When Should Kids Get Cell Phones?

Founder Of SavvyMommy.com Says Under Some Circumstances, It's OK

(CBS)  Today, more and more children are getting their own cell phones, but some people wonder if it is necessary or even appropriate for kids to have their own phone.

Victoria Pericon, the founder and editor of the online magazine Savvy Mommy, said children who are very young and are rarely without adult supervision have no need for a phone, but for older children, a cell phone can be very useful.

"It's a luxury item for children," she told The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm. "But we have a peace of mind if we give it to them. So let them know there is responsibility associated with getting one of these cell phones."

Pericon said that as long as kids keep their cell phones in their backpacks and refrain from using them except for maybe lunch time, there shouldn't be a problem.

A cell phone can help keep kids safe and help your family run more smoothly, Pericon said. Cell phones let parents and kids check in or call to say "I'm going to be late."

"If you're in a family where the child rides a bus to school and they're 6, 7-years-old, I think they should have a cell phone because of the blocks they walk home. It's nice to have a peace of mind for the child," Pericon said. "If you know your child is going back and forth alone without a sitter or family member, I suggest that you do get them a cell phone. There are plenty on the market so the variety of concerns you might have, you can feel better about it."

Some of phones have GPS features so parents can track the location if their child.

"Not only do you weight for the call to say, 'I'm home, mom,'" Pericon said. "You can check online to see for yourself that, yes, she's home."

Parents may also be concerned that predators can obtain their child's cell phone number from the Internet, but Pericon said there are phones that allow parents to restrict the calls their children can receive.

Another problem with cell phones is that they have become status symbols. In an article she wrote, Pericon said that if parents can't afford a phone, they could suggest their child get an after-school job that won't interfere with their school work so they can pay for it.

Many parents worry that their children will run up minutes and they'll be slammed with a hefty bill. But Pericon said there are ways to restrict how much kids can use their phone. Opt for a pay-as-you-go plan and find a plan that restricts the numbers your child can call.

FireFlies, for example, are phones made especially for kids that only allow children to call their mom, dad and the emergency 911 number.

"There are a lot of phone plans that have prepaid minute so once they're done talking it shuts off and they can't talk anymore," Pericon said. "If they're going to abuse it, you don't have to worry about something like that."

[tnt777]

My wife believes that her ten year old girl needs a top of the line touch screen cell phone for the lil brat!! This lil girl doesn't even have friends oh maybe one who lives 50 miles away. I don't think she deserves a phone since she treats my wife soooo badly. She gets whatever she wants. SPOILED ROTTEN!!!! But what can I do I'm only the stepdad.

[godseyesore-2009]

Cels are used most often by obnoxious self-absorbed people who couldn't care less about social ccourtesies. I refer to ADULTS, so why would someone think kids are any less stupid.

[clevercandi]

"Pericon said that as long as kids keep their cell phones in their backpacks and refrain from using them except for maybe lunch time, there shouldn't be a problem."

And as we all know, our children ALWAYS listen to what we say. "Here, Honey. I bought you a cell phone but only want you to use it during non-school hours." Yeah, right.

Cell phones for children is a classic example of "too much, too soon".

[djberson]

I dont have kids yet, but I think it is a stretch to say that cellphones can keep kids safe and help families run more smoothly, especially without looking at the negatives. It is amazing what some people will come up with to justify their addiction to cellphones.