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DEL.ICIO.USAre you limiting kids’ cell phone use?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Theresa is on vacation this week. Keith Still will be filling in today and tomorrow.
Not long ago, my seven-year-old daughter and some friends were coloring together. What were they drawing…unicorns? rainbows? family portraits? No, no and no. With a few snips of the scissors and a couple of magic marker lines, they each fashioned their own “cell phones” and walked off to chat with each other. The cell phone has become a kid’s most-coveted accessory, but the potential risk it poses to children is still unknown.
Last week, the director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute warned 3,000 members of his faculty and staff to limit cell phone use - especially among children — because of possible cancer risks. No studies to date have shown a link between the phones and cancerous tumors, but Dr. Ronald B. Herberman says it takes too long to get answers from science. Children, he says, are at an increased risk because their brains are still developing.
“Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn’t wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later,” Herberman said.
Herberman bases his concerns on early unpublished data looking at how electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones may affect human cells in the brain and central nervous system. Most radiowaves are emitted from a cell phone’s antenna in the handset, and the electromagnetic radiation is strongest at your head when you hold the phone to your ear. Groups in the UK, France and India have also called for limiting children’s cell phone use out of similar concerns.
I’m not a big alarmist, and I’m not sure I believe a link between cell phones and cancer will ultimately be proven. However, I am a parent. And no parent wants to do anything that could put their child’s health or life at risk.
My kids have known for years that the closest thing they’re getting to a mobile phone is that yellow construction paper model - mainly because I don’t see why they would possibly need one any time soon. In fact, I told my rising fifth grader she could make a phone of her own (in any color) the last time she reminded me how many of her 10-year-old friends had real cell phones.
But a lot of kids do have them these days. Even my 7-year-old can list a growing number of friends who carry one. For some families, it’s a status thing. Others have real reasons for giving their young children some way to communicate with Mom or Dad throughout the day.
So what’s a parent to do with warnings like Dr. Herberman’s? Does your child already have a cell phone? Do you make them use hands-free kits (which can reduce the radiation their heads absorb)? Are you going to limit their use? Do they use the phone mostly for talking or texting (which I would think would pose a lesser threat)? At what point does a possible unknown health risk outweigh any real benefit to your child or teen using a mobile?
Permalink | Comments (106) | Post your comment | Categories: Health
Comments
By CP
July 29, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Maybe when my kids get to be teenagers I’ll change my mind, but I just don’t see the point in kids (of any age)having a cell. My son is 7 & he’s been asking for a cell phone on & off again for at least a year now. My answer to him remains the same: when you can pay for the service yourself, you can get one.
I know I’ll probably end up getting my kids cell phones to stay in touch when they’re older, but it will probably be prepaid where you can’t use it if you go over.
By Becky
July 29, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
My 6 year old grandchildren know how to use the phone & play some of the games that are on the phone, but they have yet to ask for one..I don’t think that children should have a cell phone until they are at least 14.
By TnT's mom
July 29, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
There is no magic age. It depends on the child and his activities. My oldest recieved a cell phone while in middle school. It became very usefull for him to keep in touch with us daily while involved in afterschool activities and sports. Now that he is in high school, it is great to have. The younger one is not yet in middle school, but is anxiously waiting for one.
I think parents must look at each child to determine wheter or not to get one. If the child is not active in sports or activities, and is home most of the time, what is the point? But then again, now days, with family plans it is not a huge expense.
By southernga
July 29, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
I have two children. I decided that when my oldest started her freshmen year in high school she could have a cellphone. That came true last year, but I also purchased one for my youngest child at the same time - they were 14 and 12 at the time. They both rarely actually use their phones to call, they text constantly though. I am concerned about the possible health risks, but it’s just like for us adults, once we have the technology, it sure would be hard to take it away.
By JJ
July 29, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
My daughter has a cell, and has had one since she was about 13. We do not have a land line, strictly cellular. I like being able to get a hold of her when she is out with her friends, especially now that she is driving alone.
She likes being able to get in touch with me too. Sometimes I run late getting home from work, and she is able to contact me to see why I’m late, and she doesn’t have to worry.
What I DON’T like is the texting. But that’s a control issue with me, so I won’t go there.
By Bubba Bluffton
July 29, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
NO! And neither should their parents! Cell phones are the worst invention ever marketed and forced on humanity! NO, NO, NO!
By kate
July 29, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
My son is 10 and has no need for a cell phone. I know where he is at all times. He can not drive yet..i take him and pick him up from school…maybe in a few years but for now there is no need to get him a phone.
By DB
July 29, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
My kids each received a cell phone as their “middle school graduation present”. Since high school is a more fluid environment, it was more useful to ME to be able to contact them, leave messages on their phones, etc. once they hit the high school years. Before that, I really didn’t see a use for them to have cell phones, because I was either with them or knew exactly where they were at any given moment :-) If they needed to talk to someone, they could use the phone.
