While you and I didn’t have cell phones growing up, the world is changing. Kids do a lot of learning and socializing through their phones these days. At a certain age, they can feel isolated from their friends without one. Plus, they’re an excellent safety tool – we want them to be able to contact us at any time.

Then again, a cell phone is a distraction that may interrupt their studies and good old fashioned play. They could potentially talk to someone with bad intentions, or cause harass their peers. So what’s the right age to give your child a cell phone?

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Every family is different; you’ll have to decide for yourself. Here are some questions to ask to determine if your kids should get a phone:

1. Are they responsible?

A phone is not a cheap purchase. Some iPhones can run as high as $700! I don’t recommend a pricey version for a young kid, but even the base models have a price. You need to make sure your kid is responsible enough not to lose it on the bus or toss it out with their lunch tray.

They also need to be responsible to not abuse the device. With a smart phone, kids can create and send images, text, and video. Will they film something inappropriate or bully someone?

2. Do they need to be in touch?

Depending on your family’s situation, some kids will need a phone sooner than others. If your kid spends time alone after school, rides public transportation, or walks home, you may want to provide them with a phone for emergencies. But if they’re always with you, they don’t need one.

3. Do they understand limits?

Naturally, you’ll put limits on their first phone. They can’t download anything they like, spend hours using it, or talk to strangers. You’ll have to be able to communicate those limits and enforce them.

4. Do they need a phone… or a mini computer?

Smart phones offer a lot of features other than calling. There are some arguments for kids to have access to a phone all the time, but not a gaming machine they can hide under their desks in class. If they just want something for games and movies, you may not want to provide one.

5. Can they actually use it?

Using a phone requires multi-step processes. They have to search through contacts, type out sentences, open apps, etc. If your child is too young to understand how to take multiple step to achieve a goal, they are too young for a phone.

6. Can you accept the expense?

Most smart phones require a data package, but the minimum usually isn’t enough for most people. Make sure you’re financially OK with paying the extra every month.

At what age did you give your kids their first cell phone?

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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