Should Teens Have Cell Phones? (Second Version)

With cell phone usage growing rapidly for children and teens these days, cell phones have become a major concern for many parents. Different families have come to different conclusions on this issue. In some families, parents allow their kids to have their own cell phones, even kids who are not yet in their teen years. In other families, parents think it is unnecessary for their children to own a cell phone. Therefore, it often leads to a dilemma between children and their parents.

My parents are those who feel it is unnecessary for their kids to have cell phones. When I was in senior high, my parents told me that I could get a cell phone when I turned sixteen, so I asked for one as a birthday present. However, they broke their promise and said I couldn’t get one because cell phones are fashion accessories and gaming devices that would only distract me from my schoolwork and waste my time. They thought it could be a distraction for me, even if it was just waiting for a call or message. They worried that I would waste time playing games or photographing since even the simplest cell phones seemed to come with games and a camera. Also, they believed cell phones had negative effects on my health. They believed the potential health risks of using cell phone were brain damage, hearing loss, radiation and tumors. Finally, they concerned about high phone bill costs which was just another expense that they had to pay for.

I knew my parents wanted to protect me from the dangers and abuses of cell phones as much as possible. However, they said I could get one when I turned sixteen. They're the ones who said it so I had the right to ask for one and I was quite sure I could use it properly. First, having a cell phone allowed my parents and I to keep in contact at all times, no matter where I was. I could never find myself without an opportunity to call my parents or emergency services if necessary. In addition, having cell phone could help me develop my personal responsibilities. I would be responsible for taking care of my cell phone and not losing or damaging it. I would keep to a limited number of minutes or text messages that my parents allowed me to use. Finally, if I had a cell phone, I would have no excuse for not calling home when I was going to be late. My parents could also use GPS to keep tabs on me at all times.

In sum, whether children have cell phone already or not, I really think phones can actually help parents keep kids safer. Parents should trust their children with this big responsibility. They can teach their kids how to use it responsibly and set the necessary limits. Thus, the dilemma between parents and kids can be solved.