If there’s one thing we know at The Quaker School at Horsham, it’s that every child is different – which is why milestone decisions need to be made individually, based on each child’s special gifts, strengths and weaknesses, and unique personality. 

Giving your child a smartphone is no exception. This is a significant decision for any child, but it should be especially weighed for a child with complex challenges.

If you’re thoughtfully considering a smartphone for your child, you may be asking:

• How will the phone cater to my child’s unique needs? Will its primary role be as an assistive tool, communication device, or both?

• Is my child capable of using the phone in a way that enriches their daily life?

• Are we fully prepared to supervise and monitor our child’s phone use, ensuring it remains a positive and helpful life tool? 

• Can we manage the associated expenses, including those related to apps or features?

The good news is that there is now an abundance of ways families of children with complex challenges can leverage the power of technology to serve their child’s unique needs.

The bad news? Potential dangers and inappropriate content are prevalent on the internet, which is especially concerning for children who may struggle with impulse control, social skills, and general naivete.

This is why it’s more important than ever to think critically about the best timing and conditions for introducing a cell phone to your child. When making your decision, consider the following:

1. The purpose of the phone. Determine if the phone will be used mainly for safety, communication, or as an assistive technology tool. Consider how specific features could support your child's individual challenges.

2. Your child's maturity level and abilities. Age is always one factor, but children with complex challenges might benefit from certain phone features at a younger stage. Assess your child’s capability to handle the phone responsibly, taking into consideration their unique needs.

3. Potential exposure to inappropriate content. Children with complex challenges might be more vulnerable to online temptations and might lack the impulse control to avoid inappropriate content. It’s crucial for parents to set firm boundaries, use parental controls, and provide ongoing guidance.

4. Cyberbullying risks. Children, especially those with complex challenges, are at an increased risk of being cyberbullied. They are more likely to be victimized and may unintentionally engage in harmful online interactions. Because of this, it’s vital to continually educate them on respectful communication and online safety.

5. Screen time concerns. Even when using the phone as an assistive tool, prolonged screen time can have negative repercussions. Balancing online and offline time, and determining consistent parameters for screen time usage, remains crucial. 

6. Privacy issues. Ongoing lessons about privacy settings and the importance of not sharing personal information are essential, especially considering that children with complex challenges can be particularly vulnerable to online predators.

7. Loss or damage. Children with complex needs might have a higher propensity to lose or damage their devices. Consider protective measures like rugged phone models, cases, or insurance.

8. Cost. In addition to the overall cost of a smartphone, there may also be additional expenses related to specialized apps or services tailored for accessibility.

While many of those considerations come with warnings, let’s not forget that smartphones can have positive effects too!

Technology is changing all the time, and there are many assistive features and apps that could enhance your family’s daily life, especially if your child can harness these features responsibly. Some of these include…

1. Assistive Technology: Smartphones are equipped with a myriad of accessibility features and apps.

2. Virtual Assistants: Tools like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant can aid children in daily tasks.

3. Text Grabbers: This tool converts printed text to digital text, supporting children with reading challenges.

4. Reminders & Calendars: These resources can be particularly useful for children with memory or executive functioning challenges.

5. Speech-to-Text & Text-to-Speech: These tools aid children with communication difficulties.

6. Magnification & High-Contrast Modes: Settings like these can be helpful to those with visual impairments.

In the end, you are the expert on your child. At TQS, we never recommend “doing what everyone else is doing.” Making informed decisions that are in the best interest of your individual child is crucial to helping your child, and your family, thrive in the digital world.

Have you given (or are you considering giving) your child with complex needs a smartphone? Let us know your thoughts over on Facebook.