Should preschoolers have cell phones?

Should preschoolers have cell phones? Real moms share their opinions.

62% says YES

36% says NO

(Survey in October 2008)

YES

To keep in touch I bought my preschooler son an inexpensive cell phone with a prepaid SIM card, so I can call him. I also check his homework while I’m at work. - Sherry Gonzales-Apolinario, Marikina City, mom to Aisaac, 5

High-tech times We shouldn’t let our children get left behind by the high-tech bandwagon. Providing preschoolers with cell phones teaches them to be responsible. It improves their social wellbeing also. - Celine Mendiola, Muntinlupa City, mom to Cogie, 1

Just a simple model It is a modern necessity that allows parents to talk with and keep track

of their kids, especially when picking them up from school or from field trips. I recommend giving kids a basic model. Save the more updated models for later. - Rolando Marlon Makayan, Quezon, City, dad to Adi, 5, and Thea, 10 months

Click here to read the views of parents who believe that preschoolers should not have cell phones.

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Here are the views of parents who believe that preschoolers should not have cell phones.

NO

Still too young. A preschooler is too young to handle such a gadget. He is still very playful and carefree. Expensive things like cellular phones may be too big of a responsibility for him. If it’s for security reasons, parents must remember that a child this age should not be left alone or be out of his parents’ sight at any given time. He should not need a cell phone at all. - Lisa Navidad,

Caloocan City, mom to Pia, 9, and Zoe, 4

Go old school

I know where my daughter is and who she’s with at all times. Besides, we have a landline. Her friends can call her the old school way. - Jasmin Fernando, Quezon City, mom to Anya Veronica, 6

Prone to danger

Giving a cell phone to a preschooler poses him at risk. It attracts snatchers and pickpockets. Kids

this age still need close physical supervision and guidance by their parents or guardians to

make sure they are okay. You don’t need a cell phone for that. You need to be with the child to do

that. - Virg Rabano, Manila, mom to Nicole Ranielle, 5, and Hannah Ranielle, 2

Health concerns

A child shouldn’t have a cell phone because of the harmful effects of radiation and the bad influence a wrong text message can bring. But since we are in a technology-dependent

world, a child should learn how to use one in the future. Owning one should be saved for later. -  Glacy Anne Ross, San Pedro, Laguna, mom to Jiel Magno, 10 months

Photo from sxc.hu