pro – con, some arguments
Many parents ask if a 7-year-old should use a mobile phone. There are good and bad sides.
First, a mobile phone can help keep the child safe. If the child is alone or lost, they can call their parents. Some phones also have GPS, so parents can see where the child is. Phones also have learning apps. These apps can help children read, count, or learn new things. Sometimes, games and videos are fun too.
But there are also problems. A child may spend too much time on the phone. This is not healthy. They may stop playing with friends or doing homework. Also, some things on the internet are not good for kids. A child can see bad pictures or get messages from strangers.
In conclusion, a mobile phone can be good for a child, but parents must be careful. They should set rules, use child settings, and check the phone often. If used the right way, a phone can be safe and helpful for a 7-year-old.
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Vocabulary:
- To keep a child safe – To protect a child from danger or harm.
- A learning app – A phone or tablet program that helps you learn things, like reading or math.
- To count – To say numbers in order: one, two, three, etc.
- Healthy – Good for your body or mind; not sick.
- A message – Words you send to someone by phone or online.
- A stranger – A person you do not know.
- A conclusion – The last part of a talk or text; what you decide after thinking.
- To be careful – To watch out for danger or problems.
- To set rules – To make clear what is okay and what is not okay.
- A setting (mobile phone) – A part of the phone where you can change how it works (like volume or time limits).
- To check – To look and see if something is okay.
- To be helpful – To do something that makes things easier or better for someone.
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Test your vocabulary, each question has one correct answer:
1. What does “to keep a child safe” mean?
A) To give the child candy
B) To stop the child from danger
C) To teach the child to dance
2. What is a “learning app”?
A) A book with many pictures
B) A phone program that helps you learn
C) A toy that makes noise
3. What does “to count” mean?
A) To say numbers in order
B) To draw pictures
C) To cook food
4. What does “healthy” mean?
A) Feeling good and not sick
B) Feeling sleepy
C) Feeling sad
5. What is a “message”?
A) A game on your phone
B) A phone call from school
C) Words you send to someone
6. What is a “stranger”?
A) Your mother’s friend
B) A person you do not know
C) Your teacher
7. What is a “conclusion”?
A) The first part of a story
B) The middle of a story
C) The last part of a talk or story
8. What does “to be careful” mean?
A) To run fast
B) To watch out for danger
C) To sing loudly
9. What does “to set rules” mean?
A) To make things fun
B) To make clear what is okay and not okay
C) To clean your room
10. What is a “setting” on a mobile phone?
A) A place where you eat
B) A part of the phone you can change
C) A photo on your screen
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Correct answers: 1b, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5c, 6b, 7c, 8b, 9b, 10b.
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Fill in, words below:
- A __________ can be helpful if used right.
2. A phone can help keep a __________ safe.
3. The child can __________their parents.
4. Some phones have GPS for __________.
5. Phones have fun learning __________.
6. Too much phone time is not __________
7. Children may stop playing with __________.
8. __________things are on the internet.
9. __________ can send messages to kids.
10. Parents should __________ phone rules.
_________________
a) healthy b) set c) phone d) parents e) friends f) strangers
g) apps h) child i) bad j) call
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10 multiple-choice questions, more than one answer can be correct.
1. Why can a phone be good for a child?
A) It can help them call parents.
B) It helps them sleep better.
C) It has learning apps.
D) It makes them run faster.
2. What can a child do with a phone?
A) Watch videos.
B) Fly a kite.
C) Play games.
D) Talk to friends.
3. What is a problem with too much phone use?
A) The child becomes healthier.
B) The child may not do homework.
C) The child may sleep less.
D) The child learns more.
4. Why do parents use GPS on a phone?
A) To see where the child is.
B) To play games.
C) To keep the child safe.
D) To read books.
5. What can be bad on the internet?
A) Fun music.
B) Strangers sending messages.
C) Bad pictures.
D) Learning games.
6. What happens if a child uses a phone too much?
A) They play less with friends.
B) They get more toys.
C) They may stop homework.
D) They go outside more.
7. What should parents do with phones?
A) Set rules.
B) Use child settings.
C) Buy many games.
D) Check the phone.
8. What is a learning app?
A) A program that helps you read.
B) A place to cook food.
C) A game for numbers.
D) A phone camera.
9. What does “to be careful” mean?
A) To play loud music.
B) To look for danger.
C) To stop and think.
D) To run fast.
10. When is a phone helpful for a child?
A) When used with rules.
B) When used at night in bed.
C) When it helps them learn.
D) When they use it all day.
________________________
- A, C
- A, C, D
- B, C
- A, C
- B, C
- A, C
- A, B, D
- A, C
- B, C
- A, C
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An interview with a mom who is against her 7-year-old use a mobile phone:
Interviewer: Why no phone for your 7-year-old?
Mom: I want to keep my child safe.
Interviewer: What is not good about phones?
Mom: Too much phone time is not healthy.
Interviewer: Are you afraid of strangers or bad pictures?
Mom: Yes, the internet can have bad pictures and strangers.
Interviewer: How do you call your child if you need to?
Mom: I call the home phone or the school.
Interviewer: Can a phone help a child learn?
Mom: Some apps help, but books are better.
Interviewer: How do you tell your child about your phone rule?
Mom: I say, “Phones are for older kids.”
Interviewer: What does your child do without a phone?
Mom: My child plays outside and reads books.
Interviewer: Will your child get a phone later?
Mom: Yes, when my child is older and careful.
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An interview with a mom who is in favor of her 7-year-old using a mobile phone
Interviewer: Why do you want your 7-year-old to have a phone?
Mom: A phone can keep my child safe.
Interviewer: How can a phone keep a child safe?
Mom: The child can call me if there is a problem.
Interviewer: Can a phone help your child learn?
Mom: Yes, there are learning apps on the phone.
Interviewer: Are you worried about too much phone time?
Mom: We set rules to be careful with phone use.
Interviewer: What do you do to keep your child safe online?
Mom: I check the phone and use settings for safety.
Interviewer: How does your child use the phone?
Mom: My child counts, plays games, and sends messages.
Interviewer: What do you tell your child about strangers?
Mom: I say, “Do not talk to strangers on the phone.”
Interviewer: Do you think a phone is helpful for children?
Mom: Yes, a phone is helpful when used with rules.
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What is your opinion?
Write an essay, about 120 words, give your opinion on that topic.
You can send your text to me via SMFrockZ(at)gmx(dot)at,
I‘ll have a look at it, comment, correct it, if necessary, and send the text back again.