These days, getting a cell phone is almost a rite of passage for a child. But when? When do they get to pass through this stage? If you go to a mall, or any crowded place, you will see kids as young as eight and nine with cell phones, and kids in their teens that do not have them yet. So, when is it appropriate to buy your child a cell phone? There is no set age when your child is old enough to have a phone. Here are some things that you should know about when to buy your child a cell phone:
1. The risks associated with cell phones. If you are going to buy your child a cell phone, you have to know the risks that happen. For example, if you give your child a cell phone with texting ability, you have to make sure that they do not try and text answers to tests during class, or get involved in sexting. If you give your child who can drive a cell phone, you run the risk of them being distracted while they are driving, and potentially wrecking. So, if you are considering a cell phone for your child, ask yourself if they will be able to withstand the temptations of a cell phone that can also put them at risk. The maturity of your child is important.
2. The age of your child. There are times when age does matter, and in some instances, age plays a big role in whether or not your child should have a phone, or as the case may be, not have one. You do not need to have a cell phone for an elementary school kid, but a junior high and high school kid may need one. With age comes more activities, responsibilities, and less time at home with the family. Thus, having a cell phone can be a real advantage. For one, it gives your child a chance to check in, let you know where you are going to be, and more.
3. Their lifestyle. The busyness of your child, how often they are away from home, whether or not they come from a divorced parent home, etc. can all play a big role in when they should get a cell phone. If your twelve year old is involved in a lot of extra curricular activities, and needs rides to and from them, a cell phone can be a great way to connect with them, make sure you pick them up at the right time, etc. If your ten year old is going to be spending the weekend with their dad, and do not love going there, a cell phone can be like their security blanket to always be able to reach their other parent if they need to. The point is, because every kids life is different, so is their need for a cell phone.
Think about your life, and your child’s and get them a cell phone when you think there will be more benefits to it than drawbacks.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to
I must say, distracted driving and texting answers where issues I’d not even considered(and I thought I’d put a lot of thought into it!). I know I’ve had to reconsider my views on kids and cells due to our family’s changing circumstances and have come to realize that it varies hugely from family to family depending on the situation. One thing we found helped with regards the drawbacks(Stuck in contracts, shock bills and inappropriate internet access) was using a prepaid cell option. We chose Tracfone as it has phones that vary according to the different ages of our kids at really reasonable rates as well as being affordable(we don’t feel they need hours and hours of talk time) and fitting in with our tight budget.