It is often argued that children under the age of 16 should not be allowed to use mobile devices. I totally disagree with this view because smartphones can support children’s education and help them develop digital skills from an early age.
One reason why children should be allowed to use smartphones is that they can acquire knowledge through online learning platforms. Educational websites and applications give children access to a wide range of learning materials. For example, YouTube Kids provides age-appropriate educational content, such as cartoon songs that help kindergarten students learn the alphabet in an interesting way. In addition, parents can use parental controls to limit screen time and protect children from excessive smartphone use. Therefore, mobile devices can be valuable educational tools when they are used responsibly.
Another important reason is that smartphones can support the development of digital literacy. As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, digital skills are likely to become increasingly important in the future. When children gain hands-on experience with technology at an early age, they may be better prepared to use it confidently and responsibly. For instance, many students in Western countries use tools such as ChatGPT to find information quickly and develop their research skills. As a result, early exposure to digital technology can help children become more confident in the modern digital world.
In conclusion, I believe that children under 16 should be allowed to use mobile devices. This is because these devices can support their education and help them develop important digital skills for the future.