SHOULD CHILDREN BE GIVEN A CELL PHONE?
Is it safe to say, gone are the days when neighbors look out for on another, children use the school nurse or principal's office to call a parent; an aunt, uncle or other family member would be engaged in the lives of our children etc..??Today there are many reasons we give for giving children from as early as 6 year olds a cell phone...
Their birthday present, to play games, to be able to call home in case of an emergency, we even get spiritual and say for them to read the bible and listen to gospel music and the list goes on and on.
This maybe another sensitive topic of discussion, and I ask again that we keep it real but respectful.
TODAY FOCUS:
- Should children be given a cell phone?
- In what instance or purpose?
- At what age should they be allowed one?
- Should they be given a time to use it or should they be monitored?
- What alternative if any would you give?
As you respond bear in mind the costs involved, your financial situations and other areas that are compromised. Can these monthly payment be used for other essentials and giving.
Let's hear from you today, and feel free to share on your Facebook, with your friends and family circle.
GOD BLESS and Keep the Faith!
Precious Jewel
Pastor Julie,
ReplyDeleteAfter my child left elementary school (I consider an appropriate age), I made the choice that I believe would be beneficial to both me and my child “I bought a cell phone”. The reason I give is….. Since you will be using public transportation I need to know when you get to school and when you return home. Is that what it is solely use for that purpose, I can say “NO” and the reason is I monitor the usage. I also invade what they would say is privacy, but as far as I am concern there is no privacy until you are at least in High School or you are paying your own bill. We have to remember that technology is very dangerous for our children likewise for teens. There are more cons than pros but monitoring, talking, to your child about the dos’ and don’t make things a little lighter.
Thanks for your comment writer. Your answer is partially clear, and I am glad that you can monitor the usage and conversation of your child. Just need to know if you had a home phone or a neighbor that your child could use rather than the extra bill it would cost and also what would you recommend to another mother as a mean of communication instead the use of a cell phone to help save the extra expense. God Bless
ReplyDeletePaster J,
ReplyDeleteYes I have a home phone, but that would not let me know if my child has reached to school safe. As for neighbors I have a lot of those who I can call on "JUST IN CASE". Of course the extra expense can be difficult but for now I just think this expense if worth it.
Thanks for the feedback. Just reaching to others who are asking the same questions.
DeleteAnonymous We would like to build on this great conversation a little more if it's ok with you... Understand your views of the expense worth it. However, we did mention that there is the office school phone etc.. what if the cell phone lines are down? Are you maybe a little too anxious in this regard? Secondly how is the monitoring done during school time? Third.. what do you say to a parent who does not have the luxury of being able to afford the extra expense and have a child in the same situation of having to take public transportation?
ReplyDelete