Home >  Information A-Z >  All Kids Information Articles > Cell Phones

Cell Phones

Every year it seems like the age that a child begins asking for a cell phone drops lower and lower. Maybe this is because the young children now have not known life without a cell phone, where older kids weren’t introduced to them until later in life. All parents are different, and some feel that children shouldn’t have a cell phone until they have a driver’s license and a car. These parents feel this way because, to them, unless the child will be gone for long periods without adult supervision, there is no need for one. Some parents, however, feel that their child is old enough for a cell phone when their child is as young as seven or eight years old (yes, there are children this age who have cell phones, and those children are asking for them because their seven and eight year old friends at school are already toting them around).

If you are trying to decide whether or not to get your child a cell phone, regardless of their age, you should consider the following:

• Does your child stay home alone?
If your child never stays home alone because you don’t feel it’s safe, he might not be mature enough for a cell phone yet. Aside from maturity, the other thing that makes this an important part of the decision is that, if your child does stay home alone, you may want to get him a cell phone for this reason. If your child is home alone and the electricity goes out or the phone goes dead, how will he be able to reach you to let you know? This also prevents him from answering the home phone while you aren’t there, which means only people he knows will be calling.

• When you go to amusement parks does the family split up?
If your child is old enough that when you go to big places like an amusement park he and his friend or sibling go off and do their own thing, with a set time to meet back up, you may want to consider a cell phone. Not only does this mean you believe your child is responsible and old enough to handle decisions on his own, but also that he may have a need for one. If your child has a cell phone, you can always know where he is and what he is doing even when he is across the park from you. This takes a lot of the worry off a parent’s mind and replaces it with the security that their child can call if they need anything.

• Is your child away from home a lot?
If your child spends a lot of time at friends’ houses or at extracurricular activities, a cell phone might be the way to go. Not only can you know what your child is doing and where they are at all times, but it can be good to not have to depend on others. If your child is with a friend and his parent at a baseball game and he decides he wants to go home, what happens if the other parent isn’t ready to bring your child home? If he has a cell phone, he can call you and you can at least have the option of going to pick him up. Even though you may not decide to, at least the decision wasn’t made by some other kid’s parent.

Copyright 2010. All educational materials are the sole property of Kid First Internet and are available for the benefit of our parents. Duplication or use of any material requires the express consent of Kids First Internet.




Browse information articles by category:

Babies
Toddlers
Kids
Health and Safety
Nutrition and Feeding
Bathing
Behavior and Discipline
Diapers and Potty Training
Playtime activities and toys
Clothing
Napping and Nighttime

View All Articles

Kids Bedding Information Center:

Nursery and Crib Safety
Allergy Information
Kids Bedding Gift Giving
Bedding Themes
Crib and Nursery Sizes
Typical Prices
Bedding Production
Cleaning
Materials and Fabrics
Boys Bedding and Girls Bedding

Kids and Baby Bedding Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kids bedding brands? A look at some of the best kids bedding sets.

What comes in the different crib and nursery sets? Know exactly what you are ordering - before you order.

How do I choose the perfect kids bedding gift? Here are three simple rules for picking out a wonderful kids bedding or baby bedding set!

How can I create a safe nursery? A short article on safety and kids bedding and baby bedding.

How do I clean my kids bedding? Tips and directions to make your kids bedding set last forever.

How long does it take for my kids bedding purchase to arrive? Read about why it is important to order kids bedding several weeks in advance.

Why buy kids bedding or baby bedding online? Learn why we can offer the best prices on kids bedding.