When your eight year old starts nagging you for a cell phone, you may wonder what the world is coming to. Do children really understand the purpose of a cell phone or is it just a status symbol to show off to their friends? By the time your kid turns 13, she’ll be telling you that she doesn’t want a mobile phone, she needs a mobile phone. “All the other kids have a cell phone,” she’ll whine, and by that point, she may be telling the truth. More and more parents are relenting to their children and giving into the idea of kids with cell phones as young as 8, 7, or even 6 years old. If you are contemplating purchasing a mobile phone for your child, keep a few things in mind.
When Should Kids Start Using a Cell Phone?
Realistically, no elementary school-aged child needs a cell phone. Most 8 year olds are not mature enough to handle the responsibility of a mobile phone and will see it as a toy rather than an expensive piece of technology. One possible exception is a child with working parents that spends the afternoon alone. If your child is in this situation, a cell phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. That being said, be aware that at such a young age the only person your child should be calling on his mobile phone is you, so you might want to put limits on when and how often he can call.
By the time a child is 13 or older, she can begin to use a cell phone responsibly. This is the age that you usually see kids with cell phones. However, a young teenager is still not ready to manage her minutes or text messages on her own. This would be a good time to start lending out your cell phone for trips to the movies or shopping with friends. Once a teenager starts earning her own money around 15 or 16 years old, you can offer more freedom and access to a mobile phone.
Beware the Technology Gap
Let’s face it; our kids probably know more about cell phones than we do. The recent development of ringtones at frequencies that only teenagers can hear is a sign that kids are using technology to outsmart their parents and teachers. Before giving your child a mobile phone, make sure you understand just what the phone can do and what services are included with your monthly fee—even if it means reading that horrible instruction manual. Remember that kids with cell phones have a lot more time to figure out all the bells and whistles, and they may use the technology against you.
Choose a Cell Phone Plan That is on Your Side
As the demand for kids cell phones grows, many providers are responding by offering more parent-friendly phones and service plans. Look for options like parental controls that allow you to lock the phone if your child goes over her minutes or restrict which numbers the phone can call. Newer models of mobile phones for kids even have features like GPS trackers that allow you to check your child’s location at any time. (Imagine the look on Junior’s face when he realizes you know that he snuck out to that concert you forbade him to attend!)
While it may be tempting to offer your children “privacy,” you should always be aware of how they are using their cell phones. You should be able to look over the call history, read old text messages, and control how much time your son or daughter spends talking. While teens may be resentful of your intrusion, it’s your job as a parent to make sure that they are using their cell phones responsibly and safely.
