At what age should I let my child use a computer?

– Cindy B, Internet

A kid on a computer? As soon as they can sit up straight and not drool on the keyboard or try to eat the mouse.

Seriously, you want to get your kid used to using a computer at the earliest age possible. Teach them how to use a mouse and a keyboard. Build those basic computer skills as early as you can.

Do not ignore the rest of life. You also have to rip that kid away from the computer and send them outside to play!

There is a ton of “kid” software on the market to help kids learn but most of it is junk. You don’t need any fancy art programs for your kid to use just open up a basic paint program and let them go nuts. Most of their early work will look like a bunch of scribbles from a crayon but that’s no different than what they would draw on paper with a real crayon!

If you are confusing a computer with the Internet than that is a different question.

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Anna trying out her new keyboard used under Creative Commons License from flickr user spullara

When do you give your kid a cell phone?

– Ms Q, Qmusings

When do I give a kid a cell phone? Normally when I am done with it and want them to put it on the charger for me.

What? Did I get the question wrong? Oh, you want to know about at what age you should allow a child to have a cell phone? Hmmm… Interesting question.

I personally feel that a child should never have their “own” cell phone until they are of a legal age to sign and be bound by a contract, say 18? However, sometimes it is to your benefit to give your child a cell phone to use before that age.

For one thing there is the security of knowing that no matter where they are they can call you. Of course that also means that they are free to call anyone else at any time!

I am not too worried about them calling other people though and for one simple reason; the monthly bill. Unlike your normal POTS line a cell phone bill is often itemized for every call because you are billed by the minute no matter who you call. Because of this you can look back at the month in review and see all the calls your kid made on the cell phone. Since most kids are oblivious to bills they may not even be aware of this!

Another benefit of giving a cell phone to your kid is that you can call them when you need to. Are they out too late? Call them! Do you need them to pick up some groceries for you? Call them! Has your son been bad lately? Call him and tell him to pick you up a big box of pads from the drugstore, go for the biggest pack they have!

I have no problem with giving a responsible kid access to a family cell phone as soon as they are driving or their friends are driving. Since this is the age they are likely to get themselves into trouble at I want them to know that mom and dad are only a phone call away.

Irresponsible kid? Those kids spend their teen years grounded cleaning their rooms!

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Hello Moto! used under Creative Commons License from flickr user nieve44

“I’m looking into getting a cell phone but I have no idea which one to get. Can you help me out at all?”

– John M. Odessa TX

Like most technology purchases today you need to take a look at what you are buying and why. Because you are buying a cell phone your first priority is for the device to be able to make and receive phone calls.

The first thing you want to take into consideration is the amount of time you plan on using the device. If you plan on using it extensively than comfort will override all other factors. No one wants to sit around with an uncomfortable cell phone up against their head. The use of Bluetooth wireless devices that attach to your ear can help here but they also make you look like an idiot. Unless you are at a Star Trek convention, then you will fit right in!

After you take care of the comfort question you need to make a short list of what other features you want your phone to have. Do you need a web browser? What about text messaging? Do you want it to play MP3 files?

Every item you add to the list will both add to the price and reduce battery life. Do you already have an MP3 player? If so why bother getting an MP3 player cell phone?

I subscribe to the rule of “unless you have to have a professional piece of equipment buy the cheapest thing that does the job.” Now, that does not mean you should buy a piece of crap unless the job only needs crap. No, the device has to be able to do the job.

What phone do I use? I use the free one given to me by my cell carrier when I first signed up with a two year contract. That contract expired a while back and my cell phone provider now calls me several times a month to see if I want a free phone upgrade and a new contract. I always say no and they always call back.

I’m not going to recommend a particular cell phone because I can’t. You have to make a list of what you need the phone to do and go from there.

Don’t fall for advertising gimmicks either. Girls are not going to fall all over you because of the phone you use. If they do than they are likely to be gold diggers and not worthy of your attention.

You also need to be sure that the phone has a battery that you can replace and does not cost a fortune. Batteries only last a year or so before they no longer carry enough charge to work properly. If the battery is not user-serviceable than you will have to send the phone away to have the battery replaced. Do you really want to be without your phone for a week waiting for a new battery to be installed?

You also want a phone than is as unlocked as possible. There is no reason you should have to pay to put ring tones on your phone unless the ring tone is based on licensed music. Same thing with wallpapers and what not.

Lastly you need to make sure you can either connect your computer to your phone or it has a removable SIM card. You need a way to get your address book on and off of the phone. If you can connect the phone to your computer you can download or upload the information while a SIM card can be moved from phone to phone.

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Mikes Mobile Phone used under Creative Commons License from flickr user Mike Licht