[paulat]

when was the last time you 'Cashed' a check, rather than deposit it all, or most of it, then using an ATM/Debit or credit card for most of your purchases

You missed my point. It's about educating children before they even handle real cash. Once they understand the cash concept, the debit card makes sense.

[YankeeGirl]

I totally disagree!

Physically handling money will be almost obsolete. Not a big loss; money is dirty and can more easily get lost and stolen.

Folks must understand that debit cards ARE money and know how to use them wisely. It is easier to track what you spend and see where it is going. Just requires different skills, more like balancing a check book.

Also requires restraint, as ALL your money may be accessible though you aren't carrying it around. However, its not as easy to get into debt as with credit cards, when you run out of money, the card will be declined.

[VegasCowboy]

You missed my point. It's about educating children before they even handle real cash. Once they understand the cash concept, the debit card makes sense.

Why does it matter? Cash is going the way of the dodo, and kids can still learn the transactional nature of money whether they are playing with physical pieces of paper or electronic additions and subtractions to their "bank account." This seems like a non-issue to me.