A MUM has caused outrage after revealing that she bought a “smartphone” for her three year old daughter.
Alanis Dyble, said that she thinks her daughter is going to absolutely love the phone, which she is saving to give her at Christmas.
Alanis has been slammed for buying her daughter a “smartphone”[/caption]
The phone can be used to play games and take pictures[/caption]
66% of Generation Alpha (kids born after 2010) started using tablets at age five or younger[/caption]
“I got my three year old her own phone, because I am that mum”, she said, in a viral TikTok video.
The “children’s smartphone” looks like a smaller version of a normal smartphone, and comes with a unicorn phone case, a charger, and a strap to put the phone around your neck.
However, unlike a regular phone, you can’t call, text or use the internet on it.
Instead, it comes loaded up with kids games, nursery rhymes a camera and a torch.
It also has audiobooks on it, and is marketed as an educational toy.
“It’s basically a phone, but not a phone, because you can’t do anything crazy on here”, Alanis said.
She added that she bought the phone for her child so that she “thinks she’s just like us.”
She explained that her children love taking her phone and role playing as adults by pretending to make calls and texts.
“She can’t make calls on here, but she can pretend she’s talking to Peppa Pig“, Alanis said.
Alanis’ (alanisdyblexoxo) video has likely left many open-mouthed as it has racked up over 1.5 million views on the video sharing platform.
TikTok users raced to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts, with many branding the mum of three “lazy” for giving her child the phone.
One person said: “The perfect gift for lazy parents who want their kid in a corner not disturbing them.”
A second person said: “Children should be out playing not playing on a phone.
The dangers of kids being glued to screens
A recent study has revealed that toddlers who spend a significant amount of time in front of screens may miss out on learning new words. The research, conducted by experts, suggests that excessive screen time can hinder a child’s language development. It is believed that interactive activities and direct human interaction are crucial for young children to acquire language skills effectively.
The study highlights that children under the age of two are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of screen exposure. During these formative years, toddlers need to engage in face-to-face communication and play, which are essential for their cognitive and social development. The researchers emphasise the importance of parents and caregivers limiting screen time and instead encouraging more interactive and engaging activities.
Experts recommend that parents should prioritise activities such as reading, talking, and playing with their children to foster better language development. They also suggest that if screens are used, it should be in a way that promotes interaction, such as video calls with family members. The findings of this study serve as a reminder of the potential impact of technology on young children’s development and the need for mindful moderation of screen time.
“Take her to the park or something.”
A third person said: “That is next level irresponsibility.”
A fourth person added: “When I was 3 I was going outside and I didn’t know what a smartphone was.”
According to YouGov, 66% of Generation Alpha (kids born after 2010) started using tablets at age five or younger.
And Ofcom recently revealed that more than 90% of UK children have their own smartphone by age 11.
Tablet use in young children has been linked to behavioural problems such as temper tantrums and frustration.
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