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**Childhood Cell Phone Use Is a Public Health Risk**
As I sit here with my 16-year-old daughter, Samiya, and listen to her insights, it becomes clear that the decision to give children cell phones is not just about technology; it’s deeply personal. The reality is, childhood cell phone use has become a public health risk.
I recently had a conversation with Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who emphasized that age alone shouldn’t determine readiness for a phone. Emotional maturity must guide the choice. She stresses that phones can be taken away if problems arise, but many parents want to have access to their children through cell phones.
Sree Natesan, an emergency physician and mother of four, shares her own experience with creating a family culture that doesn’t revolve around technology. Her daughters don’t have phones, and it’s part of their family value system. She encourages education about digital devices but also ensures they know the importance of in-person interactions.
It is crucial for parents to ask themselves, “Who would you go to if you felt unsafe? What would you do if you saw something wrong in a group chat?” Children need to demonstrate maturity to keep that privilege.
As Dr. Watkins puts it, owning the final decision and including your child in the conversation is essential. Set values-based limits, model what you want to see, encourage productive use, normalize boredom, teach boundaries, pay attention to changed behavior, and create a safe space are all key steps parents can take to mitigate the risks associated with childhood cell phone use.
In conclusion, it’s essential for parents to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions regarding children and technology.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adairalandry/2025/05/01/childhood-cell-phone-use-is-a-public-health-risk/
