Remember when you got your first cell phone? Do you remember how old you were? Most younger Millennial children received their first cellular devices in high school, between the ages of 14 and 17. In contrast to this, Generation Z children, on average, reportedly received their first devices at an even younger age in middle school (between ages 11 and 14).
Statistics and studies explore the impact of parents getting phones for kids, but these studies sometimes need to be clarified. In a Stanford Medical study, researchers concluded that letting children use phones at an early age was not linked to problems, but neither was giving them access to phones when they were older. The researchers believe that the crux of how a phone impacts a child depends on how the child uses the phone (among other variables). So, how can Millennial and Generation Z parents form healthy habits when giving their child a phone?
A “Dumb” Phone for Kids in the Early 2000s
In the early 2000s, cell phones became more common, and services began changing in response to the growing demands. Unlimited minutes and text messaging slowly became the norm (instead of free after 9 p.m.). Gen X became concerned about their kids being addicted to texting and other comparatively basic functions. Manufacturers were aware of the trending concern about cellular devices and started bringing “dumb” phones for kids into the market that would allow kids to stay in touch with their parents. LG created the LG Migo VX1000, Firefly invented the iconic GlowPhone, and many more manufacturers tried to develop a practical phone for kids.
While these “dumb” phones solved a problem for a short time, manufacturers were not ready for modern smartphones with modern capabilities. Phone technology evolved quickly to include social media and internet browsing, which led parents to look for updated solutions.
Why a Modern Smartphone Is Not a Good Phone for Kids
Today’s average smartphone comes with everything a kid could want, but parents are unsatisfied with concerns about development and overall safety. Compared to “dumb” phones, Millennial and Gen Z parents today get to provide an easily accessible smartphone to reach their children and offer peace of mind when they’re away at school, visiting friends, or involved in after-school activities. Smartphones allow parents to text their children quickly and stay connected to them on social platforms. However, these are not dedicated phones for kids, and these devices are often not well-equipped to handle proper parental controls. Here are some common problems:
- Basic parental control options: Manufacturer default parental controls can be great to implement in a household but come with many drawbacks. Modern parental controls are either too controlling or tech-savvy youths know how to circumvent the parental controls easily.
- Confusing accessibility functions: Parental controls are often not the primary focus of manufacturers, and accessing functions are confusing and not user-friendly for the parent or guardian. Common problems include pairing devices, tracking usages, and protection from bullying and other toxic behaviors.
- Unintentional helicoptering: Parents need help finding the line between letting their child grow and explore without placing restrictions on manufacturer default parental controls.
How the Bark Phone and App Solves Problems
So, what is the best option for parents to solve problems without being overbearing? The Bark Phone for Kids provides a robust, integrated solution that offers more precise control and comprehensive monitoring than standard parental controls, making it a preferred choice for parents seeking to balance safety with respect for their child’s privacy and autonomy. The Bark Phone and its integrated app address several key challenges, such as:
- Content monitoring: The Bark Phone is equipped with advanced content monitoring capabilities. It scans texts, social media, and other online interactions for harmful content, including cyberbullying, inappropriate messages, or other potential issues. Unlike standard parental controls, which may offer basic filtering, Bark only sends real-time alerts to parents when it detects concerning activities. This proactive approach helps in addressing problems before they escalate.
- Managing screen time: Bark allows parents to set daily limits on screen time, customized based on the child’s schedule or specific family rules. This feature is more adaptable than some default smartphone controls that offer less flexibility in adjusting time limits to suit different days or periods.
- Website and app blocking: Bark allows blocking specific websites and content categories that may be deemed inappropriate or distracting for children. This enhancement over general smartphone settings may only allow blocking individual sites or apps without the context of content categories.
- GPS location tracking and geofencing: The phone includes GPS-powered location tracking, which allows parents to monitor their child’s whereabouts in real time. Additionally, Bark’s geofencing feature sends notifications when the child enters or leaves designated areas, such as school or home. This function is handy for ensuring safety without constantly checking the phone.
Get Bark for Your Home Today
One of the main advantages of the Bark Phone over traditional parental controls is its seamless integration into the device. Bark controls are built into the phone’s operating system, making them tamper-proof—children cannot disable or uninstall them. This ensures that the protective measures you set remain effective at all times. Furthermore, the Bark Phone allows for the gradual relaxation of restrictions as a child grows older, enabling parents to adjust the level of monitoring and control based on maturity and trust. Overall, the Bark Phone is a smart solution to let kids thrive with hands-off guidance from their parents.
Learn more about the benefits of the Bark Phone and Bark app today.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.