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So says the Australia Institute
What do you think? Can all the evils of the world be blamed on this one chirping, buzzing innocuous little gadget?
It's not the object. It's the fear that drives the purchase that is the problem.
Darcy Mason, 13, has had a mobile for the past two years.
"I just wanted a phone, it wasn't pressure, I don't think there is anyone at my school who doesn't have one," she said.
"I don't feel safe without my phone."
Is the world really that unsafe that we need to 'arm' our children with mobile phones? I think it does little harm to childhood per se but teaches our children to fear the world.
Honestly, I don't think there's one kid out there who'll honestly say the reason they have a phone is for security....
It's the reason they use to convince their parents
Hmmm.... maybe.... did the interviewer lead the qn then?
Hey Dek, you're makin' me feel old. I am going to be taken for such a ride when my kids become teens!
"From a working mother's point of view, a mobile phone can ease the
domestic burden," she said.
If there's one that does the dishes and ironing then fair enough.
"I am in the office, this kid is coming
from this school, the other kid is coming from that school, it helps to
know where they are at any given time."
This would require a phone with a GPS.
So basically if the kids get in the way of personal ambition, then give 'em a phone and send them on their way.
I don't think she means it absolves her of any responsibility. It just means she can locate them wherever they are.
She just didn't express herself very well. Aw shux. Maybe you are right... Those words, "domestic burden" aren't doin' her any favours
Yes, she opened herself up to it with the "domestic" comment. Couldn't help taking the free kick on offer there.
I think phones for kids is more for the security of the parents. You can certainly speak to them at any point in time, provided they answer the phone but she still has no real way of knowing their whereabouts, only that they are still alive.
Some trust would have to come into it, like it did when I was a kid. Sure it was abused on the odd occasion but is that not adolescence?
If the world is such a scary place then why are we continuing down this track we are troding and why are we bring children into it?
Apologies for the generalisation.
Hey Dek, you're makin' me feel old. I am going to be taken for such a ride when my kids become teens!
It doesnt matter how young you are, your teenagers will take you for a ride anyways
Agree with Ruski....
Where's the trust?
I don't think the world is any scarier. That is just the perception of some. People like fear; that's why pollies always have long terms in times of unrest. Look at us here in Australia for instance...
The old chestnut about the media is another example. They parade and revel in fear on "Australia's most watched channel" and people lap it up every night. I wonder why people like to be fearful?
Maybe the woman is using fear as justification for her behaviour.
A lot of parents have that reasoning....
I'd say the majority of parents I've spoken to give me that reason
I don't even like my phone. The stupid things just make it easier to disrupt people. I had to take bugalugs to school this morning. Needless to say I received a call (work related) from someone who knew I was going to be near a prep class room at the time. The ethical problems with phones also exist for adults.
Mine barely rings at all these days....
Good times
As a parent of a teen who has that almighty cell - I will have to think about this conversation
There are good points and bad points to having a cell. If you recall I didn't want to get my daughter a phone but a trip to DC changed my mind. Katrina's phone sits in her room most of the time uncharged (I wish it was charged though). Still thinking of the phone situation though - Katrina really doesn't need it and proof is in the pudding (sitting in her room) - children just want a link to their parents, friends etc.....maybe for some it is a time to spend with others when physical contact can not happen - sad sad sad
children just want a link to their parents, friends etc.....maybe for
some it is a time to spend with others when physical contact can not
happen - sad sad sad
I think it really depends on the group you're considering. If you ask me, your child is an exception. The kids I see these days all have the lastest models with 1000 ring tones, decorated fancifully. It's like a pseudo car... the in between of childhood and legal driving age
Most of Katrina's friends have cells - it is a shame if you ask me. I don't know I try to keep Katrina grounded - we as parents have to have more of a responsible attitude towards our children and we have to make time for them in the physical sense - just not the "verbal" sense.
yup, I know what you mean...
It's rare you see anyone walking alone without the phone up to the lug or out front with the thumb feverishly keying.
What I find completely repulsive though is when two people are together, obviously in the early stages of courting, and one is on the phone chatting with someone else.
As far as just needing something to play with, get them some fidget beads.
I find it funny how you can be home all day and not use the phone but once in the car you have to whip it out and use it - even if you are still in the garage.
^ Yep, agreed. There's another one.
I think maybe if people are seen making contact with other people via the mobile phone there is an increase to their self importance.
Then let me be of the utmost unimportance! LOL
I will admit though I am on my phone a lot - I am on the go with my business and tend to do as much as possible while driving my girls around.
What I find completely repulsive though is when two people are
together, obviously in the early stages of courting, and one is on the
phone chatting with someone else.
That is analogous to my pet peeve (Which I'v ranted on and on abt in Social etiquette, but I'll resurrect here just cos I can)
I hate people constantly fiddling with/talking on their phones when I'm with them. It drives me crazy, and in certain cases, I won't see the person again.(for a while at least.... then goldfish memory kicks in)
I don't understand why the person on the other end of the line is more important that the person right there in flesh....
I hate being 'invisible'
It's rude. And these ppl don't even realise it or excuse themselves to use their phones etc.
I don't like being in competition with an irritating shrill little thing.
I am on the go with my business and tend to do as much as possible while driving my girls around.
Terrible.... driving while on the phone
*shakes head at Amy*
^ Next time just bluntly ask "What is it that was so important that you had to tell the person on the other end that could not have waited until you saw them next or at least were alone so as to be not such a rude #$%^ .... ?"
Sometimes I say it.... if the person is close enough to me...
I have a problem asking ppl to pay attention to me
Dekrazee - I know thank goodness for BlueTooth, I am on the road so much and takig the girls to after school things that I do tend to do business while waiting for them - example - I wait at Katrina's school to pick her up about 20 minutes - that time I use to make a few calls or have a short meeting. Tom will take calls when we are together for work as well - I guess when you own your own business and there isn't really hours you do what you have to do to keep business going.
hehehe I was just teasing Amy...
Tho I do think that talking kills driving skills. Or more correctly, it takes concentration away from where it should be.... and this goes for both men and women, no matter what anyone says
It is true Dekrazee - it is against the law in California now or will be soon
I remember a friend using that as an example of someone's bad character. I think it was a common friend's new partner and everyone was curious and saying things like; "What's she like?" etc... I had asked that qn and she replied: "We were in the car and her phone rang so she pulled over to answer it." She thought she should have answered it while driving. At the time I thought that was a very irresponsible comment from a very responsible friend. (This was in the days before hands-free).
hahahahaha To be judged on that?! Oh dear....
HELLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!
BTW, first post, thanks for the invite Dek!
Hopefully this hasn't already been stated, but I was reading this: http://www.wesjones.com/gatto1.htm the other day from digg.com. Interesting ideas, but the main thing in the link I wanted to point out is that these days kids have a growing disparity between the time they have available to develop their identity, and the time they need to have. 30 hours weekly of TV is part of the cause, but the author also blames education. I'd also throw in any number of electronic devices including phones. The more things that distract them from having real face-to-face contact with other kids, and free-time, the worse off they are IMHO. I definitely appreciate my parents not pushing me to make incredible grades when I was a kid due to this very issue, but I think a lot of kids get pushed into all of this without ever having much of a chance to develop their identity.
No worries!
Welcome schnibitz!
I'm not so sure the 'extra' things you mentioned don't contribute to indentity formation either....
it is not a static thing