Once they started driving, then yes, a cell phone was a necessity in my book, only because it made ME feel better. The courtesy in our house is to let others know when you are “on the road” or if you are going to be later than previously noted.
But frankly, the roll-over minutes just keep adding up, because texting is communication method of choice. For every 100 text messages, there’s maybe 10 minutes on phone conversation.
I’ve read the stuff on cell phones and tumors — it seems like, between the microwave, the TV and the computer, we’re already in a radiation-rich environment. It’s going to be hard to point at a cell phone as a major culprit.
By Sarah
July 29, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
No, young kids do not need cell phones. What they do need are a set of parentrs with some common sense and a brain. Do kids need MySpace and all the sexual preditors this tool attracts? No on that one too. It seems like parents have to provide their kids with each and every invention that comes along. Didn’t our parents raise up okay without cell phones. My parents knew where I was and I knew when I was suppose to be home. Parents justify phones saying they need to keep up with their kids. This schouts lazy parenting to me. Perhaps what the kids needs are more involved parents willing to get off their butts and do the job they signed on to do, be a parent, and not expect technology to do it for you. I saw a family dinning out the other day and mom was on her phone, dad was on his and both kids were on separate phones in the booth waiting on their food. Had this scene not been so sad to me, the obvious dysfunction of this family, it would have been funny. The family were too clueless to realize how stupid they appeared in public.
By JJ
July 29, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Sarah Rule #1 in my house, all phones are turned OFF when we dine. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, no cell phones. We don’t even take them into restaurants, on the rare occasion we dine out.
I like my daughter having a cell phone, and I am not a lazy parent. She is driving now, and I need to know that she is safe. Do you have kids? Do you know what it’s like to have a 17 year old out driving?
While my daughter is not allowed to talk while driving, when she is running late, I like for her to be able to call me and let me know.
By Numbers Guy
July 29, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
My seven year old asked at his last birthday. 10 minutes later, when I stopped laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe, I said no.
Cell phones are good for one thing - communicating. Right now, wherever he is, I’m either there myself, or I’ve dropped him there with a responsible adult (and a landline) present. He’s not in any situations where I can’t get to him , and vice versa, and so a cell phone is completely unnecessary.
I’m with a few other posters on here - we’ll talk about a cellphone when you can pay the bill. That should be around the time you’re driving and have your own job - both of which make a cellphone more of a necessity for my peace of mind.
By sensible
July 29, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
kids have been born since the beginning of time and no one NEEDED a cell phone
By workingmom
July 29, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
What I think is funny is that my 10 year old, who is too shy to even talk on the phone, wants a cell phone. I keep asking “who do you think you will talk to when you won’t even talk on the regular phone?” It is strictly a status thing. I think high school is a reasonable age for a phone.
By Kait
July 29, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Why does a 7 year old need a cell phone? Everywhere they go there is an adult with them who owns a phone for phone calls to Mom, Dad, or anyone else. Until a child is driving or out on their own without an adult, he or she should have no need to carry a phone of their own. I find this absurd and I am only 19 myself.
By Becky
July 29, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Sarah, no, kids having a cell phone doesn’t mean lazy parenting…With kids being involved in after school activities & parents working, it means caring about your child enough to be in touch with them..Yes, our parents did just fine without a cell phone, heck, I grew up without a house phone until I was an adult (46now) but guess what? Times have changed..As JJ said, I only have a cell phone & we also turn them off at all times while we’re eating..
By Empress Brown
July 29, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Yes, my 10 year-old has a Firefly cell phone. I use pre-paid minutes through T-Mobile. I initially bought it because he was visiting his dad for the summer and I wanted to be able to reach him whenever I wanted. Now, he takes it out with him when he plays with his friends in our subdivision. He can only call me, his grandmother, dad, and uncle on that phone and we’re the only people who can call him. Its nice to call him to tell him that dinner’s ready, let’s go to the store, etc. He can call me to ask can he play at a friend’s house or to say he’s coming home. I’m glad I bought one for him.
By hh
July 29, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
My son 11 and yes he does have a cell phone he got it for christmas.
By Adam
July 29, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Not until they are driving on their own. My kids can borrow their friends’ cell phone but they really shouldn’t have a reason to have one until they go out off somewhere withouth parents along.
By landsaf
July 29, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
TnT’s mom has the most logical answer. Personally I don’t find it the place of a stranger to tell a person who and when that who should have a cell phone.
It’s all a judgement call….
By CINDIE
July 29, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
My 6 year-old just got his at the beginning of the summer…and its been a real life-saver. Now i can drop him off at the pool and go home and get some chores done. he calls me when he is ready to come home or if anything is wrong. Like another poster said, times are different so why not take advantage of the technology that is out there.
By jc
July 29, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Technology is great..Why not have a cell phone? You can get some great deals on plans.
