SO, YOUR KIDWANTS A CELLPHONE How Can You Tell They’re Ready? If your child is like most young kids, they’ll probably start begging for a smartphone before they’re old enough to have one. The older they get, the more intense the pressure will be to have one, especially as their friends get their own devices. So, when is it time for your kid to have their first phone? According to Common Sense Media, 53% of kids have a smartphone by the age of 11, and Consumer Reports says that 6 out of 10 parents provide their children with a cellphone when their kids are between the ages of 8 and 12. But there is a wide range of opinions — even tech pioneer Bill Gates didn’t allow his children to have a phone until they were 14. Rather than setting a specific age, experts suggest reflecting on your child’s behavior. First, consider whether you can trust them to look after expensive items. If they’re prone to breaking, forgetting, or losing things, it’s wise to wait to give them a pricey electronic device. Next, think about how they respond to restrictions and discipline. To protect your children from unsavory aspects of the internet and social media, you should monitor their phone usage, at least while they’re younger. Is your child likely to respond well to these parameters, or do they have a history of pushing back on structure? If they have a habit of evading rules, a smartphone is a risky proposition. Finally, consider their impulse control. Does your child pay attention in class and get their homework done on time, or are they easily distracted? Evaluate whether or not you think your kid could resist using their phone during school or family time. It’s also important to note the difference between smartphones and other cellphones. Though cellphones that lack internet access are increasingly uncommon, they still exist and are sometimes referred to in jest as “dumbphones.” If you think your child should have access to a phone for safety or to contact their friends, but don’t want them on social media, this is an option worth considering. Whenever you decide your child is ready, have a meaningful conversation with them about your expectations, responsible use, and the danger of online scams and predators. It’s important to give your kid the knowledge they need to use their phone wisely and safely.
3 Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving Right here in Bexar County, there were 17,376 car crashes involving distracted drivers in 2020. Forty-two of them were deadly. The 2021 numbers aren’t out yet, but they’ll likely be even higher! That’s because distracted driving — which includes everything from texting behind the wheel to letting your mind wander — is on the rise. Distracted driving doesn’t get as much attention as drunk driving does, but it’s a serious problem that puts Texas families at risk, including ours. To keep those you love safe on the road, follow these distracted driving tips and share them with your family and friends. 1. Calm your mind before you drive. A study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that emotional driving — aka driving while you’re sad, angry, or stressed — makes you almost 10 times more likely to crash! To stay safe, wait until your emotions have calmed down before taking the wheel. Take a few deep breaths or listen to a calming song. On the road, count slowly to 10 if you feel road rage coming on. 2. Invest in a pet carrier or harness . Pets and kids can be a huge source of distraction while you’re driving. Most people buckle their kids into booster seats, but they don’t do the same with their pets! To make sure your pet doesn’t stick their nose in your ear or jump in your lap at the wrong moment, try transporting them in a carrier or investing in a harness. Options on Amazon.com start as low as $12. 3. Stash your cellphone. Texting while driving is illegal in Texas, and drivers under 18 can’t use any handheld device while driving legally. Honestly, we’d recommend for everyone to follow that rule and silence their devices, too. Looking instinctively toward your phone when it buzzes or rings could cost you your life. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to do it, and if an important call comes in, let it ring and pull over before calling back. April has been dedicated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to help raise the alarm about distracted driving. Please do your part and share this article with your friends and family! SHARE THESE TIPS TO SAVE A LIFE
2 PACKARDFIRM.COM
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