Parenting now, in the digital age, is a lot more complex than it was in our parents’ and grandparents’ generations. One of the biggest decisions parents today face is whether or not they should buy their child a cell phone. The Center on Media and Child Health states that 54 percent of 8- to 12-year-olds will have a cell phone in the next three years. While more parents make the decision to equip their child with a mobile phone, some can’t help but wonder how young is too young?

There is no set age at which a child should have a cell phone; however, if you feel your child has not matured enough yet to have a regular cell phone, there are options for you. Here is a simple and practical guide to help you decide when to give your child a cell phone and what type.

Cell Phones for Safety - Get the Firefly
Your child is young, and as a protective parent, horrifying scenarios can run through your head at night- s/he gets lost on a field trip one day, s/he misses the bus and no one is left at school to help, or the unthinkable happens and a stranger abducts your child. A cell phone in these or numerous other situations could be a lifesaver.

If this describes you, then a great option is a cell phone called the Firefly. These phones lack a keypad but have speed-dial buttons for parents and 911. Parents preset who their child can call and who can call in; plans are also prepaid or pay-as-you-go. The security measures on this phone are very high and are ideal for immature 8 to 14 year olds. With this phone, you can rest assured that your child will not get into any trouble, but will still have a phone in case of emergencies. The Firefly is about $100.

Cell Phones for General Use
Your child is a teen who thinks a life without texting is not worth living. S/he likely want the latest and greatest phone to fit in with the popular kids at school. You’re thinking that as a practical matter your teen could use a phone to keep in touch with you as s/he goes out with friends or stays late after school for sports practices or social events. However, you are wary of how much mixing teenagers and cell phones will cost you. You have two main options:

1. Prepaid Plans - If your teenager’s past actions have indicated less-than-responsible behavior, then offer a prepaid phone. Prepaid phones are pricier than just adding your teen to your cell phone plan, but one incident of extreme texting will likely make up for this price difference.
2. Family Share Plans - Adding your teen to your existing cell phone plan is easy and cost effective, but you must trust that your teen will not go over your number of minutes.

Whatever you decide for your teen, it’s important to set some ground rules before handing over that coveted cell phone. Explain that your primary reason for purchasing the phone is so that s/he can call you if s/he’s going to be late getting in, not so s/he can chitchat with friends. Also explain that your family lives on a budget and that there will be consequences for exceeding the number of minutes that are shared. If you’re clear about these rules and with any luck, your teenager will be using the cell phone responsibly from the get-go.

To locate the cell phone user manual for the model you own, visit the OwnerIQ Library.