Should children have their own cell phones? It's a tricky question that most parents face these days.
A lot of children and teenagers do have a mobile phone.
Deciding whether or not to get one for your child has to involve weighing up the advantages and disadvantages.
Parents are always preoccupied by their child's safety, and cellphones can make a person safer.
You know you can always get in touch with your child if he or she has a phone, which is reassuring in the current climate.
Also, in a difficult situation, your child can always use the cell to get help from somebody.
Some phones come with GPS already installed, too.
This enables you to locate your child should he or she go missing.
These are all sound reasons for buying a cellphone for your child.
However, you might feel that your child is not responsible enough for a personal phone.
Although you might get a cellphone for emergencies only, you could soon find that your dear offspring has run up a huge bill chatting to friends.
Preteens and teenagers have a reputation for this.
Sending texts is a cheaper alternative to making calls but, unfortunately, this too can soon become a popular recreational activity.
So, it's another argument against buying a phone.
At the end of the day, knowing your own child is what counts.
Only you can decide on the appropriate age for your child to have a cellular phone.
Don't shy away from parental controls, either.
You can set limits on how much time or money they spend on the phone.
Whatever you decide, stick firmly to your decision.
Don't let your opinion be swayed by your child's requests or by other parents' attitudes to phones.
Remember that you are the parent, and you must make a decision that's in the best interests of your child and your family.