Thứ Tư, 3 tháng 8, 2011

When Should Our Teens Be Given Mobile Phones?

By Justin Crane


You might be thinking of buying a cellphone for your child right now, but you're not sure it's a good idea. It's true that a lot of children and young teenagers are rarely seen without one. You need to weigh up both sides of the argument before you make your final decision.

Your child's safety is a good argument in favor of cellphones. Knowing your child can always be reached is reassuring for a parent. By the same token, the child knows that help is always available at the touch of a button.

There's a GPS facility in some cellphones that makes them interesting, too. With GPS, if your child goes missing you'll still be able to find his or her location. All these arguments would support your decision to purchase a cellphone for your child.

However, you might feel that your child is not responsible enough for a personal phone. Although you might get a cellphone for emergencies only, you could soon find that your dear offspring has run up a huge bill chatting to friends. Preteens and teenagers have a reputation for this.

Sending texts instead of making calls is a way of saving money, but not if it also becomes a favorite activity. This can be a risky business as well, so can't be seen as an advantage.

You have to know your child well to be able to decide on when he or she will be responsible enough for a cellphone; only you can make the right choice.

Don't shy away from parental controls, either. You can set limits on how much time or money they spend on the phone.

Whatever you decide, stick firmly to your decision. Don't let your opinion be swayed by your child's requests or by other parents' attitudes to phones. Remember that you are the parent, and you must make a decision that's in the best interests of your child and your family.




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