Kids and Cell Phones: A Good Idea?

Cell phones are less expensive, and they are definitely the 'in' thing among teens. Recently, cell phone companies have begun targeting marketing to the pre-teen and younger kids too. Chances are, once a child hits middle or junior high school, the subject of buying a cell phone will have come up.

That's when the parent has to look at several things, such as the cost of the cell phone, the age of the child, the responsibility level of the child, and whether or not the parent can afford the phone and the plan. There are pros and cons to buying a cell phone for a kid or teen.

Cell Phones for Kids Provide Peace of Mind

One reason parents want kids to have cell phones is for safety and security. With the violence in schools so prominent in the news, some parents feel a child having a cell phone can give easy access to their child in an emergency situation.

However, there is the issue of some schools not allowing cell phones on campus, and a child caught with a cell phone in violation of the school rules could lose the phone or suffer consequences for breaking the rules. A responsible child might be able to leave the cell phone off and in their locker or backpack unseen, but it only takes one time being caught with it on campus to get in trouble.

Cell Phone Are Cheap, But Plans Might Not Be

While some cell phones and plans have become less expensive over the years, these phones still cost money to replace if a child loses or damages one. Some children are simply not responsible enough to carry an expensive cell phone with them and keep up with it.

Not only is the cell phone itself expensive to replace is lost, but the plans and options, bells and whistles on the phone all cost money too, and an irresponsible child may not follow the rules when told not to send text messages, or instant messages on the cell phone, or to access the internet. These extra services are usually active on phone plans, but if a subscription is not purchased for them, a hefty surprise bill could be the result.

Is the Child Mature Enough for a Cell Phone?