by Michael Perez

Created on: August 07, 2009

When a child should receive a cell phone is not set in stone. There are advantages to giving a younger child such as a fifth grader a phone and advantages to waiting to give an eighth grader their first phone.

A phone is first and foremost a tool for communication. Contrary to what some less technologically savvy people may say, a phone does have a good reason to be in the hands of a preteen. For an overprotective mother who can't stand to not know where their children are, a cell phone can offer her peace of mind and the children can enjoy more freedom. In the case off an emergency such as an earthquake, school lockdown, or medical emergency, a phone on hand means peace of mind for any parents and if necessary a line to 911. Younger children generally are less responsible than older children, so a phone is liable to being lost. However, if the child understands the phone is a privilege and must be closely guarded, this can teach a child to be more responsible in other areas. Giving a phone to a child who has grown up without one can cause them to value it more when they receive it and be more responsible.

Of course there are several painfully visible disadvantages to giving a child a phone. First of all is cost. Cell phone service is not cheap, especially if the parents do not already have service. However, several providers such as AT&T offer a deal where an extra line is $10 a month. There is also the option of pay-as-you-go, which is a prepaid phone service. GoPhone from AT&T is a more basic plan but there is not contract, so the service can be terminated at any time. The physical phone itself can also be expensive, but most providers offer phones without the bells and whistles for free at sign up. Also, depending on the responsibility of the child, repurchasing phones can get very expensive, very fast. Insurance is advised; consequences such as having the child pay for the new phone or revocation of phone privileges should be considered. Also, a phone can be a distraction. Calling or texting friends during school or homework time are always possibilities and can have adverse affects on school performance. You should talk to your children about when are proper times to use their cell phone and have them agree to as to when they will use it.

I personally recommend the 7th grade as the time when a child should get a phone. It is when children are becoming more responsible and leaving the house more. However, the decision is ALWAYS up to the parent. Whining and begging should not influence the parent into making a large choice such as this and should be seen as a sign of immaturity and unreadiness for a cell phone. Children today are growing up in a more connected world where a cell phone gives them instant access to their friends, family, and (with a data plan) the internet. To deny them that access is an inconvenience, but can teach the child to be much more responsible. Now please go make the right choice.

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