In Argentina, the rise of cell phone use among children has prompted families to seek guidance on how to set appropriate limits. According to UNICEF, a staggering 83% of children aged 9 to 11 have had their first cell phone before the age of 10, a figure that raises concerns among specialists who argue that this is an early age for such access. The expert Sebastián Bortnik emphasizes that the issue is not solely about when children receive their first mobile phone, but also about how it is introduced and the role it plays in their daily lives.

Bortnik suggests categorizing developmental stages to understand the impact of cell phone use. In early childhood, the effects of screen time are primarily cognitive, affecting how children learn and process information. However, as children grow, these effects shift towards emotional and social dimensions. Furthermore, Bortnik highlights the importance of distinguishing between early access to a personal cell phone versus exposure to social media or applications that may not be age-appropriate, a key factor in understanding the potential consequences of early cell phone access.

Overall, the growing concern over children's cell phone usage underscores the need for families to navigate this digital landscape carefully. As technology becomes more ingrained in daily life, parents and guardians face the challenge of establishing healthy boundaries that support developmental well-being while safeguarding children from negative influences that can arise from premature exposure to digital communication and social media platforms.