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by: Dr.NoelSwanson
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This is a question on many parents minds. Do they really need a cell phone? Just ask the outlets that sell them. They think that every child, regardless of age, should carry one. That it is a mandatory accessory for everyone to have. However most parents see it a little differently when trying to make a decision if their child should have one as well.

Considering the nuisance value of cell phones, the Department of Education put a restriction on the children carrying cell phones to school in New York recently. The parents were more upset by it than the children. They held demonstrations to express their views why they considered it necessary for their children to carry cell phones. It helps them make immediate contact with their parents.

While cell phones used to be just items that were around in case you needed to make an emergency call, now everyone is using them more than they are using regular phones. What should you do? It depends on your feelings. You know your child and can decide if they need a phone or not.

You do need to understand how cell phones are used. They are not just used to make calls. Many are very advanced communications devices. You can take photos, play music on them, send text messages to other people, they really are not as much phones as small portable computers.

Does your teen need all these capabilities? While they would think they do need all the perks, for their age, they probably only need a cell phone to use in case of an emergency. One way to gauge if they can handle it is to mention it should only be for emergencies and see how they react.

While considering purchasing your pre-teen a cell phone, bear in mind the costs involved. Perhaps it would be better bundled in with your family plan. Most will allow you to add additional phones and choose how many minutes of usage are allowed. Stick with the basics and don't worry about the extras like voice mail and call display.

Don't let others tell you what to do. This is your child, and your decision to make. You may, however, find yourself getting flack from your preteen if you have a cell phone and tell them they can't have one.

About the Author

To get more parenting advice by author Dr. Noel Swanson, why not check out his parenting advice website and get his free newsletter?

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