Is Your Kid Smartphone-Ready? - written by Crystal Pena

Ease of life is the end-all and the be-all of technology's existence. Paradoxically, it also makes matters a little more complicated. Take for example the revolution in mobile communications: Half a century ago, people were going loco over the primordial and heavy-set look of the telephone. Made of ceramics, glass, metals, rubber or plastic, telephones have been symbolic of a person's affluence and economic status. In fact, landline owners developed an inordinate habit of being photographed while holding the phone receiver to their faces- large enough to swallow their heads.

But that was then. Just like N' Sync and the West Life, telephones are now passe.

And what's the freshest counterpart of the telephones today? Nothing else but smartphones!

Smartphones, with their classy profiles and ingenious functionality, are a clear testament of the leaps and bounds mobile communication has evolved; from being a ginormous device to a portably sleek gizmo. No wonder, people of all ages have found themselves hooked into the current frenzy.

But the inevitable question arises: If you are a parent, do you recommend the use of a smartphone to your kids? If yes, what guarantee is there that your kid is using the gadget for his or her own safety?

Let me help you with this one. At Yahoo! News, an article dedicated itself to parental tips to safeguard the kids from the harmful effects of smartphones.

1. Give your kid the kind of cellphone he truly needs. Proper evaluation of his needs is necessary here. If you only want to have constant communication with him when he's at school or his friend's house, perhaps a cheap phone which has prototypical features like calls and text messaging will do?

2. If she is already using a smartphone, try to check the applications she is using. With that, you can have a rough assessment of what kind of mobile behavior your daughter has.

3. Do not let them get addicted to their handsets. Set a schedule where they cannot use their phones such as dinner time, curfew before sleep, or study time.

4. Spot-check the contents of his phone; but this comes with the age of your kid. If he is still a minor, check for inappropriate materials in his phone. This will also prevent them from storing and sharing questionable images, audio files, video clips, as well as messages. Your child needs a parent, and not another pal: Be strict in implementing your rules.

5. Ensure that emergency numbers and numbers of other family members are saved in their phones.

6. Teach your kids to use mobile phone responsibly and safely: They must not engage strangers in text or on video chat. They must not shoot photos or capture videos of people in embarrassing or awkward situations. They must not accept calls from total strangers.

7. Tell them not to use their phones to bully or harass other people.

8. Tell them not to use their cellphones when crossing the street.

9. If they are using their phones as music players make sure that they can still hear what's going on in their surroundings.

Whatever happens, parents should act as true guardians for their kids by teaching them the principle of 'safety first' before allowing them to own a smartphone.