Today's children are more digital-savvy than previous generations. Mobile phones are readily available to everyone, even children. Mobile phones can provide numerous benefits for children. Unfortunately, children do not always possess the maturity required to operate a mobile phone safely. This can turn a phone into a safety hazard. Choosing whether or not to provide a mobile phone to a child is each family's personal decision, and there are several factors that should be taken into account.
Benefits
Mobile phones offer various benefits for children. A cellphone is a good way for parents to stay connected with a child. This is especially beneficial if he participates in after-school functions, attends an after-school day care program, or spends weekends with another parent. A mobile phone also provides a quick way for a child to contact his parents and authorities in the event of an emergency.
Risks
Mobile phones can be difficult for parents to monitor, according to the National Parent Teacher Association. The multitude of features, such as Internet access, camera and text messaging, can be used anywhere, including places with no adult supervision. Unfortunately, cellphones can be abused by kids. Inappropriate pictures can be taken and shared with others, and text messages can be used to harass peers. Huge charges may be assessed by going over minutes, or using the Internet and text messaging if they're not part of the phone's plan.
Features
There are a huge variety of mobile phones available for purchase, and the Good Housekeeping website recommends choosing a kid-friendly option. Many of these phones offer programmable buttons that can be used to assign only important phone numbers. Some also come with the option of accepting calls only from pre-approved phone numbers. Kid-friendly plans allow parents to work with customer service to control a child's minute usage and to dictate off-limit times of the day.
Tips
A child should be taught how to use his phone appropriately. Parents should make sure she understands how to dial for emergencies, how to charge her phone and what Internet or text usage costs. Parents can create a contract that sets appropriate rules and limits for the phone's usage. They should monitor the phone bill, paying attention to when and what calls were placed. This information is usually available online and can be viewed any time.
Dangers
A child can encounter dangerous situations while using a mobile phone. Using a cellphone while trying to cross a street can be dangerous for children. A 2006 study published in the Pediatrics journal found that cellphones have an impact on a child's ability to cross a street safely. In addition, mobile phones give easy access to social media groups where children can access inappropriate content or even encounter sexual predators.
