When your child is ready for a cellphone

According to the clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Osit, author of “Generation Text — Raising Well Adjusted Kids in an Age of Instant Everything,” parents should ask themselves the following questions to determine the best age at which to get their kids a cellphone:

• How responsible is your child?

• How mature is he?

• Does he follow the rules, particularly with other electronics (computer, Internet, video games)?

• How adept is your child at social decision making?

• Is your child easily influenced by peer pressure?