Cell Phone: Does Your Child Need One?

In this day and age, almost everyone is connected either via the computer or the cell phone. What about your child, does he require one? Yes and no.

Let's look at the reasons why they need the cell phone.

1. When they are out of the house, you can find out where they are - they have to answer the phone first
2. In case of emergency, they will have a way to call for help
3. The child can use the alarm setting to remind them of the chores they have to carry out
4. Opens channel of communication between parent and child. Now parents can send reminders to the child to complete their school work when the parent is at work or where to meet up after school.
5. In the dark, the cell phone can act like a mini torch with its backlight function
6. A young child will be motivated to learn how to read and spell quickly - so they can start to send and receive SMS
7. The child will not be left out of the technology age. He will learn all the various functions of the phone within 24 hours. The fastest rate of learning you will see from your child.
8. It can also be a tool for your child to make friends as he learns/teaches another child the various functions of the cell phone

Now, on the other side of the coin, do they really need that cell phone?

1. You are a stay home parent, your child knows you are always home, he knows how to contact you
2. The cell phone is a great distraction for the child. Music, pictures, friends are now more accessible to them, thus their school work will deteriorate.
3. The cell phone may make your child a target of being robbed
4. They may be a target for strangers or older children to take advantage of them by asking him to lend them the phone and exploit it for their personal use.
5. 'Undesirable' characters may ask them for their cell phone number and start to make nuisance calls

As a parent, we have to look at each situation and child differently and assess their needs accordingly to ensure that each child is fairly treated. You can always lend your child your cell phone over the weekend, if possible, to see how they treat it before purchasing one for their use.