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Maybe your children have been bugging for cell phones for years now. Maybe you’re just wondering what age is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone. It’s a difficult dilemma (and one without precedence) for many parents in America: when should you get your baby a cell phone? How young is too young?
According to an April 2010 study by the Pew Internet American Life Project, about 75 percent of kids aged 12 to 17 own a cell phone. In a similar study done in 2004, only 45 percent owned a cell phone. Cell phones are on the rise, and many parents are finding it increasingly difficult to say no to their cell-craving kids.
Safety is a Main Concern
Most parents cite safety as their main reason for getting a child a phone. As teens and preteens leave the house without their parents, many parents feel safer having a clear method of communication with their child. Gone are the days of pay phones and prepaid phone cards: cell phones make arranging pick-ups and drop-offs a breeze.
Smartphones vs. Standard Phones
Most experts advocate getting standard phones for middle schoolers to avoid risky or unsafe internet encounters. Standard phones also tend to have more parental controls. High schoolers tend to prefer smartphones, like the popular Blackberry smartphone.
Create Boundaries
If you’re considering buying your middle schooler a phone, make sure you go over clear safety guidelines and rules first. Make sure your child knows to never answer the phone if it’s a number they don’t recognize, and lay down clear rules about answering the phone when you call.
