It's gotten to the point where the New York City public school system has banned them. Long a hotly contested issue, the move forced the matter into the top of the public's awareness: do kids really need cell phones, anyway?
Of course, the safety benefits of keeping in touch are undeniable. No parent would agree to giving up the ability to contact their child at anytime, practically anywhere. But the problem, obviously, is that kids, being kids, do not use cell phones simply to stay in touch with mom and dad! Today's cell phones are so capable that they are often called "smartphones," or convergence devices that combine media players for music and video with mobile gaming consoles, not to mention web browsing and texting. Indeed, it may well be that widespread use of texting during class that served as the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back: no longer was there any piece of paper that had to be passed along from desk to desk, but trading notes was easier than ever - and more concealable than ever - thanks to miniaturized smartphones: students simply "thumb" their messages from under the desk or behind a book, and these miniature devices are easy to hide or password-lock!
So how old should children be before receiving their own cell phones?
The question may be a moot one, as cell phones are no longer about security for kids. With so many of their peers sporting one, or even two or three, cell phones have become a something that feels like a part of childhood now, like bicycles. But parents should still be aware of the potential for misuse and even abuse - and not only by their kids, but others as well.
First of all, however, is the matter of security - of the property, that is. Kids are notorious for losing things, but losing a cell phone can be quite dangerous for the sensitive personal information often stored on the devices. A lost cell phone will contain not only the kid's address, but likely also contacts for the parents, such as the addresses of their workplaces. Lost cell phones probably also have photos and other personal memorabilia on them, all kinds of information that may be used in identity theft - or worse. Responsible parents will make sure their kids are responsible with their cell phones, starting with the not losing of it!
Ultimately, of course, there is only so much control a parent can exert over his or her children, and judging by popular consensus, it is much better for kids to have a means of communications than to not have one.
Author Resource:-
Article by Paul Wise. When it comes to Palm Treo Cell Phones, Paul recommends MobileCustomsUSA.com for more information on GSM Cell Phones.
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