Being a parent, I love that some of my kids have cell phones, as a conveince for me plus it has come in handy for them on several occasions, such as when my son was 50 miles away and lost…we were his navigation system.

Here is my advice when you do get your child a phone…turn off internet access, and any access having to do will ring tones…have it blocked! Get a text message package. Check you bill/usage online often. Not only does this protect you from obscene charges, it protects your children…the dangerous aspects of the internet can be found on your phone. If you have a child who abuses the phone…having it working only during certain hours.