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eddiesmommy
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Member since 5/09 11524 total posts
Name: Melissa
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by ChrisDee
So far in my experience, the young kids that have cell phones have gotten them because they WANTED them, not because they NEEDED them. Jordan's friend was here tonight and showing off her new phone. I asked her what she needed a phone for and she said, I just wanted it.
That is exactly the same experience I have had. I have not heard one valid reason from either my dd or her friends why they NEED a cellphone.
couldnt that be said for anything you buy your DC thats not a necessity? An iPod, a TV in their room, a Nintendo DS, etc?
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Posted 1/27/10 10:17 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
plus look around - the payphones are literally almost all gone or broken not to mention gross and full of bacteria.
I agree with that but we all survived pay phones and the bacteria---lol!!
also if they take the bus wouldnt u prefer for them to have access to a phone god forbid something happened? (i say this bc a guy exposed himself in front of me when i was a kid)
We all took buses for many years and never needed phones. If god forbid something happening, I would be getting a call from the school.
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Posted 1/27/10 10:18 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by MikesWife
Junior High. So what's that 12? 13?
Middle School is now 10-13 yrs. old
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Posted 1/27/10 10:19 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by HeathKernandez
Posted by hazeleyes33
And IME, and not trying to flame anyone but the kids with the most "things" were the ones with divorced parents who are trying to "compete" with who buys the better gifts.
yeah.. um THAT's not true.
I live in queens and know what? We live in a world where a cell phone is part of life.. When my son is starting to go around the neighborhood with his friends, walking home from the bus by himself, I want to be able to reach him just in case.
He's a responsible boy and knows he's not getting some fancy phone. It's for emergencies etc. If he starts to abuse his privileges, then he doesn't get it and mommy is going to have to escort him around the hood.
That is why I said IME.
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Posted 1/27/10 10:20 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by eddiesmommy
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by ChrisDee
So far in my experience, the young kids that have cell phones have gotten them because they WANTED them, not because they NEEDED them. Jordan's friend was here tonight and showing off her new phone. I asked her what she needed a phone for and she said, I just wanted it.
That is exactly the same experience I have had. I have not heard one valid reason from either my dd or her friends why they NEED a cellphone.
couldnt that be said for anything you buy your DC thats not a necessity? An iPod, a TV in their room, a Nintendo DS, etc?
A cellphone has a monthly bill attached to it (something that a child usually does not have the money to pay for on a regular basis). These other things do not. My dd has had an Ipod and a DS and both have broken and I do not intend to get her them again. She has had a TV in her room since she was 2 1/2 because we got a new one. She just handed that one down to my son and she got a new one--a combined gift for 3 things.
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Posted 1/27/10 10:23 AM |
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eddiesmommy
best buds!
Member since 5/09 11524 total posts
Name: Melissa
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by eddiesmommy
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by ChrisDee
So far in my experience, the young kids that have cell phones have gotten them because they WANTED them, not because they NEEDED them. Jordan's friend was here tonight and showing off her new phone. I asked her what she needed a phone for and she said, I just wanted it.
That is exactly the same experience I have had. I have not heard one valid reason from either my dd or her friends why they NEED a cellphone.
couldnt that be said for anything you buy your DC thats not a necessity? An iPod, a TV in their room, a Nintendo DS, etc?
A cellphone has a monthly bill attached to it (something that a child usually does not have the money to pay for on a regular basis). These other things do not. My dd has had an Ipod and a DS and both have broken and I do not intend to get her them again. She has had a TV in her room since she was 2 1/2 because we got a new one. She just handed that one down to my son and she got a new one--a combined gift for 3 things.
but they have them bc they WANTED them not bc they NEEDED them and you can get pay as you go plans so there is no monthly bill.
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Posted 1/27/10 10:29 AM |
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KateDevine
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Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by eddiesmommy
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by ChrisDee
So far in my experience, the young kids that have cell phones have gotten them because they WANTED them, not because they NEEDED them. Jordan's friend was here tonight and showing off her new phone. I asked her what she needed a phone for and she said, I just wanted it.
