The Cell Phone Babysitter

Cell phones have affected our lives in so many ways. They distract us while driving. They delight us with funny texts from friends and co-workers. They keep us in touch with far-away family members. They've even become our babysitters.

Cell phones have given modern day parents a false sense of security. Mothers of long ago would never have dropped their child off in a busy mall and left to go get their hair done or run errands just because their child had a phone in their pocket or purse to keep in touch. Times have changed indeed! Fathers have left daughters under the age of 13 at hometown football games on a Friday night just because they had a phone to keep in touch. Mothers let their children stray in busy department stores, out of sight and reach, but they make sure the kids have their cell phones with them!

Cell phones can be as much of a benefit as a hamper in our lifestyles. Although they do provide an added measure of security, a way to feel like we're able to stay connected at all times, a way to dial 911 instantly, there are drawbacks to becoming too dependent upon our cell phones.

What happens when that child you've left protected by the phone gets the phone wrenched away from him/her by their attacker? What happens if they do get a chance to keep the phone hidden and finally are able to sneak a call, but the battery has died or they can't get a signal? What happens if the child became distracted and dropped the phone or left it sitting in a bathroom stall on top of the toilet paper dispenser? Maybe the child is an older child and has laid the phone on top of their car and forgotten it as they drove off, being distracted by their friends and the good time they're having. Maybe the child has used to phone to keep in touch but is still being deceitful about their where-abouts.

Maybe the child and the parent don't even have real conversations anymore, but communicate sparsely by text whenever necessary. There are parents who do make the effort to spend time with their children; but the majority of the time they are together, the parent has the ear glued to the cell phone, making the occasional comment or answer to the child in between conversations with anyone and everyone else who keeps in touch by cell.

Cell phones do have their benefits and these are not every day occurrences. Let it be said that there are plenty of responsible children of all ages out there who deserve their phones and are honest about their actions. This is also, by no means, pointing a shameful finger at parents who love their children and would never put their child in jeopardy or purposely neglect them. It is merely a suggestion to be aware that the cell phone is not a substitute for a mom or dad.