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I think this would depend on the child and the reason the child would need a cell phone. The first thought I would have is that a child doesn't need a cell phone. If they are at school, then the school has pay phones, if they are at a friend's house, then they can use that phone. If the school bus breaks down then the school contacts the parents. If the school lets out early, the school notifies the public.

My son wanted a cell phone and when I was working and my husband was working out of town, we decided to let him have a cell phone, but there were conditions that he had to meet before he could get one and after he got one. He had to keep his grades up to honor roll level and he had to maintain good attendance. When he starts working he will keep a cell phone because he needs to get hold of us if gets out of work early or something happens with his work schedule.

Also if my daughter becomes involved in extracurricular activities we would discuss the need for her to have a cell phone, i.e. ride home from games or events. When she gets a job we will discuss the need for her to have a cell phone also.

I believe that if you give a child a cell phone just because his or her friends have one, then you aren't helping your child. Children need to learn responsibility and it is our job as a parent to help them learn this skill. If we teach them that they can have something because their friends have one, this will move into their adult life and they will always want something new that their friends own.

If the child has an actual need for a cell phone, then it is important to discuss with them the appropriate times that a cell phone is to be used and the ramifications if it is used incorrectly. Some plans now offer a cut off if the child goes over their time limits and this would be a good thing to have for their phone. It is always important that you talk to your children about their plan, explain to them the limitations of what times they can call, who they can call, and where they can use the phone. Many schools do not allow cell phone use during school hours to cut down on the potential of disruptions in the class room and to try and curtail the possibility of cheating. If children know when and where they are allowed to use the phone then they will be able to use this knowledge to help keep them out of trouble.

Learn more about this author, Patti Winters.
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