Many parents debate heavily over how old their child should be when they get their first cell phone. Conservatively, some parents wait until 16, when children reach an increased level of independence and are out on their own, driving. Others will give their children cell phones when they reach middle school, or at an even younger age.

What's the argument for giving cell phones to children at a younger age? First, you can teach them responsibility. Cell phone minutes, data, and texts can be used as a sort of allowance. Second, cell phones are really mini-computers. Besides playing games, there are apps that can provide your child with (all in) a cheaper calculater than the TIs still required in higher level math!

But most importantly, some teachers are realizing that technology not only plays a big part in student lives, but that it will play a big part in their future careers! That's why some districts are beginning to not only allow, but encourage cell phone use in the classroom. Teachers teach students how to use technology safely and responsibly, as well as integrate it into the classroom, allowing student to text answers and have them displayed on the board.

Want to support the trend? Used cell phones are affordable, more expendable (if your kid loses or breaks things a lot), and make a great first cell phone.

Used cell phones would also be a great thing for schools. Not every student has parents that will let them have a cell phone, or who can afford even used cell phones. A program that would set used cell phones up in classrooms as a sort of in school mini computer for each student would be revolutionary, and would encourage schools to develop programs that prepare students to use technology.