Mom Talk

We’ve asked our readers for their tough questions, and we’ve heard the call. Each week, we hope to bring our moms out there an answer to a topic that interests them most. Today, we took one from a reader in Audubon.

“My son is only 6. He is already asking me for a cell phone. I think he is way too young, but I know the times, they are a-changing. My parents didn’t have this question since we didn’t have phones like this when we were kids. What is the right age to give a kid a phone?”

 -Miranda, of Audubon

Well, Miranda, to be honest, there probably isn’t a perfect age to answer this question. Though there isn’t a solid line or rule, I would vote personally that a child be ready. I would say my son will have to be at least 10 before I consider it.

When my son asks (and yes, at 5, he does, too), I tell him “not yet.” I think the bottom line is your child needs to be responsible enough to handle it.

When a 5- or 6-year-old asks, my main question is “Who are you going to call?” I still have not heard a solid answer. Kids shouldn’t have a phone at school, and most schools ban their use during class.

I get the argument that children should have one to reach parents or call someone in the case of an emergency. But, at this age, I am not sure my son knows how to dial a phone number.

I’d practice memorizing numbers in case of emergencies. I’d also advise children how to call 9-1-1 and explain that, if something went wrong, to find a trusted adult or another mother to call for you.

If and when we do get our kids phones, I’d recommend one like the company Firefly makes.

Designed for younger children, the phones have easily controllable settings, such as no texting, limiting numbers allowed for outgoing calls, and limiting time spent or numbers permitted on incoming calls.

The phones can hold two emergency numbers (likely Mom and Dad’s cell digits) and are prepaid to be sure youngsters aren’t going over their limits.

For more on these simpler phones, check out the Firefly Mobile site. I think these basic models and controllable settings would be good for children from ages 8 to 12.

I get it, after that, it would be so "not cool, Mom." But, it is a good idea to set limits, try your child out on a basic phone, and see how your child does before you shell out a week’s paycheck for a smart phone.

Best of luck, Miranda. I know it is hard when we make our kids so uncool, but stick to your guns. First-graders just aren’t ready.