Children having their own mobile phones. What’s the deal?

Posted on May 28, 2009 @ 7:37 am
by Waseem Afzal

More and more, children are carrying around their own mobile phones. They are starting as early as age eight. The sim free mobile phone is an especially popular choice for a mobile phone amongst children. You will see most kids and teens nowadays with either black, blue, multicolor, silver, neon green, yellow, or pink mobile phones. A lot of children think that owning a mobile phone will cause them to appear cool and independent, but what it actually does is keep them safe.

Kids believe that these high tech devices are not only necessary, but they consider them to be “must have” fashion accessories. Having a mobile phone is being described as the cool way to communicate, and most children long for the sense of independence that they feel it will bring. As a parent you are more concerned with the safety value as opposed to the degree of “Coolness” that t mobile phone will deliver. If you are weighing the possibility of getting one of these for your own child, just be certain that they are given rules about how and when they are to use it.

Once a mobile phone is given to your kids they will immediately see it as their own private property and will feel a sense of entitlement when it comes to usage. This can create a problem, especially if they are of the opinion that this device can be used whenever they choose. You need to let your child know that this is not a toy to be played with, but a big ticket item that must be handled responsibly. Setting up guidelines and rules can lead to your children becoming a great role model and will help them learn responsible behaviour.

Children are going to consider the mobile phones as their personal property. This is fine, as long as they understand what these devices are for and how they are to be used. Instruct your kids to let their peers know that these are not toys to be used 24/7. If your children will handle their phones responsibly they can become positive role models for others.

Many children, as well as adults, develop an addiction to mobile phone devices and will use them even when they don’t need to do so. It is common to see kids talking on their phone to a group of friends a few feet away, or texting in class settings. Some of them will even use their mobile units when they have a land line phone available. This excessive use can create high cell phone bills for parents, and it can make it difficult to break your child’s dependence on this form of communication. Remember that when you buy a mobile phone for children there is also a certain amount of responsibility included. Always tell them exactly how and why this device can be used. Be sure to explain that these phones are not intended for hours of texting and meaningless small talk.

There are some possible health hazards for SIM free mobile phone users that parents should also be aware of. Some research has shown that there is radiation emitted from this device that may cause changes to cells or DNA in the body. While this has yet to be confirmed it would be best to be cautious because your child’s safety and health are your number one priorities. That colorful phone with the really awesome designs and personalized ring tones will be a hit with your kids but they have to understand and obey the rules involved.

Some people will try to give in to their children’s clamor and whims just to pacify and cajole them. They will think nothing of buying a phone to match their precious daughter’s latest book bag color. If this is why you are purchasing a mobile phone you can readily anticipate some extraordinary monthly phone charges. You need to set certain rules and guidelines in place before you finalize the purchase of a mobile for a child. They need to understand that this is something that must be handled in a responsible manner.

Just be aware of your reasons for giving your child a mobile phone. If you are giving your little girl a pink mobile phone just so she can fit in and keep up with the other kids, then you had better be ready for a massive phone bill. If you do decide to get your child a sim free mobile phone, opt to get them a prepaid instead of one with plan. When you assure your child that the phone they are getting is for important phone calls only, they will have the ability to look cool and be responsible at the same exact time.

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