CAASPP Success - Grade 3 ELA Performance Task #4

Source #1: "Why Kids Should Have Phones"
Many people think kids should have phones, and there are some strong reasons for this. First, phones can help keep kids safe. If a child is away from home—maybe at school, an after-school activity, or at a friend’s house—a phone lets them call or message their parents to check in or ask for help. This can be really useful in emergencies. For example, if a child misses the bus or gets lost, having a phone means they can quickly call for help and stay safe.
Phones can also help kids with school. Many phones have apps that make learning fun and interactive. Kids can practice math, reading, and even coding right from their phone. Phones also let students research topics for school projects or get help with homework if they need it. Plus, phones have reminders and calendars that can help kids stay organized and remember when assignments are due or when it’s time for practice or a game.
Another big reason kids want phones is to stay connected with their friends. Kids love texting, video chatting, or playing online games together. These activities can help them feel closer, even if they can’t be with their friends in person. Having a phone also helps kids feel included, especially since many of their friends might already have one.
Phones can also teach kids responsibility. If a child has their own phone, they need to take care of it, making sure it doesn’t get lost or broken. They also learn about using their phone safely, like not talking to strangers online or being careful about how much time they spend on the screen.
In conclusion, phones can be a great tool for kids. They help kids stay connected with family and friends, assist with schoolwork, and even teach important lessons about responsibility. With the right rules and guidance, phones can be a positive part of a child’s life.

Source #2: "Why It’s Best to Wait Before Getting a Phone"
Some experts believe it’s better for kids to wait before getting their own phones. One big reason is that phones can be very distracting. Instead of playing outside, reading, or doing homework, kids might end up spending hours playing games or watching videos. This can make it hard to focus in school and even mess up sleep.
Phones can also be risky because they connect kids to the internet. Sometimes, kids see things they shouldn’t, like violent videos or mean comments. Social media can also make kids feel left out or sad if they see friends having fun without them. Cyberbullying is another problem—people can say hurtful things online that they might not say in person. Even with parental controls, it’s hard to keep track of everything kids might see or do on a phone.
Another worry is about safety. Kids might share personal information without realizing it’s not safe. Strangers online could ask kids questions that seem harmless but actually aren’t. It’s important for kids to know not to talk to strangers online, just like they wouldn’t talk to strangers in real life.
Using phones too much can also lead to health problems. Some kids spend so much time on their phones that they don’t move around enough. This can make them gain weight or even feel tired and cranky because they aren’t getting enough exercise or sleep.
Because of these reasons, many experts think it’s a good idea to wait until kids are older before they get a smartphone. This way, they can better understand how to use it safely and responsibly. For younger kids, it might be better to start with something simpler, like a watch phone or a basic phone that only makes calls.