That is exactly the same experience I have had. I have not heard one valid reason from either my dd or her friends why they NEED a cellphone.
couldnt that be said for anything you buy your DC thats not a necessity? An iPod, a TV in their room, a Nintendo DS, etc?
A cellphone has a monthly bill attached to it (something that a child usually does not have the money to pay for on a regular basis). These other things do not. My dd has had an Ipod and a DS and both have broken and I do not intend to get her them again. She has had a TV in her room since she was 2 1/2 because we got a new one. She just handed that one down to my son and she got a new one--a combined gift for 3 things.
Not to split hairs, but yes, they do.
If you get a tv and put cable on it and get a cable box, that's $7/month (minimum) and if you get an ipod, don't they need songs from itunes?
I'd rather add a line to my cell phone plan and pay $9.99/month than give my DC a give, JMO
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Posted 1/27/10 10:43 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by eddiesmommy
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by eddiesmommy
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by ChrisDee
So far in my experience, the young kids that have cell phones have gotten them because they WANTED them, not because they NEEDED them. Jordan's friend was here tonight and showing off her new phone. I asked her what she needed a phone for and she said, I just wanted it.
That is exactly the same experience I have had. I have not heard one valid reason from either my dd or her friends why they NEED a cellphone.
couldnt that be said for anything you buy your DC thats not a necessity? An iPod, a TV in their room, a Nintendo DS, etc?
A cellphone has a monthly bill attached to it (something that a child usually does not have the money to pay for on a regular basis). These other things do not. My dd has had an Ipod and a DS and both have broken and I do not intend to get her them again. She has had a TV in her room since she was 2 1/2 because we got a new one. She just handed that one down to my son and she got a new one--a combined gift for 3 things.
but they have them bc they WANTED them not bc they NEEDED them and you can get pay as you go plans so there is no monthly bill.
That is true and yes you can get those plans but I don't feel at this time a cellphone is needed for my child or MOST other children her age and younger. I feel there is access to other ways to communication and they consider it a toy. Parents are constantly saying that their kids are growing up too fast. But, they are giving them adult things too early, IMO. They don't respect these things like an adult would and they EXPECT many of these things.
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Posted 1/27/10 10:44 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Not to split hairs, but yes, they do.
If you get a tv and put cable on it and get a cable box, that's $7/month (minimum) and if you get an ipod, don't they need songs from itunes?
I'd rather add a line to my cell phone plan and pay $9.99/month than give my DC a give, JMO
The box in my dd's room is 3.99/month with Fios. When she had an ipod she got the songs from gc's and downloading songs we already had. When her DS was working, she would get the games as gifts also.
Again, IMO MOST kids don't need cellphones but I am sure there are valid reasons why some do. I just have not heard any of those reasons from my dd or her friends.
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Posted 1/27/10 10:48 AM |
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CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name: Jen - counting my blessings...
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Maybe when they are in Junior High..
And a basic one at that.
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Posted 1/27/10 10:52 AM |
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
DD was 10yrs old when she got her phone(her father bought it for her) at first I wasnt happy about it because I thought she was too young but being able to reach her when she is on a bike ride withe friends or taking a walk or even at her friends house is very comforting to me
now she is 13yrs old and going to the mall and the movies and it is great to be able to get a hold of her in a second if I need to!!
I edited to also add...... she also uses her phone to text and keep in touch with her friends and talk its not just so I can contact her my DD is a GREAT student mostly As and Bs, she made honor roll last quarter and she is a GREAT KID!!She does whatever I ask her to and I rarely ever have to ask twice. She enjoys her phone along with her computer and her tv and I see NO reason why she cannot have these things. If she ever gives me a reason to take them a way then I will but for now I see no problem with her having a phone!!
Message edited 1/27/2010 11:35:49 AM.
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Posted 1/27/10 10:56 AM |
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eddiesmommy
best buds!
Member since 5/09 11524 total posts
Name: Melissa
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by hazeleyes33
Not to split hairs, but yes, they do.
