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Do Children Really Need Mobile Phones?

Posted on May 28th, 2009. Filed under: Computers and Internet.
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.

One of the most popular selections of mobile phones for children is the SIM free model. Phones are now considered a necessary fashion accessory and a “must have” by kids and teens both. These high tech devices come in bright shades of blue, silver, green, yellow and pink which are very appealing to younger customers. Most kids only see a mobile phone as a hip way to communicate. They believe that having a mobile phone of their own will bring them independence and make them one of the “cool” kids.

In a lot of cases, a child will want to talk on their phone because of the way that it makes them feel, even if there is a house phone close by that they can use. If you decide to put the responsibility of a mobile phone in your child’s hands, then you need to explain to them what the uses will be, and what they will not be. Tell your child that the mobile phone is not for idle chit chat.

There is a certain allure when it comes to mobile phone devices, and it is not uncommon to see children and adults use these for idle chitchat at inappropriate times. Kids will use their cell phone to call their friends who are sitting across the room or text messages during study time. This can quickly become a habit that is hard to break and can lead to surprisingly high phone bills each month. You need to make certain that your children understand exactly when and why they are to use these types of devices. They should know that having a mobile phone does not mean that it is a free pass for 24 hour chitchat.

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 more advantages than disadvantages when it comes to providing your children with mobile phones. A child can become lost, miss a ride or be a target for abduction when they are out in public and having a phone gives them an enormous amount of additional security. No one is invulnerable when it comes to possible danger today, but having a phone in your pocket is a way to call for help when needed. Children will be happy to know that they can always push a button to summon their parents, family or police. While you never want to consider the possibility of your child being harmed, it is better to be proactive and give them a way to summon assistance.

We all want to give our children the best things. This includes the newest shoes, the latest fashions, mp3 players, and in this case, mobile phones. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to give your child new things so that he or she can feel important and up to date, there is a problem when it starts to cost you more money than what it is worth. It will not be the end of the world if you do not grant your child’s every wish. This is something that more and more parents need to consider before making lavish purchases.

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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