Your Child and the Cell Phone: The Controversy and the Facts

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Children Want Cell Phones! Parents Have Concerns...What to Do?

Younger and younger children are clamoring for cell phones. Companies like Disney have plans to market to the 8 year old market. Disney had to change their phones to make them 'more grown up' as kids get more sophisticated. It s whole new world.

My intent is to discuss the hazards and the advantages of buying children cell phones as well as the most efficient, inexpensive and healthiest way to do it.

I hope that this lens will encourage thought about this issue, give parents some support in making the decisions and provide information to make this a safe, inexpensive and happy experience.

Explore the Issues With Cell Phones for Kids and Teens: Find Solutions!

1. The parental issues, with suggestions and a solution.

2. The economic concerns about kids and cell phones including a great solution!

3. The health dangers with kids and cell phones with a solution!

Unbridled Cell Phone Use Has Psychological Concequences Also

Parenting and Cell Phones 

One of these things is true: Either your kids have cell phones or they are begging you for cell phones, or you live on Fiji in the 20th century.

There are several parenting pros and cons.

Pros

1. Your child will always be able to reach you. No mistakes about who is picking them up or worry about getting home from an inappropriate party.

2. With modern phones you can track where your kids are, assuming the phone is on them.

3. Learning how to manage the pre-paid minutes is a way to learn budgeting and responsibility.

Cons

1. Kids get thing so easily today that they don't appreciate much at all.

2. They spend too much time on the phone and even less time with the family.

3. Predators have yet another way to reach your children.

4. Kids brains are especially vulnerable to the electropolution that comes from the cell phone. (See below, I tell you how to fix that!

Take a look at the picture. This is a common scene. I just hope this mother has a protected phone

Cell Companies Are Marketing To Younger and Younger Children and Parents Allow

Some Cell Phone Issues 

Informative videos give food for thought and a great idea to solve some of the problems.

1. Advice from a prominent psychologist

2. A funny video I couldn't resist

3. The phone that will please parents!

Kids and Cell Phones

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Why Kids Shouldn't Have Cell Phones

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'Happy Hour' 11/07/07 A Cell Phone for Kids

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curated content from YouTube

"Yes, dear children, you can have a cell phone.

Here are our the rules!"

Parent Tips 

The basics for cell phones are the same as for other parenting decisions.

1. Parents must be in charge.

2. It really doesn't matter if everyone else has them (and believe it or not, that isn't true anyway).

3. Cell usage is a privilege and kids need to earn it.

4. Since it is a privilege any misuse results in the loss of social use, no ifs and or buts (see the phone advertised here. They can be programed to only call parents! Making it a total win for parents).

5. Be consistent with the rules.

6. The rules should fit in with other rules that you have in your home.

7. Cell phones can be used by predators just like the internet. Be alert; monitor use and especially incoming calls.

8. You are the boss.

Meet With Kids:

Make sure they are following the rules and earning their cell phone privileges!

Check this periodically. Nothing worse that having rules you don't enforce.

The Answer to 1/2 of Your Cell Phone Problems 

Amazing Price on the Kajeet!

This phone puts you in control of your children's cell phones.

You can program it to only call you, great when they are on restriction for overuse.

Since it is prepaid, there are no unpleasant, expensive surprises at the end of the month.

Prepaid, it can be programed where parents only pay for calls home or to 911, and the kids pay for everything else!

Program it to block certain numbers! Use the GPS system.

The possibilities are unlimited!

Get This Phone, Then Go to BioPro to Make It Safe!

Samsung SGH-M300 Prepaid Phone, Red (Kajeet)

Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 12/31/2009)Buy Now

This phone solves several of the parenting issues as you can program it to do or not do just about anything.

It solves the money problem as it is prepaid. Additionally it can be set up where the parents pay for only what they want, while the kids pay for all those tect messages.

One of the Advantages for Parents 


Cell Locator Tool Could Help Parents Track Kids

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curated content from YouTube

Should Kids Have Cell Phones? 

There are many questions about kids and cell phones. The cost, the exposure to radiation, the social problems on the no side and the convenience, safety and fun on the other.

Should kids have sell phones?

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If they earn the priviledge, act responsiblity and are protected from radiation, then YES.

