We just got our teenagers cell phones last Christmas (they were 16, twins).
We have a 12-year old and a 7-year old, but they do not have cell phones. Their friends have cell phones, though!
What are your thoughts?
I have four kids. I've been married 23 years. My favorite color is purple. I hate coffee. I read a lot. I love to go to movies alone. Hot weather makes me crabby.
I didn't vote because I really don't know.
My oldest is 10 and has been bugging me for one for a while now. I don't think she needs one because she doesn't call anyone and no one calls for her. Just seems pointless to me. However, her dad (who lives out of state) wants her for the entire summer now and considering he doesn't let her call me while she is with him I think I may get her one that she can take with when she goes.
I say our kids should get cell phones when they are old enough to have jobs and pay for them themselves. So I voted sixteen.
Realistically I am going to want my kids to be able to get a hold of me if I drop them off at the mall with a friend so it will probably be sooner than 16. I'll probably get them one of those phones that only can call home and the police. I don't know what age though, maybe 10?
By the time my kids are teenagers, I think they would feel pretty left out if they didn't have cell phones, so I voted "13." Though, I don't really think it's necessary!
My son is 9 and he will not be able to have one until he is able to prove he is responsible. I am thinking it's going to be 13.
I really think it depends on the kids and the reason for getting them a cell. If they need it for activities and emergencies then any age is fine if they want/need it just o keep up with their friends then they can wait until they can pay for it.
I think thats something very personal, and depending on the situation and location too.
My 7 and 10 year old both have a cellphone.
Prepaid though, so it doesnt cost me more than I want.
They dont use it to phone with friend to chitchat, I did get oldest a prepaid deal where she gets 300 text messages for free each time I buy her a prepaid card.
so she is allowed to use the text messages for friends.
but the phone itself is mainly for emergencies.
When I work they have to be home alone for 30 minutes sometimes,
I want them to be able to always reach me!
And the other way around, me reach them!
If oldest goes outside to play, I want to be able to reach her!
(the other two certainly only play out front where I see them. oldest mostly does. but sometimes friends or cousins come and ask if she can join them to the playground.)
SOmetimes oldest goes to buy bread for me or an ingredient I forgot to buy.
I want her to have a phone with her then. you never know what could happen.
Its not far (2 minutes walking distance.) but still.
They have simple cheap phones, and as said its prepaid.
I wouldnt want any monthly bill for a phone of my kids, not as long as they are under 21 (even if they are 18 and go get one themselves, I wouldnt allow it! because the law here says you as parent are financially responsible till age 21, meaning if they dont pay their bill, I am the one thats get into trouble.... not them..... even though they áre allowed to sign a contract at age 18 themselves without parental permission........ strange huh? a friend of mine got into huge financial trouble because her 18 year old son didnt pay his phone bills and they were HUGE bills,..........)
My daughters both have many classmates with very expensive phones.
with the monthly bill, they have internet and everything on their phones.
YEs even 7 year olds.
Now tháts ridiculous to me.
But I dont see harm in a simple phone so you are able to reach your child, and they can reach you. depending on the childs personality , some kids are very responsible and mature at age 7 while others are not at age 16.... so its not possible to say "from this and this age phones should/shouldnt be allowed" since all kids are different....
My oldest wasnt repsonsible enough before age 10. But middle daughter is. SHe is very wise for her age, and all her classmates are 8 or 9 years old. (she skipped a grade).
I voted aged 10 for GPS and emergency reasons, maybe even 8 or 9 depending on their activities. I would also invest in some form of child safety instruction - what to do and what not to do if someone approaches you or makes you feel uncomfortable. This is the age where they really need to learn (although younger children will understand this too):
- Never go near a vehicle without mummy or daddy, even if the driver talks to you - ignore them.
- Adults never ask children for help
- If you're lost, phone mummy and stay where you are
- Always make sure your child has your phone number with them and knows where it is
Job Opening!!
Which do you have & why ?
- NearSeattleMom
on Aug. 31, 2010 at 3:39 PM