It is a sign of the times when 73% of children between 7 and 12 years old have video game systems and 70% have new computers on their back-to-school shopping lists, according to a CNN.com story. Plus almost 70% want new cell phones, especially the new i-Phone, which can set parents back a few hundred dollars.
As a publisher of educational technology products, I certainly know the value technology plays in educating children. Even video games can be effective teaching tools. But cell phones and hand-held video game systems are probably much too distracting during the school day to be educational, especially for the kids between 7 and 12 years old. Having their heads buried as they text the person in the next desk or play the latest video game at recess is probably not the most constructive use of a student’s school time.
I don't want to spend $500 on a cell phone for me, let alone my kid. And why would a 7-12 year old want a cell phone anyway? I can understand the teenager wanting one, and why a parent would want their teeanger to have one, but any younger and I think it's a bit over-the-top.