iPad and Texting for kids
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WAIT WAIT WAIT. My older daughter got on a group text and her "need" to reply constantly created such angst in her. It was so odd. She felt like if she didn't reply or she was a horrible friend. We also experienced bullying and once it started, it was impossible to stop. UGH. I would avoid it if you can...and limit it to family only.
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I agree with many of the people who responded saying Wait, Wait, Wait as long as you can. There is so much research out there now on the long term addictive effects of cell phone, social media etc.
if you are feeling off about doubt about it follow your gut. -
My kids have been begging for kid messenger. So far we are holding out. I haven’t researched much into but I don’t like the idea of texting friends.
We compromised on a landline with a cord -
Loving all this feedback! Thanks y'all so much!!
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What's your starting age for letting kids text? Our 9yo has an older ipad so she could facetime Grandparents and text cousins that live in another state. A few months ago she got a hold of her friends numbers and now they have a texting group of gals. It's innocent and harmless, but I can see it creating a jealousy in my daughter. They create videos (GRWM) and showing their skin care routines, etc. I can see she is struggling that some have nicer things or things she does not have or she didn't get invited to someone's house, etc. We're struggling as we know technology is a part of their future, but we weren't ready for her to be texting with friends yet. Curious to know other thougths! Thanks in advance!
I knew a lot of Kardivas girls (5th grade) and this was a big problem that I would try to avoid if you can. These group chats create a lot of drama in the future!!
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I just don’t think anything good comes from it. I mean how do you feel? Do you feel like you’re at your max, over stimulated, mentally exhausted and like life is an information overload? If so, why are we setting up our 9yr olds for the same path?
My opinion is that they will get plenty of this when they’re older and there’s no real negative to waiting. You got this!! -
This is such a tricky one and I think about it often. On one hand it's just a fun way for kids to stay in touch. On the other hand, do they need to stay in touch at that age? Probably not.
It could be a good lesson on technology and digital etiquette. Maybe better to learn this while they are young and the stakes are lower? Although they are likely not mature enough in elementary school for this type of communication so it could overall be better if introduced later.
Regardless it's time consuming. I agree with the other poster that said nothing good will come from it. For me the benefit doesn't out weigh the risk (at this time). Let them be little in a world that is forcing them to grow up faster than they need to. -
Nope - 9 years strong. Trying to make it to 8th grade
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No. Trust in waiting. We grew up great without texting our friends when we were little, I still had plenty of friends.
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No ipad or texting for us! But they’re still young I’m not opposed to them watching a movie while a long car drive
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My middle school boys have phones my nine-year-old daughter has an iPad
