by Jeannie Sather

Created on: July 09, 2009   Last Updated: July 20, 2009

The short answer is yes, and this article will explain why. Cell phones are becoming more and more like little computers and more commonplace than ever before. It might not be wrong to assume that when today's kids grow up, their future jobs might require cell phone skills or, at the very least, they will need those skills for managing phones of their own.

Children do not have the experience to have total freedom in most things; they need a learning curve. Putting controls on the phone will help them learn and can even teach life lessons.

Put a cap on texting and talk time each month. Let the children know how much time they have; you might even help them come up with a way to budget their minutes or texts to last the entire month. Be sure they know that once the time is up, that is it, no more.

Having a GPS is also a good idea because this lets you know where your child is and can aid in locating him or her. Checking on the numbers they call or text will let you know who your child is calling and texting. Letting your child know that you will be checking up on who is called is also a good idea.

Restricting internet access or downloading is also a good idea. As your child gets older or shows more responsiblity, they could earn more access. This allows your child to grow into the phone.

When your child grows into an adult, you can have them pay for their part of the phone but still keep control. You are responsible for the phone regardless of who uses it, and your child must understand how to use it responsibly. Just like you would gradually let your child assume responsibility for their car and its expenses, you can gradually let your child assume responsibility for their cell phone and its use. But remember, just like with a car, as long as you are listed on it, you are also responsible for what is done with the cell phone.

Talking to your child about photos and possible legal action that can come to minors is a very good idea. Taking photos in some places or of certain things can fall under copyright infringement or can infringe on other people's rights if your child doesn't get permission before taking and sharing the photo. Do not put photo sharing on the phone until your child proves that they can handle it. Taking a compromising photo of another underage friend or even of themselves means you and your child (yes, the government will go after a minor in this area) could face prosecution and be put on the sex offender list for all time.

Having your child help you keep up with any new phone laws with benefit both of you. This will also teach responsibility, organization, and control lessons your child will find beneficial in their future.

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