1. What is an appropriate age to get a cell phone? * How young is too young?* Jessica Scott EDUC 320-001 11-18-10

2. Pros  Safety and Security (use in case of an emergency)  Can be a tool to teach your child responsibility  Can be a practical convenience ; for example if you need to pick your child up early or if an after school activity is running late.

3. Cons  Expense  Responsibility level (younger kids tend to lose things a lot)  Internet access dangers  Hidden charges  Could cause disruptions in school if the child has it out and is playing with it

4. Position  I think the age that a child gets a cell phone depends on the parent and the child. Cell phones require some maturity and a sense of responsibility, so once they are old enough to get around by themselves and be more independent, then they can have a cell phone. Around 12 or 13 seems appropriate.

5. Reasons  Everything depends on parenting style and how fast the child matures intellectually.  When a child I under the age of 10 they are never anywhere where an adult is not present or the parents can’t be called  Some kids are careless with their possessions and cell phones aren’t cheap!  Can your child be trusted not to text and have conversations during class?

6. Alternative? Firefly Mobile (The mobile phone for mobile kids!)  Firefly phones feature built in controls that allow parents to restrict incoming and outgoing calls as well as limit or restrict texting at no additional cost.

7. References:  http://www.babyart.org/teen/cell-phones-for- kids---when-is-too-young.html http://www.babyart.org/teen/cell-phones-for- kids---when-is-too-young.html  http://www.fireflymobile.com/about/ http://www.fireflymobile.com/about/  http://www.commonsensemedia.org/whats- right-age-kids-get-cell-phone http://www.commonsensemedia.org/whats- right-age-kids-get-cell-phone  http://www.more4kids.info/529/kids-and-cell- phones http://www.more4kids.info/529/kids-and-cell- phones