Things to Consider Before Giving Your Child a Cell Phone

"Mom? Dad? Can I get a cell phone?"

Most parents with children over the age of about nine have likely heard this question being asked of them. And although they may immediately envision the commercial where the father turns on the power tool in order to drown out his child's cell phone request, many parents are still trying to make the decision about whether or not to give their child or teen a cell phone. If you find yourself in the midst of a cell phone dilemma, there are a few key things to consider before making your final decision.

NECESSITY

First, does your child need a cell phone? Sometimes there really are practical reasons for giving your child or teen a cell phone. For instance, perhaps they walk to school alone and you want to be able to contact them on their way to make sure they are safe. Another reason might be that your child is old enough to be out and about with friends often, or possibly traveling to and from their after school job by city bus, and you want them to be able to have access to a phone at all times in the case of an emergency. It could be that your child belongs to a school sports team that sometimes travels to away games that you cannot always attend, and you want to be able to contact them during these times. There are several logical reasons for a teen in high school to have a cell phone, but any earlier than that, and you really have to ask yourself if the phone is going to be used as an appliance, or a toy.

RESPONSIBILITY