Cellphones for kids

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!

Have a question for dad? Send it in!

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