People often debate whether cell phones for children are necessary. Some say that children and cell phones are a bad combination. They believe they are just another avenue for pedophiles to gain access to children. But others see the benefit of having a direct connection to their child at any time.
Let’s go over the pros and cons of kids with cell phones. First of all, let’s take a look at the benefits and advantages of them.
- The most important advantage for kids who have cell phones is that not only will you have a direct connection to your children at all times, but they will have a direct connection to you! On the rare occasions that baseball practice ended early, your kids might call you to pick them up. A quick text or call from the school bus can let you know your child is fine but the bus has a flat tire, so he’ll be home a little late.
- GPS cell phones for older teens give you peace of mind by letting you know where your child is at all times.
- Many cell phones have calendars so kids can keep track of their own activities and classes. No need to ask mom over and over again when baseball practice is this week! The phone alarm is great for reminding kids when it’s time to put on their uniforms for hockey practice, when to start packing up at the library because Daddy will be there in five minutes to pick them up, or even as a reminder to feed the baby! dog!
- Children who tend to have separation anxiety or homesickness can take comfort in the fact that you are just a phone call away no matter where they are.
Along with the advantages of cell phones for children and adolescents, there are the disadvantages. Here is a list of some of the drawbacks.
- Mobile phones can be expensive. Kids may not be able to gauge how many text messages they’ve sent or how many minutes they’re using while talking on their cell phones. This leaves the parents left to pay the outrageous bills.
- Just as the Internet exposes your child to potential “cyberbullying,” a cell phone can expose him or her to bullying through text messages or phone calls.
- A child is more likely to break or lose a cell phone than an adult, and replacement charges can be quite expensive.
- Older children and teens may be tempted to engage in negative behaviors like prank calls or “sexting.”
Purchasing a “pay as you go” cell phone for your child can eliminate some of these disadvantages. Pay-as-you-go plans allow you to purchase minutes in advance so that it is impossible to exceed the number of minutes allotted. One downside to this option is that if your child uses all of his minutes calling her friends, he may not have minutes left to call you in an emergency.
Consider all the pros and cons before deciding whether or not you think a cell phone is right for your child. If you decide that buying a cell phone for your child is the right decision for your family, compare cell phones and cell phone plans before you make your purchase.
If you choose a traditional plan, monitor the account closely to avoid huge bills due to calls or texts beyond the plan limits. Also, most major carriers offer some form of parental control. Check with your carrier to see what options they offer.
There is no right or wrong decision as to whether or not children should have cell phones. The situation, needs and opinions of each family are unique. Therefore, each family’s decision on whether or not their child should have one is what is right for them!
