The document discusses children's use of cell phones. It notes that 72% of Canadians now use cell phones, and 87% of children aged 4-16 own or have access to a mobile phone. The average age for a child to get their first phone is 8. While cell phones can help children contact emergency services, there are also risks like bullying, cheating, and potential long-term health effects from overuse. Most parents believe schools should teach phone and internet safety.

1. CELL PHONES: KIDS NEW FAVOURITE ACCESSORY? Images by: Azureon2- Flickr, Pauly- Flickr, WhoIsMrBilly- Flickr

2. The first handheld phone was created in 1973, only 38 years ago, and cost an astonishing $19,300!Image by: Brogan Campbell- FlickrSource: Sybase Inc; The Growth of Mobile: Stats and figures that will shock you!

3. Image by: Jeffrey Cooper- FlickrWe’ve definitely come a long way since then..

4. Now, about 72% of the Canadian population actively use a cell phone.Image by: Maple_Leaf- FlickrSource: CBC- Are cell phones really safe for your kids?

5. Cell phones are also becoming the latest must-have accessory among children, tweens and teens.. Image by: LawreceGerald- Flickr

6. ..In fact, about 87 per cent of kids aged between four to 16 either owned or had access to a mobile phone.Source: Schools should teach kids phone safety.Image by: Derek Olson- Flickr

7. The average age at which children are given their first mobile phone is EIGHT. Image by: Bertie MeadowsSource:Stephen Adams, 2009, Children get their first mobile phone at average afe of eight

8. Some children own the same mobiles as adults while others own phones designed specifically for their age group. Image by: Showbizsuperstar

9. The use of mobiles by children isn’t necessarily a bad thing..Image by: K_Love-Flickr

10. iPhoneapps are a hit among preschoolers and some believe that touch-screen technology is a natural for toddlers.Image by: M7d shraty- FlickrSource: Rob Ferguson, 2011- iPhone apps a hit with preschoolers

11. It appears that children who have developmental disabilities can benefit from touch-screen technology. Source: Rob Ferguson, 2011- iPhone apps a hit with preschoolersImage by: Second Story-Flickr

12. Image by: Lil Wally- FlickrIN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, HAVING A CELL PHONE ALLOWS A CHILD TO CONTACT THE POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT OR AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY.

13. With school shootings turning into a sad reality, a cell phone can serve as a lifeline between a parent and their child. Image by: Eyeliam- FlickrSource: Pros and Cons of Children having mobile phones

14. Did you know?Many phones are now equipped with GPS, which allows parents to track their child’s phone and their child. Image by: Peter Verkhovensky- FlickrSource: DeborahO, Pros & Cons of Children Having Mobile Phone

15. BUYING A CHILD A CELL PHONE CAN ALSO TEACH THEM RESPONSIBILITY AS THEY NEED TO LEARN HOW TO CONTROL THEIR MINUTES AND THE NUMBER OF TEXTS THEY SEND. Image by: SpinlabSource: 10 Reasons a Kid Should Have a Cell Phone

16. However, there’s always a downside to things..Image by:Alaabs

17. Bullies are using text messages as a method of victimization, and malicious gossip is also often spread via text message.Image by: StaurtLeckenbySource: Bob Sullivan, 2004, Cell phones and kids: Do they mix?

18. A STUDY FOUND THAT MORE THAN 40 % OF PARENTS ADMITTED THEY WOULDN'T KNOW IF MOBILE PHONE BULLYING WAS AN ISSUE AT THEIR CHILD'S SCHOOL.Image by: Kewzoo- FlickrSource: Schools should teach phone safety

19. Cell phones can be used as an aid for cheating on tests and exams.Image by: Enokson

20. Some researchers speculate that there are possible health risks, such as brain tumours, for children who use cell phones on a long-term basis. Image by: Pauly-FlickrSource: Are cellphones really safe for your kids?

21. Due to the increase of cell phone use among children, 9out of 10 parents believe their kids should be taught about mobile phone and internet safety in school. Image by: MomentsBeingMeSource: Schools should teach kids phone safety

22. Do you think it’s necessary for a child to have a cell phone? If so, at what age should a child get a cell phone? Image by: Milaandtheotherperson- Flickr