The dawn of technology has introduced a number of revolutionary tools to keep families connected. For families of children with disabilities, communication is an invaluable way to ensure safety, juggle hectic schedules, and promote independence. Cell phones are often the most reasonable option to maintain an almost always open line of communication.
Deciding when a child is ready for his or her own cell phone is a daunting dilemma for today’s parents. Access to a cell phone introduces unique risks for children, especially those already more vulnerable than their peers. When do the benefits outweigh the risks of cell phones for children with special needs?
The Benefits
Parents in search of ways to promote gradual levels of independence have found cell phones to be a useful addition to creating a system of support. Children with disabilities can venture away from their parents, but still have an option to initiate immediate contact if an emergency arises. While excessive contact can hinder social development, short expressions of encouragement from parents via a cell phone can sometimes ease a child’s anxiety in particularly challenging situations.
Refining communication skills is an extremely important and ongoing developmental task for children and adolescents with disabilities. The supervised usage of cell phones can offer a training opportunity to practice life skills, like making or cancelling an appointment, arranging transportation, and inquiring about a facility’s accessibility. With guidance, teenagers learn to make their own appointments for therapy and call to find out more about community programs that interest them. Many teens have found cell phones particularly useful to call friends when they arrive to their homes but need assistance overcoming an inaccessible entrance.
The Risks
Because children with disabilities are exceptionally vulnerable to abuse, it is also essential to consider the dangers associated with cell phones. Some phones that offer features attractive to parents of children with special needs, like GPS, also come bundled with additional risks. Phones with internet capability can make it possible for strangers to contact your child. Even seemingly innocent cell phone games have lured children into communicating with predators. Parents must know the technology they provide their child and consistent, intense supervision is vital.
Cell phone usage can also introduce less obvious risks to children with special needs. The distraction of cell phones can decrease a child’s ability to focus and learn. Intended to promote communication, exclusive reliance on cell phones can actually deter a child’s ability to interact effectively with others. Children with disabilities flourish when frequently provided a variety of activities and avenues to make choices and communicate their needs. Texting and talking on a cell phone could be two options added to a growing menu of opportunities for self-expression.
The Decision
For many parents, the question of whether to give their child a cell phone is not if, but when. What is the appropriate age for a child with a disability to have his or her own cell phone? Unfortunately for parents seeking a definite answer, experts have settled on ambiguity. There is no recommended age because children and their families differ so greatly. Reflect upon the needs and resources of your family. The addition of another cell phone bill can be too much for many families to afford, but there are a few lower priced plans available. Several phones with varying price tags have been designed with children and safety in mind. Consider these options with the recognition that occasionally losing items, even expensive ones, is a normal part of development.
A cell phone brings risks, benefits, and opportunities for children with disabilities. Long before a child receives his or her own cell phone, they learn how to use one from watching others. Parents can model safe and respectful usage of technology by opening dialogue about these issues at home. When used appropriately, a cell phone can promote independence and provide access to children with disabilities. All children need guidance and supervisions to safely benefit from the learning opportunities offered by technology.
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