If you get a tv and put cable on it and get a cable box, that's $7/month (minimum) and if you get an ipod, don't they need songs from itunes?
I'd rather add a line to my cell phone plan and pay $9.99/month than give my DC a give, JMO
The box in my dd's room is 3.99/month with Fios. When she had an ipod she got the songs from gc's and downloading songs we already had. When her DS was working, she would get the games as gifts also.
Again, IMO MOST kids don't need cellphones but I am sure there are valid reasons why some do. I just have not heard any of those reasons from my dd or her friends.
Plus if you add up the ongoing costs that the ipod GCs, DS games and $3.99 fios every month then its feasible that it has cost more than a pay as you go phone would.
but if thats your logic, that they cant give you a reason...what is the reason that kids NEED an ipod, or NEED a TV in their room? If you asked your kids that, I bet they dont have a reason for NEEDING one, but they just wanted one.
And since when is a phone, an adult thing? Did you not spend your tween years on the phone gossiping with your girlfriends? I dont see why since they are now portable, it makes them a toy. And just to ad, Im not saying get your kid an iPhone, Im talking a basic phone.
Im not debating the fact that you dont think its appropriate that your children have cell phones, thats you perogative and I respect that, but I challenge the logic behind the needs vs wants that you countered those of us who think its OK if our children have cells.
Message edited 1/27/2010 11:13:11 AM.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:00 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name: Beth
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
In my house, not until they can pay for it, and even then, I'm not too sure. I'm against it for several reasons - first, cell phones have become one but of many status symbols, and I don't want to encourage my children to feed into the materialism frenzy.
Two, when they are school-aged, I will know where they are during school hours, and if they need to be picked up, we will make those arrangements, by talking with each other, in the morning, or they can call me on a school phone. If they are at a friend's house and need to be picked up, they can do what I did as a kid - use the house phone.
Three, kids these days spend WAY too much time with electronics. When I was school-aged I had a limit of how much time I could spend on the phone and that was for a reason - to encourage me to actually SEE my friends in person, and PLAY with them outside, instead of sitting inside all day on Nintendo (ok, ok, at that time, maybe it was still Atari ), the computer or the phone. I want to encourage my children to play, in person, with their friends, outside, as much as possible.
Fourth, some independence is a good thing! I've seen WAY too many children these days who are literally attached at the hip and the phone with mom or dad. They text/call for every little movement, and vice versa. Yes, I want to be close with my children, but I don't need to know what they are doing every second of every day.
Message edited 1/27/2010 11:02:31 AM.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:00 AM |
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nferrandi
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Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name: Nicole
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
I think when they go into middle school is the right time because they start to do after school activities or join clubs.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:05 AM |
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HeathKernandez
Our Ron is an awesome Ron
Member since 4/07 9091 total posts
Name: baby fish mouth
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by HeathKernandez
Posted by hazeleyes33
And IME, and not trying to flame anyone but the kids with the most "things" were the ones with divorced parents who are trying to "compete" with who buys the better gifts.
yeah.. um THAT's not true.
I live in queens and know what? We live in a world where a cell phone is part of life.. When my son is starting to go around the neighborhood with his friends, walking home from the bus by himself, I want to be able to reach him just in case.
He's a responsible boy and knows he's not getting some fancy phone. It's for emergencies etc. If he starts to abuse his privileges, then he doesn't get it and mommy is going to have to escort him around the hood.
That is why I said IME.
I don't know what IME means.
Maybe it's different because I live in a more urban area where there is a heck of a lot more traffic and *issues* around. And practically NO PAY PHONES. In the springtime the kids go from park to park, its not like he's at a friends house. I would just feel safer knowing I can contact him. We have the technology now, so WHY NOT?
