728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Back to School Headquarters › Cell Phones for Kids?

Cell Phones for Kids?

Do Kids Really Need Cell Phones?

By Greg Taillon

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Cell Etiquette
Cell phone etiquette (cell etiquette) is common decency manners that should be observed by all in today's media-driven society. Children should be taught proper cell etiquette if they are allowed to have their own phones. I recommend a 20-foot buffer for cell phone use around others. This rule respects others and keeps your call confidential.

It is rude to interrupt a one-on-one conversation by answering a cell phone. It is even ruder to carry on a discussion with someone on a cell phone in close proximity to others. It is surprising how many American students violate cell phone etiquette in today's media culture. Phones are ringing in classrooms, study halls, assemblies, school concerts and even in quiet libraries. Young drivers are using cell phones on the road. The City of New York will now fine cell abusers $50 if their phones go off during plays, concerts and public performances.

Fines for drivers are being issued in many states. Cell phone use at the wheel is discouraged by driver education courses, and parents should set a strict rule on this. Hands-free options are available. (The importance of headsets will be discussed below.)

New Technologies and Services
Cell phones are now digital cameras. Web sites are available to post photos taken from cell phone cameras. Many children have used cell phones for taking not-so-flattering photos of classmates and posting them online. Students can download images and place them on their cell phones. Many images may not be suitable for public display in schools.

Video games are also becoming increasingly high tech as cell phone technology improves. The Nokia N-Gage phones offer complete multimedia messaging, e-mail, high-graphic gaming, music, radio and Web browsing. Imagine the possibilities for students' attention when this technology exists. Students use text messages to pass notes in class. It is no longer necessary to fold paper notes into triangles as we once did!


Pages:  1  2  3  4  


Want to see more?