With reports that children as young as three own a mobile phone it's not much of a surprise that the big mobile phone companies are designing phones and packages specifically for children.
Children are not only being targeted by phone companies but by TV ads, with the latest ringtones and screen savers on offer. Peer pressure can also play a large part, making them feel like they have to have the latest on the market with the latest gadgets.
You've probably been hard pushed to come across a child / teenager that has not got their own mobile phone or that does not know how to use one.
However there are an increasing number of muggings and attacks on youngsters simply to gain possession of their phone. In some of the worst cases reported, knives and even guns were used to threaten them into handing over their mobiles.
Along with the initial cost of the phone plus the upkeep, is it really worth it?
On the plus side, mobiles can offer parents some peace of mind, knowing that they can contact their children with the touch of a button, or the child can call them if they're needed for whatever reason. Also, knowing that they can call any emergency service without having to credit can be enough of a selling point.
So what is the best option? There are a number of companies that not only offer the new fad model but they also offer attractive options with pay as you go. You can find deals such as the one with Orange offering free texts & free mobile access to MySpace. This would be very popular with the average teenager.