When Kids Ask For A Cellphone

By maria on 17th October, 2008

Whether we like it or not, cellphone has become a natural part of childhood today.  I hear some parents complaining about their 6 and 7 year olds already asking for a cellphone.  Whether we allow our kids to own one is totally up to us parents, but if you think they should have one, you have to let them know that cellphone ownership comes with specific responsibilities.  Consider these things before you hand them the gadget.

Know the school policy first.  Some schools don’t allow students to bring cellphones.  My son’s school allows them to bring cellphones provided they deposit it to the teacher in the morning and claim it after class.  If your child takes a cellphone to school, make sure he follows the rules and has a secure way of keeping it from being lost, stolen or confiscated.

Make your own policy too.  Make it clear that cellphones should be used to check in with you, for emergencies and make sure they don’t change the rules you’ve set.

Teach them manners.  Talk to them about turning their cellphones off during meal times, while hearing mass, when doing homework and studying, libraries, and other quiet places.  Ban the practice of interrupting important conversations to answer incoming calls and text messages.

Let them know the dangers of using a cellphone while walking or on wheels-bike, roller blades, skateboards.  We see a lot of people texting or talking while crossing the street or driving.  Tell them it’s dangerous and could cost them their lives.  You can set a good example while in the car by pulling over to answer or make a call.

Technology plays a big role in our chidren’s lives and letting them know the responsibilities that goes with it and laying down your rules lets them know you are watching and you care.

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6 Comments

  • Vera says:
    October 16, 2008 at 3:17 pm

    How true. I remember when I was in highschool, pagers were the rage. I didn’t think I needed it then. College was a different story. But 7 year olds with cellphones? I really don’t think it’s necessary yet. My nephew who is also 7 wants one. Ugh.

  • sasha says:
    October 17, 2008 at 4:32 am

    Ang hirap kasi talaga ng walang cellphone ngaun, tita. Parang feeling mo may kulang tapos if you need to talk to your brother or sister (in my case), talagang cellphone ang gamit. My brother naman got his cellphone lang after high school na. Di ko pinayagan na mag-cellphone nung high school. Okay naman sa kanya. Alam naman kasi niya limitations nya. Yun nga lang ngaun syempre dahil may gf, babad naman kate-text hehe

  • vikram parmar says:
    October 17, 2008 at 4:38 am

    agreed .Bit i think kids should not be allowed to handle phone before 13 at least.

  • chronicchick says:
    October 17, 2008 at 11:19 am

    Although my daughter is no longer in publc school. She got her 1st cellphone for 13th birthday. The first phone was a pay per use phone. She has been very responsible with the phone, except for one time. I am now on a plan and don’t have any issues with abusing the phone. I did keep the old phone and told her if you abuse it you go back on pay plan. We went to no home phone to just cell phones recently mostly because it wasn’t budget friendly to have both. I agree a kid should be at least 13 and the rules need to be layed down clearly and needs to be consequences.

  • Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" says:
    October 17, 2008 at 12:18 pm

    If I had children, they would definitely have a cell phone in this day and age to keep in contact with me. I think your rules are very good!

  • Renee says:
    October 17, 2008 at 3:29 pm

    Wow, I know, I am going through the same thing right now. My son, 11, thought for sure after asking for the last few years that he was going to get a cell phone for his birthday a week ago. I was torn. Part of me said get him one, but one of the pay as you go phones so he could learn responsibility before putting him on my cell plan. Another reason, I would know where he was at all times. Then the other part of me thought about the rules of the school, cell phones are not allowed there and I did not want to deal with him maybe accidentally taking it to school etc. I think 13 is probably a good age… I keep tossing the idea back and forth :)
    I like your rules though, very good :) something for me to think about ;)