Mobile generation holds the line

In the next two years it is predicted that one in three primary schoolchildren will have a mobile phone. But is this a good thing?

It seems that no-one's too young for a mobile phone - but don't neglect the risks of putting a powerful piece of equipment in the hands of a child. Under-10s are the fastest-growing sector of mobile phone owners in the UK, market research company MobileYouth revealed last month. The survey found that a fifth of primary level children now own mobiles, which means up to 700,000 mobile phone owners between the ages of five and nine.

"Mobile parenting" was cited as a key driver of the trend - 85 per cent of parents who bought phones for their children said security was their motivation. MobileYouth predicts that in the next two years, one in three primary schoolchildren will have a mobile.

Mobiles involve a trend like no other - once one child in a class has one, she'll lobby for co-communicators. It only takes one parent to take the plunge and the trend is set.

Like pierced ears and boyfriends, the right age for owning a mobile phone has caused rows in many Irish households. When the issue was addressed recently on an Irish parenting website, there were heated responses from. One parent criticised another claiming that it was "unfair to a refuse a child a phone in the 21st century" while another declared that "mobiles are a potent weapon in the hands of a bully". Issues from radiation to high phone bills were discussed, as well as the safety issue of a child being able to call her/his parents at any time.

In the US and Japan, where the mobile phone market is fast becoming saturated, children are the latest focus of telecoms marketing. According to Tommy McCabe of the Irish Cellular Industry Association, however, such a development is unlikely here as the rules for advertising to children are tightening up.

Under-12s are just as aspirational as teens and for them, a mobile phone is as much a status symbol as a way of staying in touch. If the teen of the family has a phone, it's not long before the tweenie (eight to 12-year-old) wants one too. So what's the harm? Like most technologies, mobile phones come equipped with pros and cons in equal measure. But if you decide that a direct line to your child is worth it, then consider the drawbacks and how to counter them.

A mobile phone is an expensive piece of kit - it's probably the most valuable object your child has ever carried. For that reason, it's a security risk, which could make your child an attractive target for muggers. Hopefully, the worst that is likely to happen in such a scenario is that the phone gets whipped from a back pocket. All the same, it is advisable to caution your child not to walk down the street blithely texting without being aware of what's going on around him.

Mobiles in school are the bane of some teachers' lives. They are the modern equivalent of passing notes - but these notes can be passed between classrooms and schools. Most schools have a policy on phone use. If you're giving your child a mobile, make sure that you know the school policy and talk it through with your child. Make sure she/he gets the picture. If the phone is confiscated for misuse she/he won't be in a position to cry foul or beg you for a costly replacement.

Mobile phones give you and your child the freedom to get in touch at any time day or night. They can also give your child the freedom to ring anyone, anywhere at any cost. If you don't want to be hit with a bill for premium chat lines, get a bar on the phone. That way the child can use the text facility for everyday communication and only ring numbers selected by you. Contact your service provider for details on how to set up a barring system.

Who your child chooses to contact is within your control. You cannot, however, govern who chooses to contact your child. Talk to her/him about the importance of keeping the number to herself and a few close friends. Should anyone not known ask for the number, the best advice is to refuse.

Text bullying is an unwanted by-product of the new medium and many children have complained of being harassed by abusive or threatening texts. It's not a nice experience but in a way it's better than the usual whispering campaigns that bullies subject their victims to. Why? Because the victim has the immediate evidence, which can be used to prove his case. Warn your child that if she/he ever gets nasty text messages she/he should save them and show them to you immediately. She/he may not want you to act on them but having the security of evidence could be useful if the situation worsens.

Responsibly used, mobile phones can make the task of parenting a little easier - organising lifts, reminding children of extra-curricular activities and reinforcing curfews are all simpler when you can pick up the phone. Add to that the peace of mind that a text function can provide if you're concerned about your child's whereabouts or well-being. If, however, you decide that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits then don't be bullied into buying a status object for an eight-year-old. Soon we'll have a sense of nostalgia for the days when kids were happy with just runners!

Getting mobile: A tough call

Some factors to consider when deciding whether or not to buy a phone for a child.

Disadvantages

Misuse in school (texting in class etc): Find out what the school policy on mobile phones is and talk it through with your child.

Meeting exploitative adults: Make it clear that the number is not to be given out freely.

Bullying: Always save abusive messages so that they can be used as proof.

Pornography: Get in touch with your mobile service provider and find out about putting bars to advertising and spam on the phone. Report any spam, obscene or otherwise, to your mobile service provider.

Financial pressures: You can restrict your child's calling options to a select few numbers. Contact your mobile service provider for more details.

Crime: Mobiles attract thieves. Discourage public use.

Advantages

Your child can contact you at any time, and vice versa.

If you let your child pay for her credit out of her own pocket money, it eats up disposable income that could be used for more sinister pursuits. It may eventually

cut down your home phone bill as well.

Education: Technology use is a life skill. Texting is a good way to get kids familiar with technology If you can't get your child out of bed - try ringing their mobile and watch them jump! The Irish Cellular Industry Association has brought out a guide for parents who are considering buying a phone for a child. The guide can be found at www.icia.ie.