Saturday 2 January 2010

Should Kids Be Given Cell Phones?

By Leslie Hammond

Cell phones are a part of life throughout the world, that is hard to deny. But what is the appropriate age for a kid to have a cell phone?

There are both advantages and disadvantages to letting kids have cell phones. One of the reasons against the idea is that if you give kids phones when they're young, you'll spoil them when they're young. And giving expensive items to young kids may encourage them to continue to ask for pricey toys as they grow older. Having a phone gives kids a direct link to other kids and activities that may interfere with some of the more important parts of their lives, like school and studying.

On the other hand, there are also advantages in making your kids use cellular phones. This makes them more responsible and technologically updated while still young. It also gives them a very easy way to call for help, assistance or just about anything they urgently need. This is a good way to always stay in touch with them and check them whenever you want. This also gives them the feeling of being trusted and gives them increased independence. Cellular phones also become a handy and useful gadget during emergencies of any kind.

When all things are considered, most parents agree that the advantages of cell ownership for children more than compensate for the disadvantages. However, all children must be given guidelines and restrictions for cell phone usage, and parents should not purchase the very expensive phones, as they may increase the risks involved. It is critical for parents to be aware of their child's level of maturity and sense of responsibility before giving him or her a cell phone.

It's up to parents to choose to spoil or discipline their children -- and giving or refusing a kid a cell phone can achieve both options. Of course there are factors involved in the purchase of a cell phone for a kid that go beyond age-appropriate decisions. These include the cost, the features available on individual phones, where your kids will be using their phones, and what content the phones can access, such as the Internet. These factors may also be regarded as benefits or disadvantages, depending on the parents' perspective.

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