Cell phones and children.

[teh_fuzz]

I gave it an honest go with the oldest early last summer, She had it for less than a few hours and "lost it"

It has been in my bag for a while now but even though she seems to have become a bit more responsible over the last few months, her grades simply do not deserve a prize like a cell phone right now.

The younger one is a bit more laid back when it comes to electronics - she is more worried about dancing and looking "cool" than toying with a cell phone at all times, unless she finds the camera LOL

At 7 and 5 i think they are still a bit young; The 7 yr old wants one because she wants to look and act like a 20'something, the little one wants one simply to follow suit with her sister, i mean... she cannot be left out, y'know?

 

[crazypycho]

16 when they get a car

 

[NY Tall Guy]

I don't think it's a good idea for children to have smartphones, especially with so many functionalities on it that can go unmonitored...however, with two working parents and so many activities that children are involved in, I think it's acceptable for a child of an acceptabe age to have a basic cell phone. I think the age can vary, but my 10 yr very responsible straight A niece got one after much debate,as their were circumstances with my late Mom for the past 4 months that made it necessary for lines of communication to be made available to her.

 

[Defiant Tuesday]

My daugter got one when she was 12 on prepaid. She is now 16 and on our plan. My son was 9 and we added him because we had a spare line.

 

[Keight]

I bought one for my eldest when he started high school. Mainly for the texting me if he finishes early situation.
I think being a boy however, he is rarely on it. He texts his mate now and then but never makes calls and hes never on the net as he has his computer. I guess its up to the child at hand and if they are adult enough to handle the responsibility that comes along with it.

 

[NuckingFuts]

The way I see it. Most of us are old enough that, when we were kids cell phones were not even around. Guess what we survived.
That is what land lines are for, the kids. If you don't have one. You can always buy the Magic Jack for your computer. Its cheap and works good. It gives you a home phone number. Your kids can use it when home alone.

Basically I don't believe In giving kids cell phones.

 

[Sticky Sweets]

Seriously guys ? -.-
I got my phone when I was 9...

ps. I'm 15

 

[AUFred]

wow. Cell phones are like that now, indispensible.

 

[Charmer]

My daughter was 10 when she got one. She's 15 now and has never abused it with phone calls or texts. Now actually knowing where it is day-to-day is another thing altogether!

 

[kat74]

I bought my kid a phone when she reached 12 years. The phone doesn't have internet and its used as an alarm clock and for emergency.

 

[KellyValentine]

I remember getting my first cell phone in high school. My daughter is turning 9 and she tells me that she wants an iPhone. The 4 and 4s are free on my current plan so I am considering it. I am concerned about how she will keep up with it. I'm probably going to tell her if she loses it that's it. Maybe it will help her be responsible. I'm still debating on it though.

 

[zaramouda]

I think it's better not to allow to the children to carry a cellular phone. If it is necessary for parents to buy a child one cellular, in this case parents should choose a phone which options are not more than receiving a call. No internet, no games, nor other options that are forbidden for a child unless there is some who might control the child behavior.

 

[zaramouda]

Me too. When I got my first cell phone once I got in high school. Nowdays there are many games and many things which must be controled by the parents. that's why I can't allow my children to carry a phone whithout control.

 

[superfalcons05]

I got my 1st phone when I was 12. I think 12-14 is a good age. you really dont need to use parental controls if your kid is over 14. Phones are basically like computers now. you can always give them a burner phone!:willy_nilly:

 

[zaramouda]

Some studies have investigated the health effects of cell phone use on the human especially on children, even though all the facts suggest they are at higher risk. When children start to use mobiles at a very young age they are experiencing then their lifetime of exposure compounds their vulnerability and their health to the dangers such brain tumors, genetic damage, their fertility will reduce, cancers…

 

[MyDigitalpoint]

I believe that given your children cell phones is a good idea as long as:

1. It's a basic phone with the minimal features such as radio, games, note-taking apps, calendar or agenda.
2. It's a model without camera nor Internet connectivity
3. It's not under a plan but prepaid and loaded with the minimum amount allowed

A child under 12 years of age doesn't need more than the above and giving him or her a phone is buying peace of mind for the parents to stay in touch.

Teenagers will obviously find ridiculous having a basic cell phone when all their friends have fancy smartphones, but here the only restriction that you can put is airtime, so whatever the phone model, it has to be on a prepaid and very basic plan.

However it's necessary teach teens the risks of having access to the web, and the use of cameras, video cameras, chat applications and else, beside both children and teens must learn how hard is making money to pay for those silly calls they make.

With a limited money on their cell phones they have the option to be more careful with airtime they consume, or learn how to make money to add more and make use of the phone without this worry.

 

[Staz]

I got my prepaid cellphone when I was 12, and I feel like that's a good age. It's around the age when kids really need to be able to stay in touch with friends, but when they are becoming mature enough to keep up with expensive electronics. (Not that I would start them with an expensive phone. My first phone was prepaid and cost $30, and I think that's a good starting point.)

 

[caparica007]

My older nephew already has a cell phone and he is 11. To be honest I don't know if he already needs it or if it is a social thing. My kids are still too young (3 and 6), so I'll worry about that later.

 

[writeletters]

I don't have children, but I can tell you when I got my first phone. I got mine when I was ten to keep in touch with my mother while she was at work and I was at school and other activities. My first was a simple, old hand me down which I loved.

 

[Mak73]

My daughter is 9 and has no interest in phones, computers just her kindle. My son who is 6 knows how to use my cell. We just have a trac pre-paid phone. When they are with their one grandma who doesn't have a cell phone, I give him one of ours to take with. I guess I would say for my daughter when she gets her license in case of an emergency.