For every parent, there will come a time when your child starts to ask for a cell phone. It’s only natural that they will want one, especially if their friends are starting to have their own phones. However, it’s natural to worry about your child having a phone of their own. After all, it’s like a miniature computer that allows them to go online and communicate with just about anyone. You might be considering approving your child’s request, but perhaps you’re unsure if it’s the right time. Before buying them a cell phone, here are some things that you should consider.

Your Child’s Maturity

Every child matures differently. Some 13-year-olds may be very responsible and independent, while others might need a little more supervision to ensure they’re behaving themselves. Your child’s maturity is an important thing to take into account before getting them a cell phone. Is your child ready to handle the responsibility of having their own phone? Will they keep it safe and make sure it’s charged? Will they use it in a sensible way? If your child often loses or misplaces things or has a habit of keeping secrets, they might not be ready for a cell phone.

Want vs. Need

If you think it might be time for your child to have a cell phone, you should think about the line between want and need – and make sure your child thinks about it too. Find out why your child wants a cell phone and discuss how they intend to use it. If you think a cell phone will be useful for them, you could have a very different idea of what’s necessary. Your child might want the latest iPhone, but it’s unlikely they really need something so expensive and with so many features. What do they need to get out of their phone?

Monitoring Your Child’s Phone

Although you might decide that your child is ready for their own cell phone, you could still think that they need to be monitored while using it. Monitoring your child’s online activities is something that you may already do, and you might want to extend this to their phone use. Family Orbit has published a post about monitoring child’s texting habits, providing information on how you can keep an eye on what your child is doing. Keeping a close eye on them will help you to ensure they’re not talking to the wrong people or spending money on things that they shouldn’t.

Teaching Them to Stay Safe

Teaching your child to stay safe online and when using their cell phone is part of being a modern parent. However, this might be something that you need to brush up on. While you might have kept up with technology as it has developed, it’s a good idea to give yourself a refresher course on the dangers that exist and how your child can avoid them. Things are changing all the time, and you might find that your child can even teach you a thing or two about staying safe.

It could be time for your child to have their own cell phone, but think carefully before you give them one. It’s important to establish some rules and make sure they will use it responsibly.