Monday, November 18, 2013

Smartphones popular on kids' holiday wish lists

Smartphones popular on kids' holiday wish lists

Posted: 11/18/2013
WEST PALM BEACH - Remember when cell phones were as thick as bricks and barely worked? These days, it's all about smartphones. According to recent studies, more than half of tweens and as many as one in ten five-year-olds have one.
"A lot of times for a kid, having this smartphone's all about the coolness factor, but for parents, truly, it's mostly about peace of mind," said Kelly Starling of AT&T.
Starling's own son started asking for a phone in second grade. When he gets older, she told us, she'll definitely consider it. 
But for now, Starling told her nine-year-old, "There's really no need for it. When you're not in school, you're with me or your dad."
Joanne Davis' twin boys wanted phones when they were five. They're now in fourth grade, and just recently got their wish.
Davis said, "With the school system the way it is now, and so many shootings happening in the school system, the kids should have phones is what I really feel,"
The decision over whether to buy smartphones for children is something many parents struggle with, especially ahead of the holidays. Ways to make the choice easier? First, talk with your children about being smart with a smartphone.
"They need to make sure their child is mature enough because it's an expensive purchase," said Davis.
Also know that when you pick a plan, many issues can be handled before the kids ever get a phone in hand. Some carriers have programs that allow you to give your child the freedom of a phone while also setting boundaries on its use.
Starling said, "You can determine what time of day that device is used for calls, for texting, for surfing the mobile internet. You can put a monetary limit on downloads."
Davis worked with her children to set boundaries. Her twins know that they aren't allowed to use their phones on weekdays unless there's an emergency, and any app they download or text they receive can be seen on their mom's iPad if necessary. For their family, it's been all about a strong sense of trust and safety.
"I really think it's a good idea to not give children cell phones for their own use until they're old enough to understand how to use them safely," said Dr. Devra Davis of the Environmental Health Trust.
Dr. Davis says she believes 10th grade should be the threshold for owning a cell phone, and that it's very important not to keep your cell phone in your pocket, since having a phone that close to your body can exceed recommended radiation levels. She says the long-term effects of cell phone use are unknown, and cautions people to think of a cell phone as a two-way microwave radio.
Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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