Some parents give their children a smartphone at a young age, while others wait until they are teenagers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Parents who give children smartphones early usually do so for safety and convenience. A child who travels to school alone or goes to after-school activities can call home at any time, and some phones allow parents to see where their child is. There is also a social argument: if all their classmates are in a messaging group, a child without a phone may feel left out. These parents often believe that, with parental controls and clear rules such as no phones at the dinner table, the risks can be kept under control.

On the other hand, those who wait point to the effects of early smartphone use on children’s development. Games and video apps are designed to hold attention for as long as possible, and many children find it hard to stop, which can reduce their sleep, their concentration in class and the time they spend playing outside. Young children may also see unsuitable content or be contacted by strangers, and they are less able to deal with online bullying. Parental controls help, but determined children often find ways around them.

In conclusion, although early smartphones offer real safety benefits, I find the second view more convincing. A basic phone that only makes calls and sends messages can keep a young child safe, while most of the serious risks come from apps and the internet. Parents should therefore wait until their children are in their early teens and then introduce a smartphone gradually, with clear rules.