Not too long ago, many of us saw teens and even pre-teens walking around and talking on a cell phone or texting with the single thought of, “That child is too young for a cell phone.” Nowadays, that mentality has largely changed. More and more parents are providing cell phones to their kids largely for the purpose of safety. Consider Columbine and other such instances where kids were able to call their parents or 911 when in danger to get the help they needed.
Of course, parents also are buying their kids cell phones for other reasons, such as to keep tabs on them more easily as they become older and more mobile, and sometimes even so they can keep pace with the electronics their friends have. Often it is not for one reason but multiple reasons that parents buy their kids cell phones, and these combined reasons make the often nominal monthly fee for the phone worthwhile. In fact, because of the many benefits associated with cell phones, it is not just teens and pre-teens who have their own phone now but often even elementary kids who carry these in their pants pocket or backpack, too.
Unfortunately, there are some dangers associated with kids and cell phones that you may not be aware of. While you may not change your mind about allowing your child to have his or her own cell phone, you should be aware of the dangers. In some cases, you may be able to help minimize the dangers to your child.
Bullying. Bullying with cell phones is becoming more common among kids and teens. Often this is done more with texting than with voice features. You can work to minimize bullying by monitoring your child’s messages and blocking numbers where necessary.
Predators. Sometimes a child is at risk with a cell phone not because of those he or she knows but because of those he or she does know. Predators can gain access to a child’s phone in numerous ways, including through social networking sites or even dialing a number by accident in some cases. Maintaining vigilance over phone use and talking to your child about predators can serve as preventive measures.
While Driving. It’s no surprise that texting, talking on the phone, surfing the web, and messing around with apps while driving can be truly dangerous for those of all ages. With teens, however, this danger is combined with a general lack of experience behind the wheel, which can make for a very dangerous combination indeed.
Sexual Promiscuity. By now, many parents have heard about “sexting,” which involves sending or receiving suggestive or provocative messages, photos, or videos. Keep in mind that if you want to ensure your child isn’t involved in these activities, you do want to monitor both the inbox, sent items, and deleted items of his or her phone’s text message center.
Health Risks. We have all heard that cell phones cause cancer, and most of us have written that notion off entirely. Yet more and more studies are being conducted and the results seem to be leaning more towards the factual truth of this belief. Whether you believe the studies now or need more proof, you can buy your child a hands free headset to minimize risk of exposure.
Depression and Anxiety. In the “old days” when we are parents were kids, our social lives consisted of hanging out with friends, going to parties, meeting a park or other neighborhood venue to play, joining sports teams, and more. Nowadays, between social networking sites as well as texting and chat, a large portion of kids’ social lives has become less social and far less personal. Studies have shown a link between depression and anxiety and the increased presence of electronics in our relationships. You can encourage kids to stop texting and pick up the phone, or better yet actually visit with a friend face to face.
Here are a few other articles written by this author:
How Positive is Your Parenting?
Helping Your Kids Through Fights with Friends
Kids and Friend Drama: When to Step In