By Sarah
July 29, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
It’s laughable to the point of bordering insane to actually believe your child will listen and follow the rules of when to use and not to use a phone while driving. There are so many high profile cases of teens in horricfic accidents due to phones, but parents are still in denial. Look on the roads and observe. Ninety per cent of the times I observe someone doing something stupid in traffic, they’re on their phone and these are seasoned drivers. Teens just starting to drive are at a higher risk and they oput me at risk talking on their phones and driving all the while clueless mom and dad are on a blog saying their kids adhere to rules and would never drive and talk. How’s that beach front property in Tennessee working out for you? Dateline and many other shows like it have done numerous shows with teens and hidden cameras and almost all of the teens did things the parents, on the other end of the camera, were saying their kids would never in a million years do. Believing your kids actually obey rules when you’re not around to see them is your first mistake. After that, I am sure your mistakes are too numerous to count. A kid under the age of ten on a phone to me is like dressing them up in make up and wigs and it leaves me wondering just how stupid can you be and still be allowed to be a parent, legally.
By jeff golden
July 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
NO Not a chance. Cell phones lead to lie and mis trust. They lead to easy access to drugs. I hate hearing a parent say when a child goes on a killing spree ” We Never saw it coming” No s**!! If your child needs a phone use the friends home phone that he or she is suppose to be at. Times have changed and yes we should use the knowledge that is out there, But not by giving our children cell phones so that they may hide there life from us. There are to many soccer moms out there that think there child walks on water and I’m here to tell you that they are correct they walk on water right to jail or drug rehab. I have 5 kids ages 14 to 2 years old and I’m a High School coach and I see it all. It’s a easy babysitter for that lazy parent. Take back your childs life and sit down have dinner and find out who there friends are. What they have planned for the day. Who they are talking to. Not here Kids here’s you a way around me. Anyone and I mean anyone who thinks kids should have cell phone is a terriable parent and when your child is in prison or dead I don’t want to hear ” I didn’t see it coming.” Yor right you dodn’t hear it coming either….
By JJ
July 29, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Cindie Seriously? You left a 6 year old at a pool? Please tell us there was a responsible adult in charge?
By JSP
July 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
You drop your 6 year old off at the pool? Please tell me there is a responsible adult watching this child.
By jeff golden
July 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I so mad at this blog . I can’t even spell right. Nor did I proff read my Blog. Oh that’s right I was on a cell phone. DAMNIT
By jeff golden
July 29, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
I have to go. This just unbleiveable how stupid people in Atlanta still are.
By lawrencevillemom
July 29, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Both my girls have cells - the oldest got hers when she was 15 and started her first job (about 20 miles from home and carpooling with an adult co-worker). I started her with the prepaid by Net-10 and told her I would pay the $15/mo to get her 150 minutes and keep it active but anything over that was her responsibility. This past Jan. I finally caved and got one for the younger daughter (she was 14). Both girls are involved in after school activities and the younger one in sports and the cells make sure they can call me if a club, practice, meeting etc. finishes early or late. Before the older daughter got a phone I made sure she had money for the pay phone but those have become extinct over the last few years. Times have changed but I really like being able to dial a number and get them on the line.
By JSP
July 29, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Sarah, do you have children?
Jeff Golden - cell phones lead to lies and mistrust and easy access to drugs? Cell phones = lazy parents.
Wow, man, relax a bit.
A cell phone doesn’t lead to any of those things.
By Twotom
July 29, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
My rising 8th-grader desperately wants one, because all of his friends have one. They text each other all day long. He’s willing to foot the costs himself. I’m going to explain to him that it’s a silly, manufactured desire, and that at the end of the day he will be poorer and no happier. I feel sorry that, by my decision to let him have one, I am putting more pressure on the next family in our situation.
By Becky
July 29, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Cindie, please tell me that you are only joking??? jeff golden, we don’t miss you here in Atlanta.
By JJ
July 29, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I’m not EVEN going to try and reply to Jeff Golden’s post. Sheer nonsense!!!
By CINDIE
July 29, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Hi guys,
Don’t worry my six year-old is very responsible, acts more like a 10 year-old. Plus we have lifeguards at our subdividion pool and he knows not to go in the deep end.
By Sarah
July 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
When you call your child on a cell phone and you ask them where they are I am sure they’re always where they’re suppose to be. JSP, do you have a clue? I may not be a parent but I can be a target for your child driving and texting at the same time. I don’t want to die or be maimed because you’re too lazy to do your job as a parent. The girl in Florida that says she left her child with a babysitter for 31 days and now can’t find her, she’s a parent so does this make her wiser than me because I am not. What’s your point? Buy your five year old a phone, I don’t care. You as a parent will be the one looking stupid, not just the kid.
By Becky
July 29, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Cindie, still wouldn’t leave my six year old twins at the pool..I wouldn’t even leave a 10 year old alone at the pool..
