After our lecture this week regarding convergence in the
media, in addition to old and new media, I thought it would be appropriate to
discuss something in light of this week's topic. Mobile phones play a large
role in many people's lives. We use them to stay connected with family or
friends or for work commitments, etc. However are mobile phones appropriate for
children, or are we setting them up for harmful effects?
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| Figure 1: First Mobile Phone |
I reflect on my childhood days and considered myself a
"late boomer". Until the age of 13 (grade 8), when I started high
school, I was not considered one of the "cool" kids. I was never up-to-day
with the latest and greatest gadgets, including a mobile phone as some of my
close friends were. Although, looking back I am thankful that my parents didn't
introduce this time wasting, pointless technology into my life any earlier. I only have this direct opinion because I was brought up in a small
country town where everyone knew everyone. If I lived in a larger city, I would
most certainly require the benefits I believe kids these days can obtain, such as responsibility, of owning a mobile phone.
The most appropriate reason as to why children should be
allowed a mobile phone, is to remain safe. After soccer training or leisure
shopping at the mall, a child could call home or emergency services when trouble
arises. A mobile is a cheap price to pay for reassurance. In addition, due to
new GPS features, being able to pin point their location is a great source. I
believe parents can also have the peace of mind knowing the convenience of
being able to keep in contact with your child is easily accessible... as long
as they don't turn it on silent, I was guilty of that growing up. Many schools
globally are beginning to accept smart phones into classrooms, just as
computers were for students to engage more into their learning. If this is
introduced, does this mean that all students need a Smartphone? Although mobile
phones may have numerous benefits, there are many downsides which parents
should take precaution of.
Tung Tommy and Kenneth Foster analysed that "...more
than half of all seven to 16-year-old [in the United Kingdom] own a mobile
phone" (2005, p 18). This statistic is extremely high in my opinion, seven
is far too young for children to be worrying about a mobile phone. My family
friend has a seven-year-old, she does not allow her child to walk the streets
or go shopping along, so the concern of safety is not necessary. I couldn't
imagine the young girl with a mobile phone, instead she should be playing with
barbies or pretending to be a hairdressers. Cyber bullying is a major downfall
to children owning mobile phones, which I will talk about briefly as it is such
a controversial topic. Many people associate cyber bullying with photos, videos
and text messages sent, however social media platforms such as Facebook or
Twitter, allow information to travel globally. 'Like for a like' or 'like for a
TBH (to be honest)' are Facebook statuses that allow users to comment about
other people based of their opinions. Several nasty remarks are usually based
on their belief or thoughts of the person such as their ethics, looks, family
background, culture or personal beliefs. Little do they know that rude and
inappropriate comments can have a significant impact of the individual, some
even committing suicide.
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| Figure 2: Facebook's "like for a like" Campaign |
Earlier this year, the Canadian Government released a TV ad
called "stop hating online" in an attempt to reduce the cyber
bullying and illegal doings. I just strive for parents and children to know and
be aware of their actions and to be mindful that if you allow your child to own
a mobile phone, they know that what they sent, and who they send it to may
travel across varies media platforms and countries.
References
Chau, T. & Foster, K. (2005, December). Should children
use mobile phones? IEEE Microwave
Magazine, pp. 18-23.
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