Children Using Cell Phones

This is a sensitive subject. At what age do we allow our kids in today's world to carry a cell phone?

Cell phones are used for EVERYTHING: text messaging, phone calls, Internet, and music. You name it, but once your kids have access how do we monitor as parents?

I think the first thing to ask yourself, Is my child mature enough to handle this repsonsibility? Well before making your decision here are some benefits and warnings:

Benefits:

• call home in case of an emergency
• after school events or practice let out early
• arrange rides when plans change
• help your child learn responsibility
• a way of contact when child stays away from home
• some have tracking devices to know their location

Warnings:

• running over allotted minutes or text messages
• phones finding their way into classrooms causing distraction
• if unmonitored the content of web and social conversation

Those of you who have had children/teens with phones and those who are thinking about it, give us your opinion! At what age is it appropriate?