Thinking about getting DS a phone, need advice

DS starts middle school in September. he will still be 10 when he starts and will turn 11 the beginnign of Novemeber.

I NEVER thought I would say this, but I think maybe we should get him a phone. He's really into theater and I know he's going to at the very least be involved in drama club and orchestra. That means a lot of staying after school, and I would like to keep tabs on him.

DH is against it. He says he and I never had phones and got along just fine, and that kids having phones are more trouble than they are worth. 2 years ago I would have agreed, but now I can see the advantage to DS having one.

So, my ?s for parents whose kids have phones....

What are the pros and cons?

Does your DC have a full service phone where they can text or call whoever they want, or are there limits, like there are only certain numbers they can call, or no texting, etc?

Did you get them the phone they wanted, or something strictly utilitarian?

TIA!!!!

Re: Thinking about getting DS a phone, need advice

I would get a pay as you go basic one that has preset numbers and a preset amount of $ on it. If he can prove he can use it responsibly, not loose it, and does all that you ask of him in 6 months move up to a better phone. I would make him do chores to help pay for the phone. It is not like it was when we were kids. I don't think my local HS even has a pay phone anymore...

Re: Thinking about getting DS a phone, need advice

My DS has had a phone for a few years now. He is 10. The main reason I got him a phone was for when he goes to his Dad's I can call him, his father a lot of the times wouldn't answer my calls.

I work full-time and DS goes to the childcare at the school and I feel better knowing that he has his phone if he needs to call me or if I am running late I can text him. He never abuses his phone and I check his texts & calls sometimes to make sure that he isn't doing anything inappropriate with it.

I just added an additional line to my cell phone plan for $9.99 and the phone was free.

I like the peace and mind it gives me.

Just explain to your son that if he abuses it you will take away his phone.

Re: Thinking about getting DS a phone, need advice

I was against it too but my dh got dd a tracfone for xmas and I am fine with it now. I actually like that I can contact her.
She upgraded to the better phone (it has internet and games and songs for no extra charge).
He then buys her minutes every few months.

Re: Thinking about getting DS a phone, need advice

My plan originally was "when they could pay for it."

But given the number of cell phones around & the lack of pay phones because of it, we'll do middle school.

We'll have some ground rules regarding abuse, texting etc.

Re: Thinking about getting DS a phone, need advice

I know I'm a long way from this happening and my mind may change by the time ds is 10, but I agree with Middle school being age appropriate, but I personally would get the phone with pre-set numbers so he can only call approved numbers. I can see it being really useful especially if he's involved with after-school clubs/sports. There's no need IMO for them to need to call anyone else during the day. All their friends are in school with them I would consider the upgrade for HS

Re: Thinking about getting DS a phone, need advice

I still have a while to go, but I have always been when they start school they are ready for a cell. Well. DS who will be 4 this aug started school at 2 and he wasn't ready. He wasn't ready when he turned 3 and I don't think at 4 either. So I am thinking 1st or 2nd grade with pre-set numbers.


But for a 10 year old I would put them on a family plan with unlimited texting attached to your plan. My nephews got their first phone at age 7 and learned responsibility by having it. They only thing either of my nephews have on their phones is data capability, so no web surfing

Re: Thinking about getting DS a phone, need advice

Definitely middle school is the best time to start them with a phone. My 2 older boys both have phones. Our middle school is very strict with the phone use. So my 6th grader can only text me before or after school and he turns it off during the school day. I also car pool 3 of his friends and they all have phones, but someone always forgets theirs at home.lol My son stays after for different activities and sometimes they get cancelled and he will need a ride. Also my older son rides his bike to school and I make him text me as soon as he gets to the school. There have also been times where I didn't get a letter about a plant sale or something and my son will text me to bring him money. So I am always thankful I can reach them:)

Edited to add~ we just added them onto our plan.

Message edited 5/21/2011 12:29:08 AM.