Amidst growing concerns about the potential harms smartphones could have on children, parents are advocating for tighter restrictions, guidance, and the implementation of new rules regarding children's phone usage. Initiatives like the "Smartphone Free Childhood" campaign and advocacy by individuals such as Esther Ghey, who tragically lost her daughter, have highlighted the urgent need for a more controlled approach to how young people engage with technology. The government's recent proposal to prohibit mobile phones in schools, including during breaks, underscores the belief that phones can, at the very least, disrupt learning environments. While there's a push for stricter regulations on phone usage among children, some voices are calling for a more considered strategy towards minors' access to social media and other online services that could pose risks.
Fortunately, both Apple and Google have developed parental control tools for their respective platforms, iOS and Android, aimed at helping parents manage their children's phone use more effectively. Although these tools may not eliminate all online dangers, they offer a practical method for limiting exposure to inappropriate content. Google's "Family Link" app provides a suite of controls for Android devices, while Apple's parental controls are integrated into the iPhone's "Screen Time" settings, facilitating easier oversight of children's digital activities.
