones because they need limits to protect their sleep and safety and to keep them focused, as unlimited access can lead to seeing harmful content.