Mom branded ‘irresponsible’ after revealing she bought 3-year-old ‘smartphone’
A mother has sparked outrage after revealing she had bought a ‘smartphone’ for her three-year-old daughter.
Alanis Dyble said she thinks her daughter will absolutely love the device, which she is saving to give her at Christmas.
3
3
3
“I gave my three-year-old her own phone because I am that mom,” she said in a viral TikTok video.
The “kids smartphone” looks like a smaller version of a normal smartphone and comes with a unicorn phone case, a charger and a strap to hang the phone around your neck.
However, unlike a regular telephone, you cannot call, text or use the internet with it.
Instead, it’s packed with kids’ games, nursery rhymes, a camera and a flashlight.
Read more parenting stories
It also has audiobooks and is marketed as an educational toy.
“It’s actually a phone, but not a phone because you can’t do anything crazy here,” Alanis said.
She added that she bought the phone for her child so she “thinks she’s just like us.”
She explained that her kids love to pick up her phone and role-play like adults by pretending to call and text.
“She can’t make phone calls here, but she can pretend she’s talking to Peppa Pig,” Alanis said.
Alanis’ (alanisdyblexoxo) video has likely left many with their mouths open as it has racked up over 1.5 million views on the video sharing platform.
TikTok users rushed to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts, with many labeling the mother of three as ‘lazy’ for giving her child the phone.
One person said: “The perfect gift for lazy parents who want their child in a corner and not disturb him.”
A second person said: ‘Kids should be playing outside, not on a phone.
The dangers of children glued to screens
A recent study found that toddlers who spend a significant amount of time in front of a screen may not learn new words. The research, conducted by experts, suggests that excessive screen time can hinder a child’s language development. It is believed that interactive activities and direct human interaction are crucial for young children to acquire language skills effectively.
The research highlights that children under the age of two are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of screen exposure. During these formative years, toddlers need to communicate and play face-to-face, which is essential for their cognitive and social development. The researchers emphasize the importance of parents and caregivers to limit screen time and instead encourage more interactive and engaging activities.
Experts recommend that parents should prioritize activities such as reading, talking and playing with their children to promote better language development. They also suggest that if screens are used, it should be in a way that encourages interaction, such as video calls with family members. The findings of this study remind us of the potential impact of technology on young children’s development and the need for conscious moderation of screen time.
“Take her to the park or something.”
A third person said: “It is next level of irresponsibility.”
A fourth person added: “When I was three I went outside and didn’t know what a smartphone was.”
According to YouGov66% of Generation Alpha (children born after 2010) started using tablets at age five or younger.
And Ofcom It recently emerged that more than 90% of British children have their own smartphone by the age of 11.
Tablet use in young children has been linked to behavioral problems such as tantrums and frustration.
Fabulous pays for your exclusive stories. Just email fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and put EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