Look- I was one to say "oh no, not until you're a teenager" but when you get there... to *this* age, you realize that you don't always go with what you intended. My son wants more freedom and he has been proving to us that he CAN be trusted. I just need that little extra peace of mind.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:12 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name: Beth
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by eddiesmommy I just disagree, like my sister for instance, when she was around 12, her and a friend walked into town, and they went to a local shopping center, a man followed them in and out of stores and then stood outside waiting for them. They called my mom from a payphone in Ben Franklin to come and get them. These situations DO happen, and I would just rather DS have a phone, should it occur.
You know, these kind of things used to happen to me, as a kid and teenager, ALL THE TIME (I used to believe I had a magnet in my head for weirdos). And whenever it did, I would either drive straight to the police station, walk over to a security guard at the mall, or find a responsible adult and ask for help.
I know it's tempting to think of all the possible what-ifs and stay up at night worrying about the realm of possible harms that could happen to my children. But, it is really just SO important to me to raise my children to have a certain level of independence, and freedom from all of that anxiety and stress. I was raised that way - my father was hyper-paranoid. I loved him, everyone knows that, but it's also one of the biggest regrets of my life because it turned me into an overly-cautious adult. I am so incredibly jealous of my husband, who doesn't live with that constant element of fear, caution and anxiety.
Personally, I think that, by raising your child to be smart so that they can handle these scary situations responsibly, obviates the need for a cell phone in most cases.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:13 AM |
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eddiesmommy
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Member since 5/09 11524 total posts
Name: Melissa
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by eddiesmommy I just disagree, like my sister for instance, when she was around 12, her and a friend walked into town, and they went to a local shopping center, a man followed them in and out of stores and then stood outside waiting for them. They called my mom from a payphone in Ben Franklin to come and get them. These situations DO happen, and I would just rather DS have a phone, should it occur.
You know, these kind of things used to happen to me, as a kid and teenager, ALL THE TIME (I used to believe I had a magnet in my head for weirdos). And whenever it did, I would either drive straight to the police station, walk over to a security guard at the mall, or find a responsible adult and ask for help.
I know it's tempting to think of all the possible what-ifs and stay up at night worrying about the realm of possible harms that could happen to my children. But, it is really just SO important to me to raise my children to have a certain level of independence, and freedom from all of that anxiety and stress. I was raised that way - my father was hyper-paranoid. I loved him, everyone knows that, but it's also one of the biggest regrets of my life because it turned me into an overly-cautious adult. I am so incredibly jealous of my husband, who doesn't live with that constant element of fear, caution and anxiety.
Personally, I think that, by raising your child to be smart so that they can handle these scary situations responsibly, obviates the need for a cell phone in most cases.
I dont think arming them with cell phone would make them paranoid...I wouldnt give it to DS and be like here, this is for when creepy people are following you around town, or in case you are in a precarious situation with a drunk driver.....I would simply say for emergencies only or if you are in any kind of trouble. I wouldnt plant specific what if scenarios into my sons head. And I dont consider myself paranoid or overly cautious, at all. I just have a respect for the what ifs, and realize that they could happen and if they should, my son has a way to reach me. I resent the fact that you imply that by giving my DS a cell phone that Im not raising him to be independent with the capability to make smart decisions.
Message edited 1/27/2010 11:18:03 AM.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:16 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name: Beth
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by eddiesmommy I resent the fact that you imply that by giving my DS a cell phone that Im not raising him to be independent with the capability to make smart decisions.
I'm not implying anything about you and your reasons for giving your DS a cell phone. I'm stating the reasons why I wouldn't, speaking from my own experiences. And raising a child to be responsible and smart is not independent of giving him/her a cell phone. I just think it's overkill for both, at least, for me and my family.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:21 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by HeathKernandez
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by HeathKernandez
Posted by hazeleyes33
And IME, and not trying to flame anyone but the kids with the most "things" were the ones with divorced parents who are trying to "compete" with who buys the better gifts.
yeah.. um THAT's not true.
I live in queens and know what? We live in a world where a cell phone is part of life.. When my son is starting to go around the neighborhood with his friends, walking home from the bus by himself, I want to be able to reach him just in case.
He's a responsible boy and knows he's not getting some fancy phone. It's for emergencies etc. If he starts to abuse his privileges, then he doesn't get it and mommy is going to have to escort him around the hood.
