A need can be defined as something that is necessary or required. Children need food, they need nurture, they need guidance. They don't "need" cell phones. However, in today's society, the convenience of a cell phone has caused hundreds of thousands of people to place it on their top ten list of "can't live withouts." In fact, even my own children have no idea what its like to catch a flat tire in the middle of a secluded long stretch of highway in 20 degree weather and actually have to get out of the car and walk to the nearest pay-phone!
With that said, if we think that cell phones are so detrimental for our own lives, why then, would they be any less important for our children? For instance, one common reason people give when asked "why do you "need" a cell phone?," is "in case I'm caught in an emergency situation (i.e. flat tire, traffic jam, accident, etc)." The fact of the matter is, we cannot be with our children 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Therefore chances are, our children will occasionally encounter what we classify as "emergency situations." Surely we don't consider their similar "emergency situations" of less importance than our own that constitutes our own personal "need" for a cell phone. But, on the other hand, what we do often consider is why our teens DON'T need cell phones (i.e. misuse/abuse, deterrence from responsibilities such as homework, chores, etc.). In weighing the pro's and the con's, I think its pretty safe to say we land on even ground.
So, in considering the fact that teens don't "need" a cell phone for the same reason that they think they "need" a cell phone, but it would be a great convenience for the very same reason that it is for us, we (as parents) should consider ways to allow them the convenience of the privilege while teaching them the importance of responsibility. First, rarely are children under 12 in a situation away from their parents or another responsible adult which would warrant the necessity of their own cell phone. Therefore, there is minimal need ever for a child under 12 to be given the privilege. However, children 12 and older begin experiencing a little more freedom, participating in more after-school activities (dances, sports, programs, etc.) that don't require or have constant adult supervision. Some carriers offer restricted cell phones which only allow the child to dial designated numbers (such as mom/dad only). This is a great starting option. That way, the child does not have the opportunity to run up a large bill however, does have the opportunity to appreciate the convenience and importance of having the cell phone when/if stuck in an emergency situation. Based upon the parent's observation of the child's level of responsibility, the parent may decide to add the child on to their shared family-plan. This still allows the parent the flexibility to monitor activity as most providers offer on-line billing which also often shows the accrued usage per line on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, the option to block extra's such as web-access and text messaging is also available through most carriers. This way, if the service is being misused/abused, the parent normally has the immediate opportunity to take action, such as suspending the teen's usage for a specified period of time.
I think that, by taking it slowly and allowing your teen the gradual use of the cell phone, you are teaching them the importance of responsibility as well as allowing some freedom that they so much desire. This is a day and age where technologically we are advancing and, if the truth be known, there someday may not be a pay-phone on every corner. We know that we wouldn't want to be stuck in a situation like that, so why would we take the risk with our children?