When Should a Kid Get a Cell Phone?

You probably want this free tech contract for tweens and teens!

How do you decide if your child should get a cell phone?

Parents frequently write to tell me of their child's fear of the dreaded diagnosis DBLOCF (Death By Lack of Cell Phone). While parents rarely worry about this rare disease, kids are sure that we are heartless and "don't understand anything!" Parents worry about the real dangers of kids with cell phones and the downfall of manners - actually all human interaction - at home when kids do get them. Doctor G has the two questions you should ask yourself before you take the cell phone plunge with your kids:

1. Does your child need a cell phone?

2. Is your child ready for a cell phone?

Need is different than want, and that crucial determination is for parents to decide. Once you've determined that your child does actually need a phone (urging you to get a flip phone for anyone younger than 15), Doctor G has 4 ways to know if your child is ready for that much-longed-for piece of technology in his or her pocket. Have you given your child a phone? Use it's magical powers to teach your kids more respect and responsibility! And make sure your younger ones all memorize the number.