Should kids have a cell phone?
In households all around the world, it is very likely that many conversations between parent and child revolve around the child wanting to own a cell phone.
Their reasoning as to why they want a cell phone may differ from child to child.
Wanting one because everyone else has one, to keeping in touch with their friends and family are just a couple of examples.
Once you give your kids a phone, there is no way of turning back the clock.
Often it appears parents don’t realize how big of a decision it is when choosing to give their kids the world in their back pocket.
It’s not the same as it was when we were kids and they have full access to everything out there, good and bad.
SHOULD YOUR KIDS HAVE A CELL PHONE?
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Parents need to realize the magnitude of this decision prior to just giving in and learn to determine the appropriate time to allow their kids to have a cell phone.
ARE THEY READY?
One of the first questions you need to ask yourself revolves around whether you think they are ready for the responsibility of a cell phone.
While your children may be generally responsible, they are going to have something new and important to take care of. They will have to make a great effort to ensure they don’t leave it behind somewhere.
Do you think they can handle a device that connects them to the world in the way a cell phone can?
Sometimes kids don’t understand the ramifications that come along with things they post on the internet or social media.
This has nothing to do with education. It has to do with their readiness to understand cause and effect and that comes along with age and experience.
ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO FIND OUT IF YOUR KIDS ARE READY FOR A CELL PHONE:
- How responsible are my kids?
- Are my children independent?
- Do my kids need to be in touch and connected to ensure their safety?
- Can I trust my children not to use the phone when they are not supposed to? (During class times, etc.)
- Do they need a smartphone that acts as a multi-functional device with games, the internet, and music?
- Do my kids understand limitations on data, minutes and so on?
The way you answer these questions will give you a better understanding of whether your kids are truly ready for the responsibility of a cell phone.
It is important to remember that you are giving them a powerful communication device. This device can create images, texts, and videos that can be spread around and put on the internet.
If you believe that your child is ready for a cell phone, it’s important to ensure that you are ready for what comes along with that.
You may also like this post with 4 TIPS FOR KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE:
