You will be shocked when new survey reveals the average age when kids are given cell phones.

How young is too young for getting a cell phone? Just a few years ago, most parents didn’t allow their kids to have a cell phone of their own until they hit their middle school years. But like so many other childhood firsts, the first-cellphone age seems to have dropped dramatically. Now, an incredible 53 percent of all 6-year-olds already have their own cell phone, according to a survey of 2,290 U.S. parents commissioned by Vouchercloud, a coupon company.

Are you one of these parents? Getting a cell phone has become a milestone for most kids. I believe that we are giving kids cell phones at too early of an age mostly due to social pressures. One of my goals is to help you lay the groundwork for responsible cell phone use, and manage the challenges and opportunities they bring, but first you need to decide the right timing

Let me ask you a question...would you knowingly let your child start driving at age 12 or even 8? Most likely not! While there are certainly children that mature at different ages and might be able to handle such a responsibility, I doubt seriously that you would consider this appropriate. So why do we feel so compelled to give our kids a cell phone at such an early age? I get it...once your child has a cell phone, you sort of feel safe and connected with them, because now they can leave the house and you have the overwhelming sense of relief that you can now reach them at anytime and anywhere. Then the reality sets in that you call or text them and ironically they do not answer or respond! Then when we do finally reach them or they come home, we ask them where have you been? Why didn't you answer my calls or texts?? Naturally your child responds with a resounding "I didn't have it on me or I didn't check my phone." Why? Because they do not know any better.

I believe we are metaphorically putting our kids behind the wheel of a car at too early of an age without teaching them the responsibilities of having a cell phone and the consequences of their actions when using them. I think there are several reasons for this. First, we take for granted our own cell phone, as you are most likely reading this post on your phone or Facebook page sitting at a stoplight, driving on the interstate or walking down the street (WATCHOUT!) and ignoring the rest of the world around you. We as parents are equally irresponsible with our cell phones, so how can we begin to teach our children how to use one of these devices properly.

Secondly, most of these devices are smarter than the majority of parents and we don't know how to use 90% of the features and functionality that they poses. Yet we feel compelled to buy these so called "smart phones"...why? Because everyone else is!!! The reality is we really only need a phone that has a few functions (call, text, Wi-Fi, email, display my Facebook page, and maybe one other social media app). Parents get lost in the digital jungle and only use the functions that serve their immediate needs. Don't get me wrong, there are a number of you that are sophisticated users, but are you socially responsible with teaching your own kids proper cell phone uses and etiquette? Let's face it a lot of us didn't have these kinds of things growing up so how can we think like a kid or know how to steer them sometimes?

Lastly, most of the time kids are smarter and better at "figuring" this stuff out. Often times we are asking them to teach us how to use these phones or they are wittingly teaching us new tricks and tactics to better serve our needs. But WAIT! Did you ever stop to think about the responsibilities that come with having one of these devices? If your kids can teach you how to download music and stream it through your car radio, then you are foolish to think that they cannot download porn and hide this from you in a vault on their phone and erase their history. You are even more of a fool if you think your child is not trying things like this! Kids will be kids. They hear a word at school and what is the first thing they do? Google it! I challenge you to Google a few words on your phone (sex, naked women, porn, and even more crass F-U-C-K). Then click on images and see what pulls up. You will be shocked if you have not already done this.

I have only given you one example. What about sex? What about drugs? Online predators? Etc. These are all things to think about as you answer this question about when to give your child a cell phone. I am not telling you what the right age is for your child. Only you can decide when they are ready. But when you consider this, please think about the following things:

* Do I have the time to teach my kids responsibility, consequences, and etiquette?

* Do they lose things a lot?

* Do I want my kids learning about sex, drugs, and alcohol from the Internet?

* Can I stay ahead of my kids and their social responsibilities and keep them out of trouble?

In closing, parents you should have a conversation with your children about "digital hygiene" practices: staying within data limits, avoiding inappropriate content, and steering clear of privacy risks and cyber-bullying. Remember that kids learn by example, so they're gonna follow the way you use technology. I encourage parents to use technology wisely, for example if you're in the vehicle, especially if you're driving.

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