With Christmas just around the corner, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and godparents are busy preparing their lists. On top on the list usually are little children and grandchildren who must get the coolest toys as gifts. With gadgets becoming more and more affordable, they become a standard gift even for young children. But before you consider giving your child, nephew, niece, or godchild a tablet or a smartphone, ask yourselves these questions first.
Tablet Price In The Philippines: Within Christmas Budget?
Just because there are lots of cheap tablets and smartphones available these days, that does not mean one will jump right in and buy. One must also consider what one can afford with their Christmas budget. Buying a gadget requires some investment and most tech-savvy folks would probably say that it is better to buy known brands for their durability and reliability. Buying a cheap gadget may also mean dealing with problems later on.
So, buying a gadget requires some time for saving up. And no, people should not break the bank just because their son or daughter wants to have the latest iPad. Perhaps parents can encourage children to save up for themselves if they want one, and the parents can just match whatever amount they have so that they can buy that precious gadget of theirs.
What Will It Be Used For?
Like most material things, it always helps to ask what will they be used for before acquiring them. Before buying a gadget, ask yourself if you are fulfilling a need or a want? For older children such as those in high school, smartphones have become a communication necessity. For younger children however, this need is not apparent.
So, if you are getting a tablet for your grade schooler, what will he or she use it for? Will they be able to use it for studying and not just for playing? Take note that according to a recent study by the London School of Economics in partnership with UNICEF found out that kids primarily access the Internet through their mobile devices and they do it at home. Another finding is that a majority of the kids “learn something new” through the Internet. Exposure to the Internet however has its risks such as not being able to judge if what they read is true or not, or to protect themselves from online predators.
Will You Be Monitoring and Regulating Its Use?
As with any other activity, moderation is key. If you are getting that tablet, be ready to set ground rules for their moderate use. Examples can be limited screen time after doing homework and chores and no screen time one hour before going to bed. According to recent studies, using a tablet before bedtime disrupts sleep, which is not good for growing kids.
If you have Internet at home, it may be doubly difficult to get kids (even adults) off their tablets unless you have agreed-upon rules. It also helps to set an example as a parent by being conscious about your own use. If this means no tablet or smartphone during mealtimes, it is a sacrifice one should make.
Think about your answers to these questions. It would then be easier for you to decide whether to buy that Christmas gift tablet or not.
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