There will undoubtedly come a point in time where your child begins to long for a cell phone of their own. There are so many factors that go into the decision to allow your child to have a cell phone or not. Once all aspects have been considered on your end, there is also a conversation to be had with your child before this should occur as well. Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to get your child a cell phone:

Mature Enough

The amount of responsibility that comes along with allowing your child to own a cell phone is far more immense than you may think. This device will give them the capability of communicating with anyone, anywhere at any time. There have been far too many incidents where children have even gotten into legal issues over the trouble they have caused using a cell phone, so this is certainly a factor to be considered and discussed.

Good Academics

Another factor to take into consideration is how well your child is doing in school and if they have demonstrated that they are capable of handling these duties. The last thing a child who is struggling academically needs is a cell phone to distract them even further. A cell phone should be a reward and a privilege for your child after taking care of the important things in their life.

Rules in Place

If your child is to get a cell phone, you as the parent will have to set the rules of usage for them. For example, a cut-off time may be set due to the fact that you wouldn’t want your child staying up all night talking or texting instead of getting the sleep they need. Another rule may be that they are not allowed to bring it to school with them. A cell phone could not only be distracting at school, but most likely it’s already a prohibited item in most classrooms.

Cost Accounted For

If your child is still young, most likely they will not be able to pay for the phone and the cell phone contract that is necessary to use it. Due to this, you should make sure your child understands the costs that are involved in this decision. Children need to learn that once they get older, they’ll need to work for items like this. You may even make a contract with them to do more chores around the house should you allow them to get the phone.

Effects on Kids

Especially considering how advanced the cell phones of today are becoming, they can be extremely distracting and time-consuming for a child. While it’s perfectly ok for them to really enjoy using their new piece of technology, you should be sure to monitor how much they’re using it. A cell phone should never take precedence over schoolwork, chores, and other priorities in your child’s life.

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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