By jeff golden
July 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Whatever JJ..Your that parent that smokes pot in the other room while your child is around the corner waiting on his drug dealer to deleiver his bag of weed on the very cell phone that you provided.Get real I hear drug deals all day after school on phone provided by the parent.Not all cell phone use is for drugs BUT have your ever heard of SEX TEXT. Probably not. It’s what the new hot thing for ages 12 to 18 and it’s all about having cell phone sex. JJ pull your head out of your rear man. If your child is in high school and playing sports, working, after school that’s different but just to have a cell phone because mommy and daddy gave them one is just asking for trouble. As for the nut bag that allows her six year old to go to the pool alone and swim I guess you think that’s ok also. Have kids then Blog you moron.
By Jeff
July 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Verizon used to have a phone with like 3 buttons on it. 2 programmable and 911. It was designed for kids/seniors, and it was the ONLY phone I would consider giving to a non-driver. (I THINK it could even block all incoming calls except from certain numbers as well.)
Once the kid is a driver, I’ll give them a BASIC phone - calling only, no text, no camera/video, etc. If they want something better, they can get a job and get it themselves.
Again, for me it comes down to the fact that my ENTIRE family - even the vast majority of all aunts/uncles/cousins - are going wireless only. And with a cell, I can keep tabs on them anywhere they are.
By JSP
July 29, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Sarah, I didn’t indicate whether or not my children have cell phones so you are spouting stupidity and ignorance in your response. I merely asked you a question.
Do I have a clue? Yes, as a matter of fact I do. Once you become a parent, please feel free to offer comments, thoughts and suggestions. Until then, you my dear, are clueless as you know nothing about the topic at hand, which is parenting. Enjoy your day!
By jeff golden
July 29, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
My point o all the above is in order to really know your child and who your child is hanging out with you need to be involved. By allowing a child NOT a 17 year or better but a child 17 or under to have the free will to talk to or say whatever they want without your knowledge is just plain crazy. I’m so involved with all my kids and we all get along as well as all there friends that there is no need for a cell phone. If you have something to say come on over or call my house. Hell we do things the good ol boy way.
By new mom
July 29, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Funny, how, when it makes a parent’s life more convenient, their children are suddenly so mature and responsible. I’ve seen lots of small children left at our neighborhood pool (breaking the ‘children must have supervision’ rule) while the one TEENAGE lifeguard is expected to be the parent to all of them. There’s no way anyone, let alone a teenager, can watch every single child to the level that a parent or other adult could. And those “parents” will be the first to sue if (heaven forbid) something happens to their child. Sad….
I agree with the ‘wait till they are old enough to pay for it’ crowd when it comes to cell phones.
I’m not naive enough to think our sweet girl will always be honest with me, and unless the cell has a tracking device in it, there’s no way to know where they actually are. (I was a 5th grade teacher, and most parents just thought their kids were perfect and acted shocked when I would tell them what they did wrong!)
Plus, when kids are just given items without having to pay for them, they grow up thinking they are ENTITLED to everything, but not expected to pay for it themselves. I think we already have a generation like that on our hands currently…I’m thinking of the teenagers I volunteered with…Most had everything handed to them, and expected that they should/would live the kind of lives their parents live without having to work for it.
By jmc
July 29, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Jeff Golden - sweet, your the one with a beer in your hand in every picture and your dogging JJ for a little weed use. I’d much rather my kids smoke dope than drink and drive. Really, there was no excuse for your attack. Slam a few more down and come back when your more mellow.
By new mom
July 29, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
jeff golden, we all agree that your wife is ‘smokin hot’. The hottest of them all.
NOW will you go and leave us alone?? Please???
By jeff golden
July 29, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Wow, How unbleivable is it that the same people that were here a week ago are back.I want apologize for my wife being hot nor will I comment on it again. As for the beer in my hand. If you notice I’m on the beach or my boat ( that probably cost more than your house) and I’m an adult. It also is legal to drink the last time I checked. As for New MOM why don’t you go get a job and go away. You and JMC are both complete smart a* and don’t deserve a comment. I can’t beleive that you would even be in a conversation as a new mom. Where do you have the right to say anything to anyone until you go through it. Get off your bon bon a* and do something with your life.
By Sarah
July 29, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
JSP, poor parenting skills do affect me. Kids with high powered cars and cell phones can cause my premature death on the road. I don’t have to be a parent to be concerned over my safety. I would say you sound like a typical out of shape bitter old shrew but I want to play nice.
By MrLiberty
July 29, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Do kids have cell phones because they want them or does mom and dad just prefer to let out a longer unbilical cord. Every kid I know with a cell phone has a parent practically permanently attached to the other end. There was a time when kids were allowed to grow up and be responsible for where they were and who they are with. Now its a matter of public record.
Parents, grow up and let your kids grow up too.
By JJ
July 29, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Hey everyone, don’t feed the trolls. Jeff Golden is a troll and so is Sarah. Neither have contributed anything worth reading.
Sarah - Drunk drivers also cause your premature death, so can eating bad foods, etc. Not just kids with cell phones and lazy parents.
Must we resort to name calling in this blog?
Mr. Liberty - please go back to Jim Wooten’s blog. We don’t need you here either.
