By: Jacquelyn Saez Section: 2

There has been many social and ethical concerns about whether or not children younger then their teens should have cell phones Some of the following reasons are: Greater access to the outside world Increases chance of cyber bullying Exposes child to sex Leads to poor grades and sleep And more… However, today things have changed. SHOULD KIDS HAVE CELL PHONES?

Safety/Emergencies There is no such thing as a completely safe neighborhood or school GPS tracking/Blocking Constant contact Entertainment Responsibility/Rules Many different options REASONS WHY KIDS SHOULD HAVE CELLPHONES

One of the number reasons why parents support kids having cellphones are for safety and emergency reasons. A child could call home or 911 if anything were to happen. You could program a child's phone so that with a press of one button they could automatically call mom, dad and any other emergency numbers. Sometimes things happen unexpectedly and its better to be prepared. SAFETY/EMERGENCIES

You can now keep track of where your kids are at all times If something where to happen they you could find them There are also features that the parent can control The parent can block the child from accessing the internet You can also block certain numbers from being contacted and from them contacting the child. GPS TRACKING/BLOCKING

No matter where they are or what happens they are always a phone call away. Maybe they have to stay after school for something then they can let you know. Even though they might be in an area with supervision and other adults it is still not that same as the parents care. CONSTANT CONTACT Hey Mom! There was a fire in school I need you to come get me? Okay honey Ill be right there. I am so glad that you are able to call me!

Cell phones sometimes have games on them for entertainment As long as the child is that obsessively playing the games than it can be an okay source of entertainment. Also, being allowed to talk to your friends is entertaining This is an option that can be limited, controlled or completely eliminated by the parent. ENTERTAINMENT

Teaches them too be responsible with their property Teaches them to obey the guidelines the parents set for them Some parents opt for this rather than a puppy to teach responsibility The parents can set rules They can take it away if they dont follow he rules and if it becomes an issue with family time then they can only have it when they leave. RESPONSIBILITY/RULES

TODAY MORE OPTION'S Today there are cell phones made for children that doesnt allow them to access things like the internet Some dont even have the option to text it is strictly for emergencies only There are cheaper options, not only smart phones Also, phones can be programed just for children There are lots of different plans today for children Here a link to a kid phone:

All in all, a child should be able to carry a cell phone for emergencies As long as there are guidelines that they follow They can be tracked if lost It can teach them more responsibility Can show they are trusted Though many people do not approve however you can teach them to do the right things If they want to access inappropriate content they will do so whether you give them a phone or not CONCLUSION

WATCH! DEBATE ON WHETHER KIDS SHOULD HAVE CELL PHONES

"5 Reasons Why Your Kids Should Have Cell Phones." Parenting RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr Cell Phones "Everything You Need or Want to Know about Babysitting & Babysitting Jobs." Babysitting RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr Babysitting Jobs "Should Kids 13 and under Be Allowed to Have a Cell Phone?" Debate Argument:. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr REFERENCES