Pros And Cons Of Allowing Your Child To Have A Cell Phone

With technology advancing at rapid rates and new technologies cropping up more often than hip hop artists, it is only rational that cell phones are no longer considered telecom devices only for elite people. Cell phones have attained the status of being a commodity of daily use. Right from cab drivers to big shots of the corporate world, one thing which you would find common in all is the use of mobile phone. Such has been the usage that the phones are now transcending to the level of kids as well. More and more kids around the world are craving for and demanding mobile phones; some out of curiosity, some out of the simple jealousy after seeing others have it and very few out of genuine needs. But before you heed to or reject the cries of your children, you need to weigh the pros and cos of getting your child a mobile phone. We help you explore both sides of this decision.

 

The most prominent reason people put forward while buying cell phones for their kids is the safety of the children. Getting them a cell phone means that the child will be reachable and traceable at any time of the day. Nowadays, almost all phones come with GPS facility, which means that in case of any situation or an event, the child can be traced, if he/she has a cell phone.

Sometimes getting a cell phone leads to a transformation in the social skills of a child, from being introvert to extrovert. Cell phone helps a child to open up to communication and discussion with friends and classmates. Moreover, some phones give added services like internet and other multimedia functions, which can help a child to get connected to the entire world. It improves the chance of the child getting information when he/she needs.

If you are buying your child a cell phone, then you will be entrusting him/her with added responsibility that comes along with this facility. Having a cell phone will increase his responsibility and he will be answerable to you for his actions and location all the time. Moreover, if your kid is going to take care of his/her phone bills by doing some part time work, it will just make the decision all the more worthwhile.

The reason for which you bought a mobile phone for your child; to keep him/her in your constant vigil and away from troubles, can backfire, if the cell phone activity of your child is not monitored properly. If your child starts to communicate and correspond with people who intend to harm your child, while giving him/her the false feeling of security, can really be dangerous. Thus, it becomes an added responsibility of the parents to keep up with the cell phone activities of the child.

If your child is new to cell phones or does not understand the financial implications of cell phone over usage; you can end up with a huge cell phone bill. The child needs too be educated about the monetary impact of his phone usage. Added bills means extra burden which, in turn, can be extremely overwhelming for parents, especially when the financial condition is not very stable.

The access of internet and multimedia content on phones has to be handled with maturity. Children need to understand where to draw the line, which they overlook most of the times, thereby causing harm to their own self. Access to unwanted and unsafe websites and providing sensitive personal information on the internet can be dangerous.

Buying children expensive phones can be dangerous, as it bring them into the direct attention and vigilance of miscreants and thugs. Children and teenagers share a common urge; to flaunt their “stuff” to emphasize their prominence. This is what the thugs look out for and they will not mind harming the children only to get their hands on expensive gadget.