THE ART OF IPARENTING
TIPS & TOOLS FOR TEACHING KIDS MOBILE RESPONSIBILITY
BY BECCA LUDLUM
t’s no surprise that iDevices are becoming increasingly popular with kids of all ages—and with the recent
debut of the candy-colored, more affordable iPhone
5c, I foresee even more kids receiving new iPhones
within the coming year. Giving your kids an iPhone or
iPad doesn't automatically teach them mobile respon-
sibility, however. Using a mobile device responsibly
entails learning how to safely access and navigate
the Internet, as well as how to establish personal
limits. Kids are still, well, kids, and a mobile device
is a direct open line to the Internet, social networks,
That being said, giving your child an iPhone or iPad is a great
hands-on way to teach mobile responsibility. Here are a few tips
for teaching your children to be responsible with their devices:
1. Create a family contract that includes rules for how and
when to use the device, and make sure that everyone follows
it. Setting an example for your kids is important. You can't set
limits on their smartphone use and then text your friends during dinner, right?
Some other ideas for family contract items:
• Unless your shopping list is on your phone, your phone
should be put away while walking through stores.
I
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