As the debate over schoolchildren’s phone use heats up in Finland, more parents are opting for internet-free, game-free 'watch phones' as their children’s first mobile device.
Sales figures reflect this shift, with Juuso Ketolainen, Assistant Sales Manager at Gigantti, noting a significant increase in watch phone purchases for first-graders and preschoolers.
A watch phone, or kellopuhelin in Finnish, is a child-friendly wrist device that allows calls, messages and photos without internet and social media access.
A recent survey by telecom operator DNA revealed that about 10 percent of parents chose a watch phone this year, a significant increase from just 1 percent a few years ago.
Smartphones however remain the first phone choice for most children.
In May, education Minister Anna-Maja Henriksson (SPP) told Yle that the government has plans to introduce a law that would give teachers more powers to restrict students from using mobile phones during lessons.
Doctor of Psychology and Brain expert Mona Moisala said she is pleased that parents are considering alternatives to smartphones.
"If you want to stay in touch with your child, a watch phone can solve the problem without the additional distractions that might negatively impact the child’s development," Moisala said.
Some parents are also opting for basic 'dumb phones' which are significantly cheaper than watch phones which could typically cost around 100-160 euros.
Moisala reassures parents worried about their child feeling left out without a smartphone, emphasising that children’s brain health should also be a priority.
"We wouldn’t offer a child cigarettes just because their friends smoke, even if it means they feel left out," she said.
Moisala notes that parents wouldn’t need to reinvent the wheel if there were an official recommended age for smartphone use.
Experts haven’t reached a consensus on an appropriate age, but many agree that children under 10 are too young for a smartphone.
According to Moisala, a first-grader benefits from delaying the acquisition of smart devices.
"The later, the better," Moisala said.
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