In the realm of parenting, the mere thought of giving a cell phone to tweens and young teens often conjures images of distraction. The belief that these devices divert attention from family interactions, daily life, and academic responsibilities is widespread. I used to share this perspective, especially given my son Max’s ADHD diagnosis.
A few years back, had you asked me about providing a phone to my then-13-year-old son, my response would have been a firm no. My stance stemmed from the common concerns many parents have regarding the impact of constant connectivity on a developing mind. I believed that the overstimulation from a cell phone would only exacerbate Max’s challenges with focus and attention, particularly when it came to completing his homework in the evening after his ADHD medication had worn off.
However, circumstances changed when I separated from my ex-husband. Both of us sought a reliable means to communicate with Max, especially during transportation challenges. Often, the school bus would arrive late, and Max would need to borrow a friend’s phone to inform me of the delay. On occasions when friends weren’t available, he was left without a way to communicate, which often left me waiting at the bus stop in confusion.
Thus, we decided to provide him with a cell phone—specifically, an older model that his father had. We established boundaries regarding its use, ensuring that we could access the phone at any time for oversight. Surprisingly, my initial fears about the phone being a distraction proved unfounded. Although he occasionally grumbles when asked to put it down, something remarkable happened: Max began using his phone as a tool for academic collaboration.
This development was unexpected. Max had consistently struggled to remember his homework assignments, despite my reminders to check his backpack or binder. However, with the introduction of the cell phone, he established a communication network with his classmates. They began discussing homework tasks, asking each other for clarification on assignments, and even sharing strategies to tackle challenging problems.
Max is now not only receiving timely reminders regarding his homework but is also inspired by his peers’ dedication to their studies. This visual representation of collective effort has reinvigorated his motivation to engage with his schoolwork. The transformation has been astounding, propelling him from a B-C student to an A student.
While I acknowledge the myriad of problems associated with technology—such as the perils of the internet—I am grateful for the decision to provide Max with a cell phone. This connection to his friends has significantly influenced his academic performance, proving to be a positive change in our lives. It has become evident that, at least in this instance, having a cell phone has profoundly benefited his education.
For more insights on parenting or to explore other related topics, check out Home Insemination Kit. If you are considering options for home insemination, resources like Make a Mom can provide valuable information. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of pregnancy and related topics, visit MedlinePlus.
Summary
Initially hesitant about providing my son with a cell phone due to concerns about distractions, I discovered that it actually facilitated communication with classmates and significantly improved his academic performance.
Leave a Reply