By Dana Arevalo,
P.O.V. Contributing Writer
What would you
do? What is the appropriate age to
purchase a cellular phone for your child?
Parents seem divided on the issue of whether or not to purchase their
child a cellular phone. My daughter approaches
me once a month begging for a cellular phone.
I hear, "Mommy, all of my friends have a cell phone. I am the only
one in my class that does not have one".
My reply, "I don't care what your friends have; there is no need
for you to have a cell phone". She
asks the same question and I give her the same response.
I refuse to get my
daughter a cellular phone to keep up with "the Joneses". Honestly, there is no need. I know where my daughter is at all times. Not to mention children often act irresponsible
during school hours, why give them an extra reason to get in trouble? I feel that she can get a cellular phone when
she gets her first job so that she can learn responsibility. I refuse to pay an extra bill just because
everyone else is walking around with one.
I have discussed
this with one mother who has two daughters ages 9 and 12. She allows her children to have cellular
phones. Her daughters are often at
activities and she wanted a way to be able to get in contact with them. My daughter attends activities as well and I
don't believe this is a strong enough reason to purchase a cellular phone. My daughter is 11 and if there is an
emergency, I will be contacted by their personnel. Other parents believe their child should have
a phone for safety reasons such as walking home alone from school.
I sought an
alternative to a cell phone. I do not
think it is a good idea for a school aged child to have cellular phones. While children are in school, the school will
contact you if there are any emergencies.
Not your child from their phone.
I decided to purchase her an iPod touch,
this iPod does not leave home when she is at school. I do have her carry
it, however, when she goes to an activity.
I also monitor the iPod. It is
very important to be involved in who your child is communicating. I believe in privacy, however, you can never
be too careful when it comes to your child's safety and well-being.
Opening up the
discussion to the audience: When is the
right time to get your child a cellular phone and why?
Wow. Good question. I have nooo idea.
ReplyDeleteWith computers and internet and privacy, I am nervous. I will struggle with that. The world is such a dangerous place.
But with the cell phone, I like the idea of the pre paid phone with the minutes on it. I want them to have a line of communication with me, just in case something happens where - I don't know - I can just see her with an inexpensive phone by the end of elementary school. I think ill just know when its time.
Thank you for the response. Maybe 9 to 10 years ago, (wow how time goes by) my boss at the time, had three children. She gave her eldest, who was only in Kindergarten or First grade, a phone called Firefly. With Firefly the children press buttons rather than dialing numbers. For example, you program your cell phone to the button that says mom. That is how I remember it. It probably is much more advanced by now. However, I think that is a responsible option.
DeleteExactly! Something like that! I just feel deep, you never know what could happen.
Delete*I meant deep down :-[
DeleteFor me it depends on how responsible my child is and what kind of activities they will be doing after/outside of the school. Grade school is a definite no, at that age if I am not around my child will be with a babysitter or family member. There had been times that I was after school and I NEEDED to get ahold of someone and I had no way to. I had to walk to miles to a pay phone.
ReplyDeleteOur school office closed 15 minutes after the bell. If my son is responsible and a busy person I would definitely get him one. But it would also be restricted. No internet or texting until they are older.
Victorya,
DeleteI remember my choices growing up - payphones or the neighbor's house. I grew up in the 80s/90s things were so different then. The closest thing to a cell phone for me was a beeper, however, I didn't have one until High School and I was responsible for payment.
You bring up a great point, it should also be based upon responsibility and putting restrictions on the phone is a MUST.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Regards,
Dana
Elementary school - No, at that age my son would still have a babysitter. School with teachers, home with babysitter or me.
ReplyDeleteMiddle School - Yes, if my child was responsible and a busy person. But it would be restricted to calling only. No internet, no camera, no texting.
High School - Would also depend on the situation but I wouldn't be as strict. Letting him have texting, etc. As long as he was responsible.
I must say i like this article very much!!
ReplyDeleteKiara,
DeleteThank you, very much! Come back to visit often.
~Dana :)