Cell phones and children.

[AUFred]

For those with children at what age did you get them a cell phone or at what age do you plan to get them one?

 

[darkcgi]

14 boy and when did I plan to 16
another boy 9 and the plan is 10 he is more responsible

 

[Dana]

I don't have kids and don't plan to have any but I would NEVER buy my child a cellphone. Not even a prepaid plan. Most kids are not responsible enough. I cannot fathom why my cousin bought her kids iPods and she cannot afford them to begin with (Meaning she probably charged them and will pay them off later or go into debit because all she does is charge.).

 

[Natasha]

Dana, you can buy cellphones for kids that only allow them to call like 4 people and 911.

 

[Francis]

I guess that really depends on the child...

My son, who is turning 9, would be ready for one now but has no use for it.. No need in putting the hottest stolen device in the hands of a child that doesn't require it yet.. He knows how to run both my Blackberry and Galaxy SII phones better than I do. :eek

When he gets to the point where calling friends become a bigger issue I will consider it again with limitations.

 

[AUFred]

we got both our children a phone when they got their first car and license. suppose to be for emergencies only. that did not last long.

 

[Francis]

It's against the rules for the kids to use cellphones in my sons school, at least in class. I couldn't believe some of his friends already have phones.. But I guess that's how it moves in this day and age where 8 and 9 year olds have Smartphones. Realistically I can't think of why he would have one besides playing games ( Angry Birds ).. When he gets a bit older I can see him wanting one to keep in touch and stuff but right now he can't even remember our phone numbers which we really need to get down and teach him.

 

[Francis]

And yah, as far as emergencies, for a teen, everything is 911 at that age.. Missed talking to so and so, that's a 911 emergency..

 

[Springsteen]

Back when I went to school they were banned anywhere. If you had one and a teacher caught you it was taken away from you until the end of the day. Now at the school (I know this because my Sister goes to the same school) you can have phones, but you can't use them in class. Same punishment. I always thought as long as it wasn't disruptive to the teacher then they should be allowed. Which is what happens now I reckon.

I got my first phone when I was 14. Back then I had no income so I had credit bought for me every other weekend (£10) which I had to make last for two weeks. It wasn't really a problem. My sister has a £20 a month contract these days and has a Blackberry (I forget the exact model) and she's had it taken off her at school a few times.

I guess it's a generational thing too. Back in 2001 not that many kids actually had mobiles and therefore it wasn't really a status symbol. Nowadays every kid has one and if you don't you're kinda left out. I think this is a different thread but Dana did allude to it, parents can go into debt sometimes making sure their kid isn't left out of the cool stuff in life. I personally think they should have to make do with what they can afford. Sadly society doesn't agree with me.

 

[Margene]

My sons got their phones when they started driving and my daughter when I eliminated the land line. She needed a phone for when she was home alone, she was 13 at the time. It also had the benefit of being able to keep very good track on her and I have all her friends' numbers as well. I know darned good and well they are constantly texting so there is no avoiding me. She and they have not. I always get prompt answers as opposed to their ability to ignore a land line or, are not near one. Also, I can request a picture at any time and she has to immediately respond.

Yeah, there are downsides to letting her have one so early, but it's also been a good wedge to keep her in line.

 

[Kakapo Dundee]

Got phones for both my kids when they first went to high school.

The school allows them to carry them, but not to use them in class time.
Added a few rules of my own as well....

You have to allow your children to make mistakes as part of the learning process. I only had to impound one phone once.

 

[darkcgi]

I think that if they learn some of the gadgets they could get a step a head of the deprived ones
I put limits on them and keep track of what they are doing all the time

 

[The Man]

I have changed my opinion on letting the younger children have cellphones..I used to be against it...Now I look at it as a safety tool in the event something were to happen or they need to ask a parent a question or something.
So if a parent thinks the child will use it as instructed at a given age then get them one if it is within the means....Not always easy as some children will listen when they are seven other never listen at all...A friend of mine got his daughter one at seven...Worked out fine,gets used about once or twice a week.{rather than used as a toy}
I guess it all depends if the child listens to the talk from the parents when they get it...I have seen teenagers cause many problems with the parents when getting a cellphone...Just depends on the kid I guess.

 

[darkcgi]

its all about deciding if your child is ready or not
its not the age and keep tabs don't be an idiot

 

[Dana]

Dana, you can buy cellphones for kids that only allow them to call like 4 people and 911.

:coffee

 

[Aries]

I bought both of my kids cell phones when they reached middle school. As The Man said, it's mainly for safety reasons. That's when they started walking to school. Also, when they are out with their friends, I can always reach them and they can always reach me if necessary. My kids are both very responsible with them.

 

[AnitaBeer]

I will be buying a basic cell phone when the boys can stay home alone. I'm toying with the idea of letting Michael come home after school next year for that hour between when the bus would drop him off and when I would be off work, but I really don't know yet. However, if I did he would have a cell phone because I do not have a house phone and do not want a house phone. Both of my boys are very responsible with their electronics and they know what 911 is for and my phone number etc so they are ready for one when I do break down and get one.

 

[Veronica]

I havent gotten any of my kids one.
Jaxon I dont have to worry about for a WHILE. hes only 2
Jacob is 9 and is WAY responsible. I could see me letting him have one at 11 or 12 only to be able to reach me or his dad.
Austin.. maybe 14.. im not sure yet.. hes not very mature and loses things easily.

 

[robdawg1]

Cody got one at 13, and i was against it. He has had it taken away from him time and again because he is not responsible with it. he is 16 now and he recently got it taken away. Layne is 7, and i would probably not have a problem with her getting one in about 5 years , because a) she is a bad liar and would fess up before i had to go looking through her cell phone, and b) she wouldnt use it to photograph her "junk" thinking it is hillarious... things i have caught cody doing by the way....

 

[GoldDust Woman]

Mine has had one since he was 7 years old. Not because I thought it was cool - it was because I was paying for a family member on my plan who decided they didn't need to pay their part anymore. Being locked into a contract, I decided to deactivate their phone and give the line to my boy. He has been very responsible with it. No regrets.