By new mom
July 29, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Jeff Golden,
Thank you for your hysterical response. Classic, I expected nothing less. I thought saying “please” might have worked…
My immature reply: “Yeah? Well the jerk store called, they are running out of you!” (a George Costanza quote I’ve always wanted to use, but never had an occasion until now!)
My mature reply: We who have been on this blog for a while have developed a rapport, wherein we might disagree, but do so respectfully and refrain from name calling and general rudeness. Given your previous posts, you might want to find another blog that better suits your personality.
Off to bon bon shop….Hope everyone has a great day!
By shaggy
July 29, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Jeff Golden,
Your wife not only looks hot naked, she is a certified freak in the sheets. I’ll ask her later why she puts up with a jerk like you. You know, afterwards.
Cell phones are handy for wives of egotistical, jerk husbands too. Good Luck, sucker.
By new mom
July 29, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
I know, JJ, I should have let it go, but I just couldn’t help it. ;)
By JJ
July 29, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
newMom Will you please pick me up some of those bon bons while you are out? I seem to be running low with being at home all last week, chatting with my child on her cell phone while she was at the beach and DRIVING, trying to run Sarah into a premature death.
I like the chocolate ones…..
By jeff golden
July 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
If this is the best Blog you can find on the net you are a sad case. There’s maybe 10 of you here and most pop in and leave. I check it everday since I’m actually from Atlanta( wondering what state your transplanted from)I chose to only pop in when it’s a decent topic. Most of the AJC is straight garbage. With that said I must move on with my day of getting drunk on the OCEAN without traffic and parents that think it’s ok to smoke pot, have sex text and basicly have no idea of how to be a parent. Sara you are correct, Mr Liberty your also correct. JMC, JJ, New Mom are the prime example why people should no have kids. All three are from lower Atlanta with a combined 10th grade education level. More than likely they are stay at home mom, secretary, and JJ no job at all. All those people with good and creative comments thanks for the time . The rest can just go to hell. GIVE ALL THE CHILDREN CELL PHONES
By jg
July 29, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Biggest mistake was giving our teenagers cell phones.
Rule one should be confiscate the phone at 10pm - not shut it off - CONFISCATE it.
Why? Because these kids are on the phone until 3/4 in the morning or texting each other.
The one thing I also miss is listening in on their conversations - YES I snoop - it is MY HOUSE and I have every right to know what is coming in and out of that house including what is going into their ears.
And YES these kids are talking about sex and drugs and all sorts of stuff - know who your kids friends are.
I am not opposed if they are going out to let them have a cellphone with them - that is it.
As for texting - that is completely useless.
By jmc
July 29, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Jeff Golden - your canoe is nothing compared to my Master Craft and I don’t live in a trailer. My last tax appraisal said 817,497. Did you pay that for your little boat? If so, you got screwed again.
By new mom
July 29, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
No problem JJ, I’ll get you some chocolate bon bons. :) At least I’ll have something to do with my life!
By JJ
July 29, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
newMom You better make it two for me please. The munchies are kicking in from all that dope I seem to be smoking since I can’t get a job with my fifth great edumacation……
Ha ha…….oh yea, and I monitor my daughter’s sex text. Thank goodness she has a high school education so she can ‘splain that stuff to me……oh well, back to the pot pipe…..
By IGOTTHIS
July 29, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
my kid has just turned four and for his bday present i bought him the new apple i phone.. there an educational tool.. He learns to read write (Textmessaging) and communincate… He did not ask for one, but I gave it to him, and he really loves it… ANYONE who thinks kids are two young to have phones are in denial.. kids are doing alot of worse things at age 10 the talkin on the phone!!! But my child also has his own 4-10 shotgun, so i guess i am just a horrible parent, seeing how my kid will never work and doesnt have to worry about a thing… But ya you minimum wagers probalbly are right…
By Julie
July 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
First off -NO CHILD “needs” a cell phone! I’m sure you pro-cell phone parents are largely the same ones whose kids all have tvs, dvd players and video games in their rooms, and that you’re SURE they only use them when they’re supposed to. Yeah right. Health issues aside -my kids can get a cell phone in late middle school -high school when they’re actually old enough to be going out on their own on dates and social activities. Until then they won’t have any real use for one. I plan to know when their practices and school activities are over. And CINDIE -I don’t care how mature you think your kid is -at 6 no child should be at the pool on his own! GEEZ! The city of Atlanta’s public pool rules are NO CHILDREN UNDER 12 without an adult. There’s a reason for that! If I lived in your neighborhood I would be highly PO’d at your audacity to drop off your very young child so the rest of us could watch after him. One lifeguard isn’t enough to keep him safe either without adult supervision.
By ManOfTeal
July 29, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Wow this topic kinda blows today. My kids will not have a cell phone until they are old enough to pay for the service themselves.
