Notebook, Pencils, Erasers And ... Cell Phone?
Many Parents Decide Cell Phones OK For Kids
POSTED: 3:52 pm CDT August 19, 2003
Even though kids can't use cell phones in most classrooms, you'll find one in many kids' backpacks as they head off to school this fall.More than half of kids ages 12 to 17 have a cell phone, according to a survey by the Federal Communications Trade Commission.
In 2001, more than 128 million cell phones were in use. Schools are also relaxing their policies on cell phones after the shooting at Columbine High School and Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But is a cell phone a good idea for your teen?Experts say it's probably not a good idea for a 12-year-old to have a cell phone with unlimited number of minutes, which allows them to talk to anyone and everyone without you knowing about it.There are a number of things parents may want to consider before investing in a cell phone for their children. First, know who your teen will be talking to. When children are on a landline in your house, you can check in periodically to see who they are talking to and what they are talking about, but if your child is using a cell phone, you're more likely to be out of touch with how often it gets used -- and to whom your child is talking.Parents also may want to consider the consequences if children misuse the cell phone. It must be something they can enforce: limited minutes on cell phones, use of landline only, or charging them for each call made.Experts said that while some teens seem to spend an excessive amount of time on the phone, it's important not to underplay their conversations.For kids, what's most important is that they're accepted and liked by other kids. Using the cell phone can be one way for them to be accepted.The decision "to cell or not to cell" has to be made by parents based on their circumstances and their child. If your child does get a cell phone, David Walsh at the National Institute on Media and the Family offers these tips:
In 2001, more than 128 million cell phones were in use. Schools are also relaxing their policies on cell phones after the shooting at Columbine High School and Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But is a cell phone a good idea for your teen?Experts say it's probably not a good idea for a 12-year-old to have a cell phone with unlimited number of minutes, which allows them to talk to anyone and everyone without you knowing about it.There are a number of things parents may want to consider before investing in a cell phone for their children. First, know who your teen will be talking to. When children are on a landline in your house, you can check in periodically to see who they are talking to and what they are talking about, but if your child is using a cell phone, you're more likely to be out of touch with how often it gets used -- and to whom your child is talking.Parents also may want to consider the consequences if children misuse the cell phone. It must be something they can enforce: limited minutes on cell phones, use of landline only, or charging them for each call made.Experts said that while some teens seem to spend an excessive amount of time on the phone, it's important not to underplay their conversations.For kids, what's most important is that they're accepted and liked by other kids. Using the cell phone can be one way for them to be accepted.The decision "to cell or not to cell" has to be made by parents based on their circumstances and their child. If your child does get a cell phone, David Walsh at the National Institute on Media and the Family offers these tips:- Choose a plan that puts some reasonable limits on your child's phone time. Make sure he/she knows what the limits are so they can do some budgeting.Let your child know that the two of you will be reviewing the bill together, so you will have some idea of how the phone is being used.If use exceeds the plan limits, the charges can mount very quickly. Make sure your child has some consequences -- financial or otherwise -- if limits are exceeded.Find out what the school's policies are regarding cell-phone use and let your child know that you will completely support the school's standards.Agree on some cell-phone etiquette. For example, no phone calling during meals or when it is bothersome or rude to other people.Ask your kids to let you know if they start getting harassing phone calls or text messages. Even if you can't track down the culprit, you can help your child cope.Conversely, let your children know that any "phone bullying" will not be tolerated.Let your child know that their use of the cell phone is contingent on following the ground rules. No compliance, no cell phone.
More Information: National Institute on Media and the Family Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
