Plugged In: Is your child ready for a cell phone?

By Sharon Miller Cindrich

Q: My 10-year-old daughter is begging for a cell phone. Several of her friends have phones, but I’m concerned about her racking up high bills or misusing the phone. What’s the right age for a child to have a cell phone?

A: Of course, each child is unique, but the younger your child is when she learns how to use a cell phone, the more influence and opportunity you have to teach her good habits, set solid boundaries and lay a strong foundation for family communication.

With so many cell phone options on the market, families have a huge variety of services and communication options, from text messaging to GPS location services, but, ultimately, parents need to assess their personal situation. When deciding whether your child is ready for a cell phone, ask yourself:

• Can she contribute to the cost?
Whether she pays for the phone herself or earns minutes by babysitting or doing chores, contributing to the cost should be mandatory when allowing a child to have a mobile phone.

• Is she in situations where a phone would be useful?
When the carpool doesn’t show up, soccer practice ends early or when kids are beginning to stretch their boundaries and gain more independence, a phone can be a great way to communicate.

• Is she mature enough to handle the responsibility?
If you’re questioning your child’s ability to keep the phone safe or use it properly, trust your instincts.

Owning a cell phone is a privilege and a rite of passage for today’s kids. Allowing kids to earn that privilege, demonstrate their responsible behavior and practice good mobile habits can boost kids’ self-esteem and help you stay connected as a family.

Sharon Miller Cindrich is a mother of two and the author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up With Your Tech-Savvy Kids.