As the fad for the latest technology seems to be peaking and the need for cellular devices undoubtedly grows, younger children have decided that it is about time to join the movement. Cell phones are not just for teenagers anymore; in fact, children as young as eight to 12 years – also known as “tweeners” – have been given cell phones by their parents, who are now suffering higher bills than anticipated.

According to a National Consumers League survey, part of NCL’s continuing commitment to providing advice to parents of pre-teens, highlights include:

·         Nearly six out of 10 parents with tweeners surveyed (56 percent) have purchased cell phones for their young children, ranging from a high of 62 percent in households, earning over $100,000 a year to a low of 41 percent in households under $50,000 a year.

·         Parents in one-third of households earning under $50,000 are paying more for their tweener’s cell phone than they had expected. Overall, about a quarter of households (23 percent) report they have paid more than they had anticipated.

·         The 10-11-age range appears to be the “sweet spot” for pre-teens to receive a cell phone, and xix out of 10 pre-teens were aged 10-11 when they received their phone.

·         Parents who are paying more than they had thought would investigate parental controls offered by wireless carrier to control costs (62 percent); set a monthly budget with their child (38 percent); cancel their phone service (23 percent); and switch to prepaid or postpaid unlimited plans (22 percent).

“Before the training wheels are coming off their bikes, many children are getting their first cell phones,” explained John Breyault, NCL vice president of public policy, telecommunications and fraud. 

Senior researcher, ORC International, Graham Hueber, added, “This survey clearly shows that the use of cell phones is now becoming more entrenched at an earlier and earlier age in the U.S. However, even a substantial portion of parents who are comfortable with putting a smartphone in the hands of an eight year old have qualms about the resulting costs and are open to considering options to lower their child’s phone bill. This is likely going to mean that more and more parents will look for ways to pull the purse strings a little tighter, such as setting a budget or exploring prepaid cell phone options.”

Considering options is of high importance before a parent allows their child into the technological world; these are high-powered tools that can be easily abused by young children who don’t know any better. This will ultimately leave many frustrated parents with high phone bills, regretting allowing their kids use of a cellular device at such a young age. The survey recommends that parents really think about their choices to avoid unwanted costs per month.

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