Smartphone Quiz

Is your kid ready for a smartphone?

young students taking a selfie

Canadian kids are more connected, more mobile and more social than ever before, and 59% of kids in Grades 4 to 11 have their own cell phone (Source: MediaSmarts). For parents, smartphones help you stay in touch with your children, while supporting their development and independence as digital citizens. For kids, mobile devices are becoming an increasingly important part of their lives – enabling them to stay connected via email and text, access information and social media, listen to music, take and share pictures, play games and much more.

The decision to give your child a smartphone is a big one and there isn’t a perfect age at which to do so. Parents must consider their child’s maturity and ability to use a smartphone responsibly. Take this quiz to see if your child may be ready.

Does your child understand and respect the limits you have set for other technology (such as computers, laptops, tablets, game systems, iPods)?
Can your child be trusted to not use the phone during inappropriate times (e.g. in class, or while driving)
Does your child demonstrate good online behaviours (e.g. being careful about what he / she posts and says online, being respectful of others online, etc.)
Have you spoken to your child about appropriate online behaviour?
Are you confident that your child will talk to you if anything happens online that makes them feel scared, worried or uncomfortable?