Jillian says:

Last year, at my son's school, there was a snow day half-way through. He had not been able to contact me to pick him up (we live too far away from school for him to walk home). If he had owned a cell phone at this time, this problem could have easily been resolved.

mulberry says:

Under certain circumstances it's fine. I think it should be based on need not want. It's really not a toy, it's a tool. But, I'm not a parent so...

aj2008 says:

Yes, but ban them from the living room and mealtimes!

niicki says:

I think it's more than just should they or shouldn't they, but whether they NEED them. Some schools in my area are requiring that kids have them, so in case of a school emergency they can contact their parents. Some kids in a lot of extra curricular activities might need them to notify Mom or Dad about the end of a meet. But in a lot of cases, I simply don't see the NEED for a cell phone - only another kid following the flock in search of being "cool". And in those cases, NO, I don't think kids need cell phones.

No, kids have too many things now that they don't appreciate, this is spoiling them.

LauraSchofield says:

No. My son feels left out because he doesn't have a phone at school. They aren't even allowed at school. Who does he need to phone at 11 years old? I won't allow it.

 

Parents and Cell Bills 

These humorous videos may seem familiar, but they are not good examples.

Don't do this at home!

kids and cell phones

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Baby Talk: Cell Phone Bill Struggle -www.MyValidas.com

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curated content from YouTube

The Cost of Cell Phones. 

Kids Just Don't Get It!

Remember how you couldn't wait until after class to tell your best friend something so you passed a note and maybe got into trouble?

Well, kids today are no different. They can't wait either. They just have the technology to do it without getting caught! The other problem is that every message, unlike the note, costs and usually costs the parents.

Set boundaries from the beginning.

1. Decide what part of it the kid will pay for based on age and ability to pay. But don't give them too much. This is a chance for them to learn about money.

2. If they break the rules, pay only for calls to yourself (you can do that with Kajeet phone).

3. Only get a pay as you go phone to help control usage, that way they don't get a bill they can't pay that you end up paying.

Some parents are getting everything covered plans to avoid expensive overuse charges. That is certainly your choice, however, they are missing a chance to use the phone to teach their children finances and fiscal responsibility. For that reason I recommend that you consider the pay as you go phones. This adds a 'pro' to having the phone.

Children's Brains Are Undeveloped...

that makes cell phones more dangerous for them. They must be protected.

The Answer to the Other 1/2 of the Problem 

If They Have Cell Phones, Protect Them!

There are good reasons for kids to have phones and some negatives. Even if money isn't a concern for you, your kids must be protected.

Bill Gates doesn't have to worry about text messaging fees, but his kids are as vulnerable to the radiation as yours are.

You can protect your kids for under $40 per phone.

Cell Phones and Kids' Brains 

Here is a variety of videos about the health dangers of cell phones. The last one shows how three cell phones popped some corn!

While researching for videos I found many more about the dangers of cell phones and what they can do to children, even more than adults.

I was concerned that they were interspersed with cute little homemade videos of babies and toddlers playing with and talking on cell phones. I wanted to call all the parents. Hopefully they will see this.

I wouldn't scare you about this, if there weren't a solution.

Skull Penetration of Cell Phone Radiation in Children

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Cell Phone Dangers - Not Good for Children

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Emf electrical radiation pollution pt 2 involving cell phone

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Cell Phone Radiation, Health Effects of Cell Phones

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Baby on cell phone

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curated content from YouTube

Here Are the Products to Protect Their Health 

and a way to buy them for 20 to 30% off

BioPro Products to Protect Your Children
Read all the research about the problem and the solution. Then learn how to buy products to protect your family and yourself from cell phones and other forms of eletropolution.

Would Love to Hear Your Opinions About Cell Phone and Kids and This Lens! 

Don't Forget to Rate It!

Is there are point I haven't covered here? Please let me know and I will include it.

Any tips for parents would be great!

Lensmaster

aj2008 wrote...

The Childrens and Parenting Group that this lens belonged to has survived all the recent changes on Squidoo and is now a Lensography. This lens is now featured at Children and Parenting HQ.

And of course this visit gives me the chance to Bless this excellent lens.

ReplyPosted November 24, 2009

Lensmaster

aj2008 wrote...

Just revisiting lenses in the Children and Parenting Group to say how proud I am of the quality of lenses in the Group and that I am so glad this is one of them. You have been Blessed by an Angel!