By Becky
July 29, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Seems to me that if you have to keep patting yourself on the back, you need to find something in life that will make you more secure.. jeff, if drinking & smoking in fromt of you children makes you a “wonderul” Dad, you don’t have many expectations in life do you? JJ, I won’t respond to jeff again..Enjoy your bon bons..I’ve never tried them, guess I will this week..
By Boohoo
July 29, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
I used to work for ATT Wireless. The scientist who developed the cell phone technology (and tested it) developed brain cancer and died. Before he died, he went public, saying that cellular technology caused his tumour. ATT Wireless told us to squash that info.
By Amused
July 29, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
My son is 13 and even though I never thought I’d get him a cell phone so young, I did last year. This is one of those things where I don’t think it’s necessary for elementary-age kids (unless you’re in a split custody situation, in which case I completely understand) but once you’re kids get a little older, it becomes a very handy parenting tool. I got my son the phone NOT because I won’t ‘cut the cord’ but actually quite the opposite. I wanted him to have the freedom to hang out with his friends and ride his bike in our neighborhood all the while knowing that if he really needed me or I needed him, I could get in touch with him. Plus, it’s only $10 a month to add him to our family plan and I got the phone free so the extra cost is not a huge deal (less than 3 gallons of gas a month at the current rate!)
The real benefit to me though came when he started playing sports for school this past year. I can’t count the times that practice ran late or got cancelled. I loathe sitting and waiting in a parking lot so I got to the point where I just didn’t leave the house until he called or sent me a message that they were done. Or he could send me a message letting me know if practice was cancelled so I would know when to pick him up. Plus every time he’s on a trip now (school, church, Scouts), he can call to let us know about what time they’ll be home and then usually he’ll call when they’re 15-20 mins away so we can come pick him up. On the flip side, for those commuter parents out there, it also allows you to let your child know when YOU are running late/ stuck in traffic. I expect my son to let me know when he’s running late and therefore I give him the same respect and let him know when I am.
That being said, my son barely uses any of his minutes for talking (on average less than 1 hour a month) so I am not really concerned about the cancer risk but he does text a lot. Initially I did not get a messaging plan but since my husband & I starting using messaging too, I got the unlimited family plan and he has to pay for 1/3 of the cost of that. I have also learned that it’s a great punishment to take away the cell phone. Forget grounding him off of the TV he barely watches, instead I just take away his phone.
By Penguinmom
July 29, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
I hate texting amongst teens. They will stand next to each other and text instead of talking. Texting can’t be overheard by the adults so the kids can talk about things they don’t want us to know.
I agree with the confiscating the phone at night (or anytime you don’t want unauthorized conversations to happen.)
I will definitely get a cellphone for my kid when he starts driving, but I’m not sure about how much earlier than that it will happen. And I’ll check the bill very carefully to see what contacts he is making.
By Becky
July 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
I have custody of my 2 nieces & at age 14 & 16, they both have cell phones..They have them because I don’t have a home phone & I work about 45 mins. away from home..They both are involved in after school activities, so I know when they are home..Yes, they both pay their own bill..Julie, yes they have dvds, tvs & games in their room..BUT guess what? They both made honor roll this year..Not all children are hooligans just because they have things that we didn’t have as children..
By Keith
July 29, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Hi guys — Didn’t mean to get everyone upset with today’s topic. But I really was curious if the cell phone health warnings were a concern to parents.
Good or bad, the reality is there are a LOT of kids out there carrying some sort of cell phone — some are very young in age. Even more parents carry the phones — and their children could be talking on them.
So if your kids have a mobile, will the health warnings cause you to limit the amount of time they are allowed to be on the phone? Are health warnings a reason not to let them use a mobile? Are you as a parent concerned about your own risk and do you think you will limit your cell phone use?
By Sugar
July 29, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
My kids got their phones at 8. They simply HAD to have them, because they were bored out of their minds with the XBox, the Playstation, the Wii, the Nintendo, the Playboy subscriptions we got for each of them, the cars we bought them, and both tvs and top of the line computers in their bedrooms. They have to have something to do while idling the summer away. I wont let them work, they are way to busy sex texting their friends to actually have a job. But that’s ok, I’ll just keep giving them what they want so they will love me more.
Oh, and my husband is hotter than Jeff Goldens wife, and has more money too. Our little boat was appraised at over $1,000,000. biggest one on the lake. We stay out on the boat all day long, so the kids with all their gizmos don’t bother us. I mean, that’s why we bought all that stuff for them. They love us and leave us alone, so we can do drugs and drink, swap spouses, and have big ole parties on the boat.
see ya at the lake… smooches!!
By jmc
July 29, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Julie - your correct. My kids (teens) have it all and I’m proud of them too. As long as they continue to be as responsible as they have been, they can have anything they want and as long as I’m buying it, it’s none of your business. Jeff Golden - you don’t have any brain cells left anyway so pop atop again and do what you do best with your life - get drunk.
By Becky
July 29, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
sorry for the typos..
