Hi. I'm looking for some advice please...
My 14 year old son was diagnosed with high functioning autism four years ago. He performs well at school but does not have any friends. He has many issues that I'm sure that you are all familiar with plus he also faecal smears and has some poor hygiene issues (eg biting of finger and toe nails!). He therefore has some anxiety issues. The blended family environment can be difficult at times too.
My main issue is his use of a smartphone. Since he started at secondary school there were issues with porn for which he received an 8 week ban. (I have since read the thread posted on this group about the issues with sanctions). Since he has had his phone back he has been in regular contact with a girl that he met at a youth organisation. Initially, I was very pleased that he had at last got a friend with whom he could socialise with. However, when we checked though his phone (should we do this as parents??) it was apparent that there had been some 'sexting'. He has had his smartphone taken off him for the last six weeks.
The question is, should he be allowed a smartphone again?
He should have known that it was wrong to do the 'sexting'. It was explained a year or so ago about the dangers of passing lewd pictures around the web. However, he is missing out on the opportunity to contact any friends, potential bullying because he does not have a smartphone and the missing out of being able to play games/youtube on his phone especially as his three siblings use their phones most of the time.
I have tried various parental controls both technical and through discussion with him but we are at our wits end wondering if he can be trusted with a smartphone again.
First world problem and all that but I don't want him to struggle with the world more than he has to. Your thoughts and comments will be appreciated - good or bad!
Thank you