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Author: mobile-smile.net

Description: A Cell Phone for your Tween by Daniel Swensen


As cell phones become more popular, the marketing of cell phones has expanded to increasingly younger demographics. The latest age group to be targeted are "tweens:" children between the ages of 8 and 12, tech-savvy and raised on the Internet. As marketing and peer pressure come to bear on your children, you may find them clamoring for their own cell phone. Although there are some definite benifits to acquiring a cell phone for your child -- most notably staying in touch and keeping tabs on your child -- there are also some definite cautions to keep in mind before making your purchase.

The Right Cell Phone for your Tween

Fortunately, parents looking for kids' cell phones will find plenty of choices at hand. Recognizing a burgeoning new market, cell phone manufacturers have created phones aimed at children as young as five years old, some of them all but indistinguishable from toys -- the Cingular Firefly, for example, features brightly-colored "Mom and Dad" keys, making it easy for children to use.

Most tweens, however, will probably prefer a cell phone that looks more "adult." Disney's DM-P100, for example, is a sophisticated-looking flip-phone complete with a digital camera and downloadable Disney content. The DM-P100 also comes with parental controls in the form of Family Manager, which will allow parents to limit calls and text messaging, and even track children's movements with the built-in GPS system. While it might seem Orwellian to some (especially the kids!), the resulting peace of mind for parents can be a significant benefit.

Cautionary Tales

All cell phones come with certain responsibilities, of course, whether they're in the hands of children or adults. For parents, the biggest concern will likely be putting limits on the day-to-day operation of the phone. Television commercials mine cell phone sticker-shock for comedic purposes, portraying chatty teens racking up expensive airtime minutes as their parents quail in keen economic horror -- but to a parent experiencing a very real phone bill, it's probably not nearly as funny. Fortunately, many kids' cell phones come with parental controls to help avoid some of these pitfalls, limiting calls or text messages to avoid running up the tab.

There are also more elusive drawbacks to consider, such as the inherent distraction of a new gadget. Tweens, whether they admit it or not, are likely to use their cell phone during school hours to text their friends or listen to music, distracting from the daily routine. You might want to consider a cell phone plan with some insurance, as children can be accident-prone and phones can be expensive to replace.

As with any electronic device, the ownership of a cell phone comes with certain obligations -- but that doesn't have to be a negative thing. Combining increased responsibility for the children with greater connectivity and security for the parents can make your child's cell phone ownership a win-win scenario.