By Lynn
July 29, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Wow, the hostility in here today. Both my girls have cell phones and have had since the divorce. One lives with me and one with dad so for us it is a necessity. I think that it’s up to each parent to decide when/if their child needs a phone. That’s the great part about being an American.
By Ross
July 29, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
I treat cell phones for my kids the same way I do thongs. I’m not buying it for you, so if you want them, get a job and buy them yourself.
By Shon
July 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
I think each case is different and the decision is up to each parent. My 13 year old son have a cell phone because he needs it, especially during the school year. During the school year he stays after school for either band practice or the afterschool program and during the fall/winter it’s dark when he gets home. He let me know when he’s leaving the school and when he is getting off of the public transit bus becasue that’s our means of transportation now. I opted not to have a land line at home so when i’m gone and he’s there babysitting with his sisters he will have easy access to contact me or anyone else in an emergency. If I leave with my phone or just leave my phone with him there will be no means of communication. Plus, he pays his own phone bill. As far as my daughters I don’t think they need a phone right now and I won’t purchase one for them until I think its needed.
By SAG
July 29, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Wait until your kids start writing like they text and see how cute the teachers think it is. When I was young and had time alone I read books; today kids are texting instead of reading. 2007 was the lowest level of reading in spare time for kids ages 10 to 14 in over 50 years. Dumb down your kids, hand them each gadget that comes down the pike to help facilitate their stupidity. This is Georgia, home of the lowest SAT scores in the nation, so buy them two phones! I’m sure all of you are the proud parents of the 4.0 GPA honor students and no one here is a parent to one of the low SAT scoring kids. Afterall, aren’t you all just picture perfect? Don’t stop with a phone, get some Paris Hilton Little Girl Hooker sunglasses to go with them, I suggest the Prada knock-offs, they’re fabulous. The look won’t be complete without a manicure like moms and a French pedicure and a glowing MySpace page saying how sexy I got by age 10. Grrr…what a confederacy of dunces some of us have no choice but to live with.
By Bree
July 29, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
im 16, in a few months i will b 17. iv had a phone ever sence 5th grade. when i was in elementry i really only had one use for it n that was keeping in touch with my mom to let her i know what i was going to be up to.
but really i dont think ppl (kids, Teens) need to worrie about dieing because of a cell phone. what else can the governemt come out with that is going to kill us. we cant b in the sun for more than 15 mints, women r dieing from breathing because theres something in the air that is causing us to get breast cancer. i mean everything we have and own is going to kill us. im sry i just dont believe that we r going to die from using a cell phone.
By Amy
July 29, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
When my now-7-yr-old first entered kindergarten at age 5, she was sent home on the bus in the afternoon on the 2nd day of school, even though I had specified that I work full time and she was to stay in the after school program. You can bet she got a cell phone that day, but it’s the Firefly that can only call me or her father in an emergency. It only accepts incoming calls from numbers we have programmed in.
By JeremiahWright
July 29, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
No, and adults don’t NEED them either.
By JeremiahWright
July 29, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Cindie, you’re nuts. When your 6yo drowns don’t sue the life guard. He’s simply not paying attention anyway. I can’t believe how man irresponsible parents there are in this country.
By JeremiahWright
July 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
I hope Bree’s post is facetious. Otherwise she’s another young and upcoming idiot.
By catlady
July 29, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
My youngest daughter, the only one impacted by this as a schoolgirl, got one when she started driving. She was active in school, but did not have to “let me know” anything because I did all the taking/picking up of her.
Oh, and she did not get unlimited driving privileges immediately either. No driving people around, limited daytime driving, no night/rain driving.
Concern about cell phones? Sure, but cell phones are long way down the list of my concerns.
By Jesse's Girl
July 29, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Our oldest is 11 and she travels with a competitve cheer squad. We gave her a cell phone in January so that communication would easier in the event that neither me or Jesse could make the practices or the competitons. It is only given to her when she is either at practice, a competition, camp, or staying with friends or relatives. It is in my purse when she is home. Is it a neccessity? Absolutely not. But it sure makes things easier in this day and age of busy schedules and the like. If you disagree with it….then do not allow your child to have one. If you do purchase one…take it away when there isn’t a need to use it. Works for us.
By Clay
July 29, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I guess the simple answer is that no one needs a cell phone. We all survived for thousands of years without one.
The real answer is we all need cell phones now. My children are 8, 10 and 12 and they all got cell phones when they turned 8. They can go to friend’s houses, the park, etc. and I can get in touch with any of them right away. After school activities, scouts, sports, etc—I can get in touch with them right away. We go to Target and they want to look for Bakugans while I look for toilet paper? I can get in touch with them right away. We go to the mall and they want to get something to drink while I’m trying on shoes? I can get in touch with them right away. I don’t know why anyone would let thier child leave the house without one.
By Jesse's Girl
July 29, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Oh…as far as the radiation is concerned…I think we have more of an immediate issue with big screen tv’s and microwaves. I hate mocrowaves…
By Jesse's Girl
July 29, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
What the hell is a Bakugan?
