Tell me why a ten your old needs a cell phone

[aka_speezolove]

I am debating on getting my 10 year old a pre-paid phone. She earns an allowence from me and other people for work she does and really wants to get one. I was thinking a very simple, cheap phone with a pre-paid plan.

I am just having a hard time coming up with reasons she needs one. If your 10 year old has one, why? I need convincing it is a good thing to get her.

ETA:

I would be especially interested in hearing from moms that DO allow thier children around this age to have a cell phone and/or DO have children this age as I was always anti-cell until she was 16 as well, but now, I see it as not such a big deal and can see some pros.

[EvilAsh]

Mine won't have a phone until they can buy it and pay for it themselves.

[Anonymous]

if theres no real safety reason, then don't get her one...she will expect upgrades as time marches on, or expect other technology to keep up with her peers

[ashley9603]

I dont see the need for it at that age.

[bcoll]

Because that was the year that they started middle school and wanted to walk. It was also helpful when they wanted to stay after or go home with friends. The environment was a little too "big" for me. I wanted to be in touch.

[aka_speezolove]

Quoting EvilAsh:

Mine won't have a phone until they can buy it and pay for it themselves.

That's just it..she will be buying it and paying for most of it herself. She is very good with money. This kid saved for a kindle for several months. She wants a cheaper phone with pre-paid minutes on it. I told her if she bought the phone and paid for half her minutes she wanted, I would pay the other half. The plan she wants is $25/month and would give her plenty of minutes.

[CeeGee81]

I don't think a 10 yr old needs a phone.  My son won't have a cell phone until he's old enough to have a part time job and pay for it himself.

[KairisMama]

 If my DD is walking to friends houses, or to and from school, etc when she's older, she'll have a cell phone.

[Anonymous]

Sorry I can't help to convince you.  I wouldn't get one unless there was a good reason for doing so.

[Crazy-Steph]

I don't have a good reason - but I LOVE your new avi!

[BEXi]

I would get my sons one at that age. Although I wouldnt do prepaid because they can get really expensive after awhile. You can also have more access to parental functions and actually SEE what your child is doing when you go with an actual service provider.

I would want them to have one for emergencies.