Is Your Child Ready for a Cell Phone?

The number of parents opting to purchase cell phones for children who have not yet reached their teens is growing exponentially. And the odds are, if you have a preteen, the conversation has surfaced within your own family. One study indicates that as many as 50% of children today own mobile phones.

However, before you run out to the store to purchase that much requested cell phone for your own child, you should consider how responsible your child is. There is no standard answer to the question - “At what age should you consider buying your child a cell phone?” It is up to you as the parent to determine if your child is ready for the responsibility.

There is no denying that a cell phone can be a handy tool for keeping up with your child. Most parents see it as a way to stay in touch in case of emergency. If your child needs to stay after school or if a practice runs late, then a simple phone call is all that is needed. If you are running late, then that same simple phone call can calm an anxious child.

For further security, almost all cell phones come standard with GPS (global positioning system) these days. This feature is handy for emergency personnel when trying to locate a person in an emergency situation.

However, many cell phone companies now also allow parents access to this built in feature to help monitor their child’s whereabouts. You will have to check with your mobile carrier to see if this feature is available as a monitoring device for your child’s phone.

Cell phones also help to teach children how to handle a little added responsibility. They can help you to teach your child accountability. Children, with your help, learn how to monitor their bill and minute usage, the importance of staying in contact, and how to handle the new trust granted by the parent.

Something that parents should be concerned about when considering purchasing a cell phone for a child is that a cell phone can expose your child to dangers as well. Parents need to be extra vigilant about monitoring who calls their child and who their child calls. Parents also need to monitor text messaging, or block the feature altogether.

If you have weighed the pros and cons of purchasing a cell phone for your child, and have decided to go ahead with purchase, then be sure to set rules and guidelines for your child regarding his/her cell phone usage.

It may help you to also have some controls in place for your child’s cell phone. You may consider a prepaid phone as an option, so there are no surprises when the bill arrives. You may also decide to block certain features (such as text messaging, Internet access, and games). You may also choose a phone that lets you decide who your child can call and who can call your child.

If you take these guidelines into consideration when buying your child a cell phone, then your child’s transition to the next level of responsibility should be a smooth one.

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