• Sina@beehaw.org
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    6 months ago

    I don’t really have a formed opinion on this subject. (Though I have some experience with certain things where holding back in childhood has lead to potentially much bigger addictions)

    But I can tell you that my uncle bought smartwatches to his children. The watches are only allowed to call family members & have GPS tracking on them, have no games, no Youtube no distractions. They are exactly what you are describing, a safety feature. (though the kids regularly dualwear them to cover for each other, so … :D )

    • Akasazh@feddit.nl
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      6 months ago

      I’m not really in favor of the GPS tracking thing. It feels to protective and a bit overbearing to me.

      I mean I wouldn’t think of location tracking my significant other and I would hate it if someone was location tracking me. So why do that to your children?

      • Sina@beehaw.org
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        6 months ago

        Depends on the person. Some couples location track each other with consent, I would be fine with that too.

        As for children I think it’s alright if it’s not used as a leash to question why they aren’t home yet studying and such. Helicopter parents can abuse this causing further harm, but for normal parents it shouldn’t be too bad, or I don’t know.

    • ulkesh@beehaw.org
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      6 months ago

      Point taken. I agree that specific product would solve the safety feature aspect while avoiding the addiction possibility. I suppose it then comes down to when a parent feels their child is ready and cognizant of the dangers of addiction.

      • Sina@beehaw.org
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        6 months ago

        parent feels their child is ready and cognizant of the dangers of addiction.

        Yes, I think so. In 5-10 years science will have caught up & parents could possibly be able to make more informed decisions in this regard & until then it’s basically up to luck.