In the 1998 comedy, The Wedding Singer, Robbie is told by a little boy that he’s, “the craziest person [he] knows.” Robbie’s responds that the little boy only knows his parents—so craziest is a bit of an overstatement. But only knowing your parents certainly isn’t. And when it comes to the range of individuals you might need to call as an adult versus those who your child might need, the comparison isn’t quite equal. Adults can admit (although, you would be hard-pressed to find one who will) that they themselves hardly NEED a cellphone. So, giving one to your eight-year-old seems to lack a bit of reasoning.
Deciding the right time to buy your child a cellphone can be a hard decision to make. You mind goes to safety, safety, safety! How will you even know where you little one is if he or she does not have a cellphone with them? Remember that most of the time your little one is likely to be with you; so you will know exactly where he or she is. When you are considering a mobile-phone purchase for your teenager, such makes more sense. But consider the following in your decision:
Responsibility level of your child: will they use the phone as intended; will they take care of it?
How often will they be alone?
Needing a cellphone because a friend has one is not a reasonable request. In the end, buying your child a cellphone should not create strife between you and your child. Mobile devices are not critical to social status nor to one’s ability to be entertained. A key part of making this decision easier is to model these actions yourself. If you as the parent overdo it with the importance of gadgetry, don’t be surprised when your little one pesters you to get them one of those too!
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