It is often argued that children should be allowed to use smartphones and tablets freely. However, others hold the opposite belief that parents should strictly control children’s use of these devices. Although both sides present compelling arguments, I tend to side with the latter view for several reasons.
Proponents of allowing children to use smartphones and tablets freely claim that these devices can support children’s education and personal development. This is primarily because children can easily access educational websites, applications and online videos. For example, a child who is interested in learning English can use a tablet to watch educational videos and practise vocabulary outside school. Consequently, those in favor of this stance often highlight the educational opportunities provided by modern technology.
Conversely, supporters of parental control argue that children need restrictions to avoid excessive use. This perspective stems from the idea that children may not be able to manage their screen time effectively on their own. For instance, a child who is allowed to use a smartphone without limits may spend several hours playing games instead of studying or exercising. From my point of view, while unrestricted access can provide educational benefits, it is overshadowed by the potential negative effects of excessive screen time.
In conclusion, although both allowing free access and imposing parental control offer certain benefits and drawbacks, I am convinced that reasonable parental control holds more validity in the long run. It is recommended that parents establish clear rules while still allowing children to benefit from educational technology.