I know … I know sites always talk about how much mobile technology is growing, but if you consider the reach it has with kids you’ll understand. According to eMarketer, 15 percent of kids under the age of 11 have their own mobile phone, while 16 percent of kids 12 to 17 who are online used Twitter, double the amount from two years ago, according to Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. Yes, you heard right.
These numbers have caused parents to get really concerned, as there are more platforms to keep track of while they’re trying to keep tabs on their preteens. Moreover, parents worry about the risks of online predators and bullying, and there are other concerns. Kids are creating permanent public records, and they may come across excessive or inappropriate advertising.
This sounds like much fear mongering to me, but there are many parents who also believe it is in their kids’ interest to be nimble with technology, and I tend to agree with them. Technology is apart of our everyday lives now — it’s culture. The truth is, parents and schools need to get caught up with the times, and better connect with the kids when it comes to social networks. Having kids fluent with mobile technology is what we should be embracing, not staying away from.
For more information on this study, head over to the WSJ / Image