By Clay
July 29, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
If you don’t know what a Bakugan is, then you don’t need to know. You must not have boys.
By JeremiahWright
July 29, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
I am a huge duchetool. Don’t listen to me all I do is talk out of my own A$$. My parents never talked to me growing up and they kept me in the basement away from the normal people. I also have crabs.
By Hmmm....
July 29, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
I had 3 children in school when the Columbine massacre occurred. I promptly bought the high schooler a cell phone. Trust me that it gave me immeasurable peace of mind that my child had a cell phone. The next one up played sports and as mentioned by others, it made for far fewer hours sitting in parking lots, waiting. Even the kids recognize that it’s a sort of “electronic leash”. For the younger ones, they don’t need 24/7 access to it, but for those days you need it, it can’t be beat! It’s just another “tool”, to be used properly!
By Lynn
July 29, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Catlady, no driving in the rain/dark?? How is she suppose to learn to do that unless she does it? My daughter is 16 and driving. She also has a job that requires she work till 8-9 some nights. This wouldn’t be possible if I had to drive as I work full time and see clients in the evenings. She took all required courses to get her license which included multiple hours of her driving in the rain/dark. I feel confident that she knows to slow down and be extra careful in these conditions. Probably more so than most of us adults.
By Caring Father
July 29, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I have a soon to be 14 year old and a 10 going on 16 year old and we refuse to allow them to have cell phones. Additionally, we’ve banned them from using their friends phones as well. Yes, they are in the minority, especially at a private school in North Atlanta where parents come up with any excuse to give in to their children and not be parents. However, we are suppposed to be parents first. When they start driving on their own we will most likely allow them to have a cell phone but anything before that is unlikely unless it is a “family phone” that they use only in special situations. This is especially true since one of ours is a girl and it seems that young boyfriends nowdays try to control their girlfriends with frequent checkups on the phone, including late at night when they should be sleeping.
By JeremiahWright
July 29, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
“This wouldn’t be possible if I had to drive as I work full time and see clients in the evenings.”
Lynn is a prostitute….I knew it.
By Caring Father
July 29, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
SAG, While some of your comments are okay, the others seem to indicate you have some mental issues. You should get help for that and go back to where you came from. This by the way, is a national or international issue not a GA issue. You are also a little under educated when you don’t realize that many states only have the top 10 or 20% take the SAT, while GA usually is over 70%. My guess it that you wouldn’t understand the importance of that so when you have some time ask a smart person to sit down and explain it to you.
By Somewhere Between
July 29, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I’m 19, and like many people have said: there is no one right answer to this question. (Just for reference, I got my cell when I was 14, and I started texting in college.) Giving your child a cell phone is in no way a sign that you are a bad parent. I really don’t understand what makes people think that.
My primary fear (and something no one else has mentioned) is that growing up with a cell phone causes it to become a crutch, a security blanket, a necessity. Whenever I drive somewhere alone and realize on the road that I forgot my cell, I get a little jolt of fear. What if my car breaks down? What if I get lost? What if my mom tries to call me and she can’t? It takes me a minute to remember that people have been driving without cell phones for years. The third fear is the most frustrating. Before cell phones, my mom would have had to learn to let go. Now if she calls and I don’t pick up, I’m “Impossible to get ahold of.” I have to carry my phone at all times to avoid this accusation.
One thing you must never include in your decision-making is something one poster said: that their kid could borrow their friend’s phone. If you are counting on your child borrowing a friend’s cell, or if you have ever called your child’s friend’s phone to contact your child, for Pete’s sake, buy your kid a cell phone. You are taking advantage of that child’s parents who are basically paying your kid’s phone bill, and you are telling your kid it’s ok to be a mooch. No - you are forcing your kid to be a mooch. You’ll be lucky if the kid has friends left the way you’re eating up their minutes.
One last thing: cell phones risk antiquating phone etiquette. When kids talk to their friends on cell phones, they bypass parents and siblings. Basically, they’ll lose the years of experience kids used to have of talking to (and being polite to) strangers on the phone - something that would certainly come in handy in the professional world.
By TK
July 29, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
I agree with many of you…..I really think our children DO NOT need cell phones until they are older….it is so easier for so many of us adults to make excuses as to why they need them. I think it is more about the parents issues than the kids….I really do not know how my freinds & I were able to grow up & survive without these kinds of things….it really is amazing to me.
By Jesse's Girl
July 29, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Clay…there is simply no need to be an a*******hole. And I do have a son. He just doesn’t beg for everything he sees on TV or in stores.
By new mom
July 29, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
The award for most mature, well-written, and thoughtful post of the day goes to: Somewhere Between.
Thank you for your perspective, you brought up many things that most of us had probably not considered.
By Cindie's a Grandma!
July 29, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Cindie sounds like she’s ready to be a grandmother already - and she’s preparing for it by sending her 6 year old off without adult supervision. Go ahead and be ready to raise your grandchild bec