More and more tweens are getting their very own cell phones. Here are some things to consider before handing it over.
It is truly amazing what features a cell phone has these days. You can listen to music, snap pictures, play games, browse the Internet, send a text message, and...oh yea, make a phone call. Who knows what they will come out with next. Of course, your tween would love to have one of his very own, and actually many do. Are cell phones for kids a good idea?
If you are considering purchasing a cell phone for you tween, here are some things to consider before making that final decision.
Responsibility
You need to evaluate whether or not you believe your child is responsible enough to keep track of a cell phone. One in four cell phones get lost or damaged. Set rules for when and where the cell phone can be used.
Starter Phone
Consider some of the newer phone-like devices that are being offered, which give parents many parental controls over the use of the phone.
Firefly Mobile Phone allows parents to pre-select 20 phone numbers. Parents can set parental controls right from the Internet. Kids have only five keys that they can use, which makes it easier for them. They come in really cool colors and styles, too.
The LG Migo has only four keys to use and kids can only call four people that are pre-programmed by their parents. A speaker phone is included.
TicTalk allows parents to pre-program numbers that kids can call any time, and numbers that can only be called during permission-based times. Kids can play educational games from LeapFrog. All of the parental controls can be made on the Internet.
Photo Capability
Digital images taken by a cell phone often compromise privacy. If allowing your child to take pictures with his cell phone, be sure to explain what types of images can be taken.
Text Messaging
Because text messaging is a private act, it is harder for parents to supervise what kinds of messages a child is making. Discuss with your child that they can only exchange messages with people that they know and trust. It would not hurt to place a limit on the amount of time he can spend text messaging in a day.
Internet Capability
There are a growing number of porn websites that are now targeting cell phone users. If your child has the capability to access the Internet from his cell phone, he may be targeted by these sites as well. Talk with your cell phone representative to see if adult websites can be blocked from your child's phone.
Keeping Connected
Be sure to check your monthly phone bills carefully to monitor if your rules are being kept about cell phone usage. Check on phone numbers that you do not recognize, especially those with an area code different than yours. Look for repeated outgoing calls or incoming calls from the same number, as the frequency of cell phone bullying is on the rise. Keep track of when calls are being made. Calls should not be placed during school hours or in the middle of the night. Lastly, keep a good eye on what downloads your child may have to be sure they are appropriate.
