When Should Kids Get Cell Phones?

(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."

[mommakt]

Now I have a question. One why is everyone so negative? Two I am one of those parents out there stuck between getting my son(whom is 5) a cell or not. What you have to remember not everyone should have one, not every kid should. It should be determined by how mature that child is related to the child's age and whats the reasoning for the cell. For example. My son goes back and forth from my home to his fathers home a few times a week. Now I hate to be the basher here but..Now my son is going through a hard time, and isn't allowed to even call home when he is there. If he feels he needs to call me or what not he doesn't have this option. It upsets him greatly. It would give both my son and I some peace of mind. My problem with this is the fact that he is only 5 years old. But for 5 is able to do a lot for himself. He can be trusted with a cell. With the ability to put limits on the phone such as What numbers he can call, and what numbers can call him, blocking of texting and internet use completely. That is all provided by T-Mobile, who my plan is through.So can't one person look at the fact that there might be some families that can benifit from it? Instead of getting nasty online and calling these parents stupid and these children stupid. You wouldn't know,your not them and maybe it's not good for your family for the younger children, or heck even the children period to have a cellphone. My stepfather got me my first cell when I was 14 years old. I have had one ever since. With his help I was able to go from that annoying teen that blow up the bill and over texts to the teen that is able to say no its not needed, leave it in the back pack, at home, or in the glove box of my car. I'm an adult now and still have no problems with my cell never miss a payment, never go over my minutes. So teach the child. It's just money you can't take it with you. Breath people and think, and don't be the so called stupid ones.

[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.