Parents purchase cell phones for kids for many reasons, but most often cite safety. In a little more than a decade, Americans have gone from no cell phones, to an expensive and extensive dependence on these devices. Today’s children have no memory of a time before cell phones and no reason not to think they too should have a cell phone.

Before purchasing a cell phone, just because, consider the cons of children owning cell phones.

Money
If children are not taught proper money management skills, cell phone bills can spiral out of control. Minute overage charges and text messaging charges would add to the monthly fees for activation, cost of the phone, and applicable taxes and service charges.

Time Wasted
Children may choose to talk or better yet text than complete homework or chores. The silent option of texting allows children to yak quietly and therefore remain under the radar of most adults. Without designating phone times before purchase, parents may underestimate the draw of the phone.

Poor Etiquette
Children may have the misconception that cell phone use may occur anytime and anyplace from watching too many adults take this route. Cell phone use has appropriate time and use places. Discuss proper phone use in advance. For guidance take a look at the 10 Commandments of Cell Phone Use article. http://www.infoworld.com/articles/op/xml/00/05/26/000526opwireless.html

Firefly Phone offers parent-friendly phone plans for kids. These phones are prepaid, limit incoming and outgoing calls, and block internet access.
Visit the Firefly website at http://www.fireflymobile.com/

Kajeet.com markets phones to teens and college students. Texting is available a lower rates, Kajeet offers a prepaid option and no contracts. See website FAQs
http://www.kajeet.com/faq-services.html