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The Deal on Kids and Cell Phones: Do Kids Need Cell Phones?

Kids and cell phones are becoming about as American as apple pie. Cell phones seem to top the holiday and birthday lists for children as young as nine or ten years old! In fact, many parents who have succumbed to the wishes of their children now, can't imagine life without the ease and convenience of that instant connection. But the question remains: Do kids need cell phones?

Cell Phones For Kids
Undeniably, the reason topping the list for those parents allowing children to have cell phones is safety. Cell phones allow kids to have instant access to the police, a parent, or an emergency contact. With all of the after-school sports and activities available to kids, cell phones let kids and parents relax and know that they can communicate about pick-ups, rides and delays. Does your child want more freedom at the mall? For some parents, just knowing that their child is a phone call away lets them take this first step toward a little more independence. And yet, do most kids use their cell phones to call parents?

Abusing The Cell Phone
It may all seem like harmless fun, but for some families when the cell phone bill arrives, the choking reality of abused minutes, text messages, and Internet downloads becomes apparent. It is so easy to fall into the cell phone spell! If a friend texts you, you text them back. One good photo deserves another, and while your child may have gone to bed for the night, it's often a great time for them to catch up with a buddy on a cell phone. Even a peek into some classrooms results in the shocking realization that kids are texting each other instead of taking notes. Without a doubt, the potential for misuse exists.

Controlling Children's Cell Phones
The formula for securing and maintaining appropriate and affordable phone use becomes a personal one, based on the needs and the child of each family. Certainly, one needs to know his or her child. Children should demonstrate a level of responsibility and maturity before they join the cell phone club. However, even less-mature kids deserve to be safe, and finding the right phone and the right plan is salient.

Special Cell Plans for Kids
When shopping for the right cell phone and plan for a child, it is worth investigating some of the specialty products designed just for this purpose.:

• Disney Mobile: This company has created a specialty phone that incorporates a GPS system, a feature that lets parents see where their kids are, via the location of their phones. The Disney Mobile phone also lets parents control when kids can use their phones, who they can speak to, and who can call them. Parents can also track minutes, texting, and set limits in advance for how much they will pay.
  
  
• The Firefly: This phone is smaller than most cell phones, so it is a better fit for little hands. The phone’s features include a speed dial just for reaching a parent, and parents can decide who their kids can call. Parents activate this feature when they program the phone in advance. Additionally, there is no text messaging available on the Firefly model, thus removing a tempting and often expensive feature.
  
  
• The Guardian Angel: This phone lets parents track their children's whereabouts via a secure website and has a feature that lets parents see the speed at which a car is traveling while their child and phone are in that car. This feature might be especially appealing to parents of new drivers.

It may help to weigh the pros and cons when deciding whether or not a cell phone is right for your child.

Pros

• You and your child can reach each other in the event of an emergency.
• Your child can alert you to a change in plans.
• Your child can check in and let you know that he or she is safe.
• Your child has instant access to the police.

Cons

• Is the phone allowing too much Internet access?
• There are health concerns about cell phone use and tumors.
• Your child may run over on minutes and rack up a big bill.
• Your kids may use their cell phone when they shouldn't (like during school).

Making The Decision
Many considerations come into play when weighing the pros and cons of kids and cell phones. Some of the basic issues to consider are:

• family finances
• maturity
• responsibility
• safety.

Will phones be used appropriately or will they be misused? Will they be lost?  Will your kids remember to charge the cell phone batteries? Are you feeling pressured to buy your child a phone just because everyone else has one?

Ultimately each family needs to determine what will work best for their own specific needs. Headsets will physically take the phone away from a child's head and probably be a healthier option. Phones with prepaid plans and special safety features may be safer for kids and their parents. Research the options and understand the plans offered. Phones are becoming more kid (and parent) friendly – just ensure that you are getting the best option for your child and your family.