Whether the children are heading back to summer after summer or winter break, they are starting to ask if they can have an iPhone. With the cost of one, you might be a bit hesitant to purchase is. Is an iPhone worth buying for students? Well, it depends on several factors.

The Age

A youngster who is in elementary school or middle school generally does not need an iPhone. If you simply want your children to have constant access to contact with you in the event of an emergency, you could purchase a much more inexpensive phone for them. At the upper level, say in high school or college, iPhones can provide excellent ways of tracking dates, looking up important information and so forth. However, having an iPhone in school can lead to trouble, so remember that.

The Purpose

If your college student wants to have an iPhone just because all of his or her friends do, then it’s not a worthwhile investment. Although these phones are on the pricier end, college students could presumably save up for one themselves if they hold a job. However, if your children express a specific desire to use the iPhone for learning purposes, then you might want to reconsider. For example, let’s say your child is usually very messy, but he or she is really able to organize information well on the iPhone. This phone can then become a helpful tool.

Monthly Payments

The price of the actual phone is not cheap, and monthly payments can be a lot as well, especially if your youngster goes over his or her allowable amount of minutes. One idea is to buy the phone for your child, but make him or her pay for these monthly fees. Announcing this fact to your children might make them reconsider wanting an iPhone, or it may be the final nudge they need to finally go out there and get a part-time job after school or on the weekends. Whatever the case may be, tell them the phone will be a lost privilege if they do not pay.

Responsibility

Do you have a child who constantly loses everything that he or she has or who is already running up the monthly phone bill? If you decide to purchase an iPhone for this type of child, then you are setting yourself up for a disaster. Instead, let this child know that the phone will be purchased once he or she shows a better level of responsibility when it comes to tracking money and taking care of possessions. When children really want a specific item, these techniques can help them to improve their behavior. Be sure to mention that if behavioral patterns return to their old ways, the iPhone will certainly be taken back.

When it comes to whether or not you should buy an iPhone for your children who are in school, it really depends upon the child. Some of them are ready for one at 15 years old, and others will not be mature enough to deal with the responsibility until well after college.

Editor’s Note

Charlie Baker writes about technology, parenting and education. His most recent work focuses on the Top Colleges Online.