Parents in Edmonton rally to delay smartphones until age 14, citing mental health concerns

A group of parents in the Edmonton region has launched a mental health pledge urging families to delay giving children smartphones until at least age 14, warning potential psychological risks tied to early device use.

“We probably don’t want to hand our kids a full-on smart phone as their first device,” said Kirsten Sweet, ambassador of Unplugged Canada.

CityNews spoke with parents on Whyte Avenue Monday, and some say to an extent they agree with an age limit for smartphones.

“I don’t necessarily think that a ban is the best idea, because when you tell kids, especially that age, that they can’t do something, it’s twice as attractive,” said Lisa Dyck, concerned with education around responsible smart phone use.

Other parents support kids having smartphones for safety.

“You can keep track of where they are and be connected to them when they’re out of the house,” said Brittany Sand, local mother. “14 years old, they’re out with their friends, going to school by themselves, coming home by themselves.”

“My big concern about smartphones is the bullying that happens on social media,” said Kimberly Paniccia, mother of three.

Paniccia has three kids of her own, she says even as adults, they still struggle with spending too much time looking at their screens.

“Often, my kids will come for dinner, and I’ll notice all five of us are on our phones, and I’m like, let’s just put these away and do something, have a conversation or talk because why are we together if we’re just on our phones,” said Paniccia.

Unplugged Canada says parents should be aware kids are more prone to overusing devices. The overuse of phones can have negative effects for their health and mental health, like sleep and social depravation, issues focusing, and addiction.

“It’s really hard not to give a smartphone once your child gets to a certain age group because everyone else starts to have one and parents don’t want their kids feeling left out,” said Sweet.

Sweet hopes parents take more time to teach their kids about the risks and responsibilities that come with having the online world in your hands. She adds Alberta’s cellphone ban in the classroom that took effect last fall, was a good step in the right direction.

“We want kids to be communicating with family and their friends, but we think it’s more of a guided progression into the full smart phone with all of the bells and whistles,” said Sweet.