Joe the meek
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Why should a child under the age of 10 have a smart phone? Just because other kids parents cave in and get them what their kids want means I should? LOL
I am a curmudgeon.
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Why should a child under the age of 10 have a smart phone? Just because other kids parents cave in and get them what their kids want means I should? LOL
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Nope, I didn't say you should. But the fact is that most kids out there have a phone and many with a smart phone. I got my kids a phone when they started walking to school for middle school. They would text me when they got there, text me when they were leaving for home, call me if they needed to stay or to ask if they could go to a friend's house. I would also be able to have contact with them whenever they were not with me. For me, it was a safety factor and just something that made me feel better when they weren't with me. And it still applies now that they are older.
How old were your kids when they started walking alone
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Middle school is for grades 6, 7 and 8. So I guess 11 or 12.
A reasonable age to have a phone for the right reasons
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This reminds me of my recent trip to DC. We were at the National Museum of Natural History and there was a kid sitting down by the escalator with a tablet, playing a game, while his parents were God only knows where. I'm looking at him going "REALLY???" You could spend DAYS in that museum alone with all the stuff to see, but his parents have him sitting somewhere playing on a tablet. *smh*
Joe the meek
Active Member
Not that it matters, but I understand the reasoning per your example and agree with what you did.
However, I would argue that there is no reason to waste money on a smart phone for basic texts and communications.
I do not see the dire need for a smart phone per your example though.
We have Kindals (sp?) for our boys (both under 11). We are already seeing where if a child has a electronic device that is connected to the internet, how other people are either tracking them online or trying to communicate with them, or worse, have them spend money.
Yes, children need to make smart choices on their own, but giving them a device connecting them to the world via the internet at a young age is not wise IMO. Don't get me wrong, you can only protect them for so long, however, by giving them access to something so freely where dumb decisions can be made with a "sent" button is only asking for trouble.
Both my wife and I agree that when our kids get to the point where they will be by themselves they will get a basic flip phone for talking and text.
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Joe the meek
Active Member
You can still find them. Worst case, AARP has them.
Joe the meek
Active Member
Yes it is. Just like little 16 year johnny getting a car without having to work for it.
Would it be right if some stranger smashed up Johnnys car because they thought it was too fancy for a 16 year old?.....Come on Joe...you cant be smashing kids smartphones at Walmarts...You are better than that.
Joe the meek
Active Member
What can I say, I am a curmudgeon.
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