Parents' mobile phone fears

Fri, 07/18/2008 - 16:01
An online poll conducted by national parenting charity Parentline Plus revealed that parents think children shouldn't be given their first mobile phone until they are at least 11 years old.

Out of the 427 parents who took part in the survey, 47 per cent thought children should wait till they are aged between 11 and 13 before they are given their first mobile phone, with 27 per cent saying their child should wait till they were 14 or above. 

Parentline Plus says that parents are under pressure to buy their child mobile phones from an early age, with phones specifically designed for four year olds being on sale. Acting Chief Executive of Parentline Plus, Lucy Edington said ‘Children today are really into gadgets, whether it be the latest all- singing, all-dancing mobile phone or a games console, and mums and dads are bound to get pestered about buying their child his or her first mobile phone at some point. It's important to resist pester power but to make a considered decision, and if you do feel your child is ready to have a mobile, to set some ground rules to make sure you and your child get the most out of it.'

In order to help parents make a decision and set rules about mobile phones, the charity has put together a quick guide which is listed below and can be found on their website.

Parentline Plus' guide to things to consider when tackling the mobile phone dilemma

• What would it cost you, not only for the first pay out but for all the credit too?
• What would your child use it for?
• Would it be a distraction, and are your children trying to be too grown up? Would they be on their phone constantly which would cause arguments at meals or bedtime or when they were supposed to be doing their homework?
• Many separated parents Parentline Plus spoke to could see the positives of keeping in touch through the mobile phone, whether it was the non-resident parent who could send texts or call the child directly, or the resident parent who felt reassured that their child could keep in touch during contact if they needed to
• Some parents said they like the idea their child has a safety net and could get in touch easily if they didn't feel safe at times such as walking home from school or on the school bus.
• Some parents worried that this could be another way the bullies could get to their child, but that mobiles could make their child feel more safe knowing they could phone a parent or adult if they didn't feel safe.>
• Some parents didn't want their children to feel left out if all their friends had phones and they were the only one who didn't.

Setting rules and conditions if you have decided to get your child a mobile phone

• Ban the mobile phone in the bedroom at night. Research shows that children or adults do not sleep as soundly if the mobile is sitting by the bed as we are always listening out for that text or phone ring-which makes us tired and less able to concentrate.
• Ban the mobile phone at other times such as meal times, or when they are supposed to be doing their homework. The phone has to be switched off or put in another room. This will save arguments and nagging at a later date if the rule is set beforehand.
• Most schools ban mobile phones in the classroom and will confiscate them if found. Make sure your child is aware of the rules and the consequences.
• Before you go out to buy the phone set a price and what you are willing to pay for credit each week/month so that you help to manage their expectations and they won't come pestering you for more credit if they use it all up in a short space of time. Don't get trapped into paying out lots more as your child plays the old, ‘I need more credit in case of an emergency' line!
• Be clear with your child that if they lend their phone to a friend, give it away or swap it you won't replace it so they understand the phone is their responsibility.