Should children have cell phones?

[Isis]

Cell phones are ultimately the new era of communication. Not only are they used for verbal communication, but txting, music, games and more.

My question is, should cell phones be given to children? ( Under 18 years of age )

Yes/No.


Discuss.

Please back up your opinions, or they will be reported as spam.

 

Interesting.

First off you have to define what you consider a child, as in age wise. I'll assume under thirteen, but clarification would be appreciated.

Anyways, cell phones ultimately have their positives and negatives. There's been a raise in pedophiles asking children for their phone numbers, so they can text each other. Unlike the computer, these text messages cannot be recovered once deleted by the child.

On the other hand phones can always be used in emergency situations. If a child needs help, he / she can get it.

Generally parents should have jurisdiction over giving a child a cell phone. If they're deemed intelligent enough to avoid getting abused, give 'em a phone. Otherwise only let them borrow it when they're alone.

 

[cubfan57]

What do you designate as children? Under 10? I dont see any problem with children having cell phones. They allow for children and their parents to be able to be in communication at all times.
Say a kid gets lost, all he has to do is call his parents.

 

[Isis]

First off you have to define what you consider a child, as in age wise.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as "every human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to be a child.

 

[Golem of Heaven]

I say yes, a child should have a cellphone in the case of an emergency occuring.

 

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as "every human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to be a child.

In that case, I believe anyone over the age of thirteen (Or higher if deemed by the parents) has the right amount of maturity to handle a cell phone.

Should 11 or 12 year olds have one? Of course not.

 

[Isis]

I say yes, a child should have a cellphone in the case of an emergency occuring.

Some studies have shown cell phones can lead to brain damage.

http://www.lauralee.com/news/cellbrainchanges.htm

 

[Skilled Woot]

I believe that they should have cell phones.

It's just the ways of the modern era.

And anyways, most kids just text anyways. Not many people stay on a cell phone for more then 10 minutes at a time. However, parents should monitor their calls every month and if they exceed 20-30 minute phone calls, I'd take it away and/or downgrade it to texting only, and allow emergency phone numbers only to be called.

 

[Music Makes Me Pwn]

Yes. Not only are they convenient in the sense as many adults work and cannot always be their for their child so they buy them a cellphone to communicate with them, but in the case of an accident a cellphone is always at hand for a quick call.

 

[shakaka]

Of course. They are not only a good way for teens to communicate amongst themselves, they are an excellent way for parents to keep in touch with them.

 

[Swan]

As much as I'd say yes, I can honestly say the matter doesn't concern me.

I hardly use my phone, and I seldom get called. I get more ads from my phone provider about new deals than I do from people I know. The problem is when people abuse the use of their phone for idiotic things like constant text messaging which serves no purpose -- it wastes money.

My opinion is neutral on the subject, it doesn't concern me. However, assuming I wasn't neutral, the main variable I'd take in to consideration is the maturity of the person receiving the phone.

 

[Tgump]

If the child wills to have a cell phone, there should be nothing blocking them from getting one (other than obvious things like paying for one, etc). Nobody has any govern in the life of someone else, big or small.

 

[hardxcore]

I do think that anyone, any age , should be aloud a mobile phone.
You can do things like bar all calls except for a few numbers ,block incoming calls, disallow text messaging and set times when you can and cant use your phone.
So really there should be no matter of worrying about sexual predators and running up huge phone calls.

The problem is when people abuse the use of their phone for idiotic things like constant text messaging which serves no purpose -- it wastes money.

I disagree with that, its no different from a forum or instant messaging really.
You pay money for the conveniance of being able to talk to someone without having to actually be face to face, I only say that because I text alot but lol.

 

[Heeckeren]

I think they should be allowed Cell phones,

For communicating and even for calling for help when in a dire situation >_< .

 

[Damien0124]

I think it's the parents' concern. They have to teach their kids how to spend money wisely and that is the same with cell phones.

The kids could use them to text their friends or call them all the time for stupid things, or use it wiseley and call their parents or friends only when needed.

It would ofcourse be very handy if the child is in danger, that (s)he could call either his/her parents or 911.

 

[TJ]

Why not? It doesn't effect you in anyway, so why should you care?

 

[Isis]

Why not? It doesn't effect you in anyway, so why should you care?

http://www.cancer-health.org/

You positive?

 

[Swan]

I do think that anyone, any age , should be aloud a mobile phone.
You can do things like bar all calls except for a few numbers ,block incoming calls, disallow text messaging and set times when you can and cant use your phone.
So really there should be no matter of worrying about sexual predators and running up huge phone calls.


I disagree with that, its no different from a forum or instant messaging really.
You pay money for the conveniance of being able to talk to someone without having to actually be face to face, I only say that because I text alot but lol.

Instant messaging and forums are available on the internet, but for me the internet provides a lot more which is necessary for a lot of aspects of my life. I use the internet for studying, for business and so on. Only one bill is paid for my internet connection.

A phone on the other hand requires either a credit or a contract - in the case of credit you buy it with money and quickly squander it with calling people and texting people, both of which have free equivalents that I use commonly on the internet, which I don't pay extra for. Similarly, on a contract you pay money for a specific amount of calls you can make, and if you exceed that you pay a much larger bill.

I consider using phones for this useless, and thus irrational.

 

[timmybowaa]

What do you designate as children? Under 10? I dont see any problem with children having cell phones. They allow for children and their parents to be able to be in communication at all times.
Say a kid gets lost, all he has to do is call his parents.

Exactly what i was thinking

It depends if theyre using it for the right reasons

 

[FlubbyWubs]

If the child is old enough to understand how a cell phone works, then yes.

If something happens to the child (injury, trouble), the cell phone could possibly save their life, and communication with their parents at all times never hurt anyone