Editor’s note: Today’s letters to the editor are from Southwest Junior High students learning about persuasive writing.

To the editor:

Cell phones are an important part of life for teens and kids. Living in this technical age, it’s common that kids and teens either have, or are asking for cell phones. Many parents think that allowing this expensive piece of technology in their child’s hands is a very bad idea, but it can work to their advantage.

With cell phones, your child will always have the ability to contact adults, whatever situation they are in. As kids mature, they tend to go out and spend more time with friends away from the house. If something were to happen or there was a change of plans, cell phones make for a quick, easy way to share information by calling or texting to get help. Studies show that texting is a good way to bond parents and kids. In fact, more parents text their kids rather than call.

If an adult is not comfortable with their child having all this freedom, there are limits that can be set such as, the amount of texts, the people that can call the phone, or numbers that can be called from the phone, and there is a GPS tracker programmed into most phones.

With a cell phone, a kid can feel safe and so can a parent. Getting a cell phone for your child is a smart thing to do. It is a way to bond, socialize, and be safe and prepared for anything.

Shannon Toalson,

Southwest Junior High