Moms Talk: Should I Give My Children A Cell Phone?

Each week in Moms Talk, the Haverford-Havertown Patch’s Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question: Should I give my children a cell phone?

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Julie Carosella (mother of 3): Depends on the age. I have a 4, 5 and 9 year old and they are not ready for one. At this time none of them are going anyplace without me or another adult present. When they start going places without supervision then yes.  It will give them a way to stay in contact with me and my husband.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Emily Teeple Morrison (mother of 2): I think it depends on the age and maturity of the child.  If your child is old enough, you can look at it as a good opportunity to teach responsibility; however, I think ground rules and parameters definitely need to be set at the beginning and consequences given if those are broken.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Denise Ricchini (mother of 1): I think an appropriate age to give your child a cell phone is middle school. This is the time that children being to start hanging around their friends more often and participate in after school curricular activities. A phone where parents are able to block unnecessary features would be ideal for that age group.