As children transition from primary to secondary school, it has become standard practice to give them their own personal mobile phone. The phone needs to be tough enough, cool enough, and cheap enough, so if they lose it or break it, it’s okay.
According to a survey conducted six months ago in September 2012, 75% of children in Britain aged 10 and under carry a mobile phone!
Children have different cell phone needs than their parents or older siblings who love to text each other (10+). Young children love the music feature, camera, and large accessible buttons for making phone calls. Internet access is probably not necessary at this stage.
The culture of mobile phones among children has become quite a phenomenon. In the old days, children used to carry portable transistor radios, a calculator to solve math problems, and sometimes a small pocket camera. All this is changed. The mobile phone has become an all-in-one lifestyle accessory, with a beautiful case and personalized decorations such as stickers, charms and skins. It is not just a status symbol, they are very practical. “Mom, I’m at my friend’s house,” to be followed by “Come home in a jiffy, it’s time to eat.” Ah, the joys of modern technology!
When it comes to financing children’s mobile phone usage, the prepaid plan is recommended. Paying as you go discourages the sky’s the limit mentality.
Apps are something else. Games can be used as a reward system for doing homework, and now parents must control that the child does not put the cart before the horse. Most schools require that you remain silent while school is in session.
The improvement of technology has resulted in a worsening of communication skills. This is something that media experts are investigating, the long-term effects of this digital generation. Proactive parents need to embrace new technology and foster verbal communication skills for greater confidence and social skills.
Suggested mobile phones for children include the Nokia 100, Nokia Asha 201,
LG Optimus L3, Motorola Defy and Apple iPhone 4S. Each of these has its benefits, with an emphasis on functionality. The iPhone is the most expensive but it is extremely easy for young children to use.
In addition, the prices of these technological toys have fallen drastically. What was once a luxury is no longer a necessity. Every new wave of new technology drives down the price of existing models, and we all know kids don’t need the newest ones.
The advantages of allowing your children to carry a phone are many. First of all, it is easier to control them. It gives them safety: if they are in danger, they can call you or 911 for help.
There are apps available to help you locate your child, such as Sprint Family Locator. Remember that when you ask where they were and they only say “with friends!” Teach your kids how to text “I’m at Diana’s house” and be responsible.