ReplyPosted May 20, 2009

Carol
Lensmaster

Carol wrote

Hey, you have a great lens. Awesome job. I think your readers might find my article interesting: http://www.yodaphone.com/articles/CellPhoneforChildrenandTheirBusyParents.aspx">Cell Phones for Children and Their Busy Parents. Thanks and keep up a good work.

ReplyPosted May 19, 2009

Lensmaster

wrote...

Wonderful lens. Cell phones were just coming into vogue when my kids entered high school. The wanted them but it was easy to resist. Today... Every one of my students carry a cell phone. I understand the need, but they are so good at texting that I have to watch them like a hawk during tests. They text the answers back and forth! I don't think there's an easy solution to the problem.
Very informative lens.
Thank you,
Bj

ReplyPosted November 29, 2008

Lensmaster

Teddi14 wrote...

I have a 6 year old and I make him use the speaker or the earphones. I take this stuff seriously!

ReplyPosted October 13, 2008

 
1 of 2 pages

Some of the Downside to Cell Phone and Kids.  

Along with a link from Good Housekeeping about the pros and cons of different phones for different ages.
Kids' Cell Phones Reviewed
Good Houseing Magazine does a review of phones by feature, price and age appropriateness.
Japanese Kids Obsessed with Cell Phones
Can cell phones be overused? Well, kids would probably say no, but you should set limits to make sure yours don't.
Cheating with Cell Phones
A down side to cell phones. This article tells how kids use cell phones to cheat on tests. Kids can and will think of many misuses for these devices. Be alert.

Meet With Kids:

Check all incoming numbers on their cell phones!

Make sure their BioPro cell chips are there.

Your Kids Want Technology? Surprise Them with This New Technology 

Get Your Kids Hooked on Reading With This Gadget

They love uploading and downloading things...give them this and they will have a library with them at all times. Who knows, maybe the next time they are bored they will read instead of text!

Any Purchase Here Will Contribute to Heifer International: The Pay It Foward Entrepreneurial Charity

More Margo Arrowsmith Lenses About Parenting and Other Things 

Other Lensmasters on Parenting 

Feed Your Cells Pure Food 

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About Margo Arrowsmith 

Lensmaster Margo_Arrowsmith has been a member since June 21 2008, has rated 2,018 lenses, favorited 121, and has created 129 lenses from scratch. Margo Arrowsmith donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "Hooters Is Not a Family Restaurant". See all my lenses

My Bio

Squidoo Lens of the Day!

For Arrowsmith Printing 9/22/08

I was born into a small business, I believe that small business and entrepreneurs are the backbone of America and what has made us great. They are what made us great and will save us in these unsure times. I have never wanted to have a great job. Well, better a great one, than a boring dead end one, and I have had both. But I have never really wanted a job at all.

Don't get me wrong, I am a hard worker. I have worked a full-time job, a part time job and a private practice all at the same time for a lot of years in my past. It isn't the work, its the working for someone else. Never wanted to do that, and I don't understand those who want to do that.

When I was six months old my parents bought their first small town weekly newspaper in Iowa. This was back in the day, back when small town newspapers were not just advertising sheets. Perhaps there are still some of them that are real, I hope so.

So I came by this perverse nature naturally. My path to self employment has been different than theirs, but it has always been my path, my direction.

Growing up in Iowa, in the fifties, I also grew up politically conservative. By the time I was 30 I was radically left. Today? I am proudly liberal and what that means will be clearer as we progress.

However, I have had conflicts about 'taking advantage of people'. I now know that employing people is not automatically taking advantage of them, but it took a while for me to learn that nothing is intrinsically good or bad. Well, almost nothing.

I have educated myself in business, I have a small business and I have used EFT and other energy clearing methods to help me clarify the old conflicts and move forward.

My mission here is to provide a forum for people who want to work independently through one person businesses or through employing others and for whom the betterment of human kind is an important value. My lenses are about offering good products, teaching people about betting their lives, and using the money they make for their pleasure and the benefit of others.

That is how I see business and if you have a similar vision I invite you to my blog www.creatingbusinessenergy.com

Margo Arrowsmith

Raleigh, North Carolina

Mother and Grandmother

Clinincal Social Worker, Coach and Internet Marketer

Interfaith Contemplative Minister

Student of life, business, the human spirit that motivates us to be our best in all circumstances.

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