Is Your Child Ready for a Cell Phone?

If you’re like most parents nowadays, you have probably noticed that the age of kids toting cell phones seems to get younger and younger. There are many determining factors on what age a child is mature and responsible enough for a cell phone of their own. Generally starting around the age of twelve, kids are out and about with friends and away from home more often. Not only can they benefit greatly from a cell phone, but the location services as well as the instant contact can give you much needed piece of mind.

Is your child at the age where they are going places without you? A cell phone with GPS enabled is a great way to keep track of your child. The iPhone 4, 4S and 5 are all compatible with an app called Find My Friends. This allows you to see exactly where your child is on a map.

Is your child responsible and careful with other delicate items? Do they always seem to be misplacing something? Explain to your child that a cell phone is a fragile device and should never be left unattended or mishandled. There are a ton of fun cases that help protect a phone, but the best way to protect it is to keep it in a safe place where it has no chance of falling. Insurance is another option. Apple Care and Square Trade are two great options for the iPhone. For a fairly low upfront fee and deductible, both cover accidental damage. Find My Phone is a great app for the iPhone that can help you locate your child’s phone through GPS if the phone is ever misplaced.

A cell phone doesn’t have to be just for talking and texting, with all of the apps available, it can also be a great educational tool. With everything from apps to read modern and classic literature, audiobooks, scientific calculators and educational games; most phones can actually be a valuable tool in your child’s education.

If you would like to keep track of who your child keeps in contact with, there are many apps available that will let you keep track of your child’s cell phone activity remotely through their website. Alternately, check with your cell phone provider and see if they can set up a block and allow list on your child’s phone. This will allow you to pick and choose who your child can and cannot receive calls and texts from.

Author Bio

Melisa Cammack is a full-time mommy of three growing boys, who would all agree are ready for mobile phones. Although reluctant to make the purchase for her sons, Melisa recently bought herself a Bell.ca iPhone 5 that runs internet in Canada perfectly.