That is why I said IME.
I don't know what IME means.
Maybe it's different because I live in a more urban area where there is a heck of a lot more traffic and *issues* around. And practically NO PAY PHONES. In the springtime the kids go from park to park, its not like he's at a friends house. I would just feel safer knowing I can contact him. We have the technology now, so WHY NOT?
Look- I was one to say "oh no, not until you're a teenager" but when you get there... to *this* age, you realize that you don't always go with what you intended. My son wants more freedom and he has been proving to us that he CAN be trusted. I just need that little extra peace of mind.
IME=In my experience
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Posted 1/27/10 11:39 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by nferrandi
I think when they go into middle school is the right time because they start to do after school activities or join clubs.
They start doing these things in elementary school now too.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:40 AM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by eddiesmommy I resent the fact that you imply that by giving my DS a cell phone that Im not raising him to be independent with the capability to make smart decisions.
I'm not implying anything about you and your reasons for giving your DS a cell phone. I'm stating the reasons why I wouldn't, speaking from my own experiences. And raising a child to be responsible and smart is not independent of giving him/her a cell phone. I just think it's overkill for both, at least, for me and my family.
And from my experience, kids are NOT using the cellphones for emergencies. They are on them all the time, texting and calling friends that they could easily walk down the block to see. They are also getting in trouble in school with them (see the teachers post above) because they think they are a toy.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:42 AM |
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eddiesmommy
best buds!
Member since 5/09 11524 total posts
Name: Melissa
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Posted by hazeleyes33
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by eddiesmommy I resent the fact that you imply that by giving my DS a cell phone that Im not raising him to be independent with the capability to make smart decisions.
I'm not implying anything about you and your reasons for giving your DS a cell phone. I'm stating the reasons why I wouldn't, speaking from my own experiences. And raising a child to be responsible and smart is not independent of giving him/her a cell phone. I just think it's overkill for both, at least, for me and my family.
And from my experience, kids are NOT using the cellphones for emergencies. They are on them all the time, texting and calling friends that they could easily walk down the block to see. They are also getting in trouble in school with them (see the teachers post above) because they think they are a toy.
Ok, but like anything else, if you abuse a privilege you lose it.
I used to get in trouble for "passing notes", same thing really.
Message edited 1/27/2010 11:56:03 AM.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:52 AM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name: Janice
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
I guess when he can pay for it...
since mine stays in glove box and I pay 20.00 for it every 3 months...dh doesn't even have one...I really don't feel like it is in us to pay for our tween to carry one around.
Its not even about the money, its about the fact that its such a waste of money.
All these emergency situations...people made do back in the day without them.
I think its so disrespectful to teachers to have to deal with texting students.
I know its crazy, but I am not 100% sure that they aren't causing brain tumors....or crazy cell clusters over the ears.
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Posted 1/27/10 11:53 AM |
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conigs25
So in love with this kid!
Member since 5/06 11197 total posts
Name: Michele
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
14
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Posted 1/27/10 11:55 AM |
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BriBri2u
L'amore vince sempre
Member since 5/05 9320 total posts
Name: Mrs. B
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Re: What age do you think is appropriate for a cell phone?
Not a parent yet, but I truly feel when you are old enough to pay for the bill than you can have a cell phone.
I was talking to 2 of my friends who are teachers in 2 seperate elementary schools. Both had made mention about cells phones that they have confiscated from kids in their classes because these kids felt the need to use them during school hours.
One of my friends said that child she took it away from refused to put it away the first 2x's she asked.
Than she had to deal with the parent of this child who still thought she had no reason to take it from him
I think thats uncalled for. Shame on that parent who felt that her child had every right to call/text whomever during school hours.
If there was a problem he should have told her & he could have been sent to the principals office to make that call.
She asked BOTH times if there was something wrong that he needed to be on his cell phone during her class time. He told her nothing was wrong. He was more than likely texting a friend...
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Posted 1/27/10 12:06 PM |
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