Mar 29 2009
What is the Appropriate Age for a Cell Phone?
I must confess. My 5 year old has his own cell phone. My husband’s company works with Virgin Mobile and they have given him several phones with top up cards over the past 2 years. We actually prefer Verizon for our service so Boog got his own phone. He currently has no available minutes and unless the company provides more free top up cards, he won’t be getting any. I think he is still too young. It did prove to be a fun way to teach him his numbers. He’s known his (our) phone number since he was 2.5 but recognizing numbers didn’t come until he was almost 4 and that’s about when he was given a phone to “play” with. In no time he was dialing his dad’s cell and Grandma’s house. He would merely ask for the number and dial away. It happened to be a fun tool. I am in no way suggesting that 5 year olds should have a cell phone. But what age is appropriate?
For me it will be when he is able to go off somewhere by himself. Like around the corner to a friends house, or to a movie with a friend and their parents. I’ve read of parents insisting that their children take a phone to school in case of an emergency and I can’t say that I disagree with that. We hear of “lock-downs” at schools for various reasons and it would be nice to be able to find out if my kids are okay by just calling them. Currently I am on the emergency response team for the school, I am one of the first people called if something happens and then I am responsible to callthe other parents. I am keeping that job as long as possible.
I think phones made specifically for children, with limited features is the way to go. I also like the new GPS features that these phones come with. Being able to locate my child if need be would bring enormous peace of mind. We get season tickets to Busch Gardens each year and I know that it won’t be long before the kids will be going off to do their own thing at the park. I would not feel comfortable allowing this without being able to contact them, and more importantly without a way for them to contact me.
When the time comes for the kids to get phones I think to insure their safety (and our costs) we will strictly monitor their calls and use whatever parental features are available to make sure the phones are being used for the right reason(Initially, for contact with us only). I also think that a child who is responsible enough for a phone needs to contribute to the cost. Initially by doing small chores around the house, as they grow and require more minutes (for personal use) by maintaining good grades and demonstrating appropriate behaviors at school and home, as well as increased responsibilities around the house. I think setting limits on when the phone can be used, like NOT during school, homework time, dinner time or after bed time, is also important and I do not believe that texting needs to be enabled.
Do your kids have cell phones? What age were they when they got one? Would you feel safer if they had one?
