In today's world, children are increasingly using mobile devices. With the growing access to technology, smartphones have become an integral part of their daily life. However, these devices have their limitations, one of which is their reliance on battery life. Therefore, managing the battery status of a child's phone can be an important issue in terms of maintaining safety and responsibility.
Adapting devices to the lifestyle of young people is a challenge for both parents and tech developers. Low battery notifications may seem to be a mere minor feature, but their significance is substantial. Providing children with the skills to manage device energy teaches them responsibility and care for their resources. In this regard, monitoring apps can be helpful in teaching these skills. NASK emphasises that educating children on responsible technology use is crucial for their development (Source: NASK, “Nastolatki 3.0” Report 2021, nask.pl).
In the context of school education, mobile devices can be challenging. Based on the MEN report, we know that without proper supervision, children may use phones during lessons, negatively affecting their concentration and academic performance (Source: Ministerstwo Edukacji Narodowej, “Raport o stanie edukacji 2022”, gov.pl). Therefore, managing the time and availability of the phone becomes crucial to maintaining a balance between education and technology.
Low battery notifications can also be important from a safety perspective. Knowing when a child's phone is close to running out of battery allows parents to react quickly and provides an extra level of comfort in situations when the child is away from home. It is not solely the MichalKids app but the general availability of this type of feature in various apps and operating systems that make parents feel more connected to their child, keeping their safety in mind.
We must remember that technology should support our relationships and aid educational processes, rather than serve as the main method of control. It is important to use technological tools with moderation, as an additional support element, and not as a means of full surveillance.