what age for a cell phone?

what age did your dc get a cell phone? or do you plan on getting them one?

Re: what age for a cell phone?

In my circle of mom friends the answers to this question are one of those hot issues. I know some moms that gave it to their kids in second grade for emergencies. The phone only can call mom/dad, etc. Personally, I do not foresee my children having cell phones for a very long time. My oldest is in Kindergarten. While I understand the approach to "in an emergency" my personal stance on the issue is this:

When my kids are in elementary school and even middle school they will never be anywhere by themselves, alone or without supervision whatever where they would a cell phone. If they are at school and need to be picked up, they can walk to the office and ask to use the phone. If they are at a friends house, they can use the parent;s cell phone or home phone. I think giving kids a cell phone too soon opens the door to a level of freedom they would not have otherwise. We all survived without cell phones until adulthood, so I plan to raise my kids the same way and visit the cell phone issue when there is an actual need for it.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

DD is 10 and in 4th grade. She does not have a phone, she is never not with me or another adult. Some of her friends have them already and she is not happy with me. I told her to see me when she is in middle school.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

My daughter got one when she started middle school and that's what we plan on doing for the rest of the kids too.

Message edited 2/27/2011 3:38:37 PM.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

In my neighborhood kids get a cell phone when they start Middle School because of the infamous "late bus."

Re: what age for a cell phone?

I dont plan on giving DD one til she is 13, but Im sure Im not the "norm" with this..

Re: what age for a cell phone?

We started at 11. This was the age when he wanted to check out DVD's or books at Borders etc. and it made me feel better that I could find him easily.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

I gave my daughter a phone at six because she was traveling OOS with her Father and I was super anxious that she would get separated from him, etc. As it turns out, it gave her a sense of comfort because she called me when she was homesick, upset, etc. It's also giving her a true sense of how responsive her father is She gets the same reaction when she calls him from her # as I do on mine, he doesn't pick up. She's confronted him several times about why he's never available when she calls him. Best $10.00 a month I ever spent!

Re: what age for a cell phone?

my DD is 10 and in 5th grade in middle school. She just got a cell phone for christmas since she is invloved in a lot of before and after school activities.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

Posted by Mom2010

I gave my daughter a phone at six because she was traveling OOS with her Father and I was super anxious that she would get separated from him, etc. As it turns out, it gave her a sense of comfort because she called me when she was homesick, upset, etc. It's also giving her a true sense of how responsive her father is She gets the same reaction when she calls him from her # as I do on mine, he doesn't pick up. She's confronted him several times about why he's never available when she calls him. Best $10.00 a month I ever spent!

Re: what age for a cell phone?

Upon entering Middle School.....

My girls got them at 10. A year earlier than I had originally planned. To me they really didnt need them but I got talked into it.

They definitely needed them for Middle School though. If, for nothing else, my own piece of mind.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

Message edited 3/3/2011 4:56:09 PM.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

Probably at some point in middle school...when she starts becoming involved and interested in activities where a parent or adult will not be present.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

Re: what age for a cell phone?

Posted by yaji617

Posted by Mom2010

I gave my daughter a phone at six because she was traveling OOS with her Father and I was super anxious that she would get separated from him, etc. As it turns out, it gave her a sense of comfort because she called me when she was homesick, upset, etc. It's also giving her a true sense of how responsive her father is She gets the same reaction when she calls him from her # as I do on mine, he doesn't pick up. She's confronted him several times about why he's never available when she calls him. Best $10.00 a month I ever spent!

$10.00 a month? Did you just add her as a line and share minutes?

Re: what age for a cell phone?

In middle school pretty much ever kid has one. I can't believe it but that is when we will be getting DS#1 a phone. A plain phone not a droid or blackberry.

Re: what age for a cell phone?

Re: what age for a cell phone?

my kids are young (3.5 & 20 months) but i am definitely getting my oldest a cell phone when he goes to K or 1st grade.

my nephews got them at age 7 & 9. i dont think there is anything wrong with kids having cells at 5 years old. it teaches responsibility... and ANYTHING can happen.