Is 6 years old to young for a cell phone?

Question

I'm debating wheter or not to purchase my 6 year old a pre paid cell phone for emergencies, etc.

Granted she is always with an adult and supervised. Unfortunately something unforeseen could happen.

Answer 1

Maybe. I bought my eight year old a firefly after she was sent home from school early to an empty house. But she understands that it is only for emergencies. You, the parent, program the numbers in the firefly, and those are the only numbers they can call... and you can set it to where they are the only numbers he/she can receive calls from. Not to sound like and advertisement for the Firefly, but I love it... and there have been no more incidences of being locked out in the cold alone. I have SO instilled into her that it is for emergencies only, that when she goes places with family, she takes the phone, and won't even turn it on, unless she needs it. If your son is mature enough, maybe, only you can be the judge of how responsible he is. If you're looking for a phone geared especially for kids, I prefer the Firefly, the Amigo only allows like 5 programmed numbers, the Firefly allows like 22 or 25 something like that. My daughters Firefly was well worth the price we paid for it.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Why would a six year old be far enough away from a responsible adult to need a cell phone. In case of an emergency will a six year old have the presence of mind to be able to use the phone effectively?

Answer 4

A good question. I've always assumed that when my children reach a certain age, I'll get them cell phones that can only accept incoming calls from me, and only make outgoing calls to me (or other numbers we put into the phone.)

However, I have no idea if such phones actually exist.

More importantly, how much time does your six-year-old spend unsupervised? There's no reason to give your child a cell phone for emergencies if they're always supervised -- and at that age, they should be.

Answer 5

Yes! Children are not responsible enough to handle a cell phone. Providing your child with emergency numbers and people who will help is a better alternative. Your 6 six year old is not alone...or shouldn't be and doen't need a phone of his/her own. I'm sure there are enough people around that wouldn't mind sharing there phone in case of an emergency.

Answer 6

Yes six years old is too young. at the age of 6 he/she should always be with an adult. a cell phone for a child should be when that child goes to school by his/her self

Answer 7

I crashed before I was able to submit my answer but saved it and hunted for you,,,smiles... No offense meant but here it is,,,

Obviously and with total respect, your thought is valid,,, a secure issue.

We are in an age where technology seems to be blending with status, paranoia, one up manship, etc.

At age 6, and without knowing any circumstances, how distant at any time is this child? AND how insecure is their environment when distant?

No real offense, but there are far more important issues to concern with regarding a child than having them wear a cell phone holster.

Sigh....

Rev. Steven

Not to add paranoia but a micro chip implant might be effective, and definitely keep a vial of the childs blood in the refrig, for possible DNA identification.... SIGH again,,, gee just enjoy the child and let them enjoy life without techno intrusions. Be the guardian, the protector, the parent, the love of their life, but don't harness them

Answer 8

yes thats way too young....and if you were going to get your child a phone...i recoment the firefly which is a phone where the child can press a button for mommy and daddy and then an emergency number.....that the parents program in the phone...so then the child cannot mess around and screw up the bill or what not....

Answer 9

a 6 year old shouldn't be left alone in the first place no.1 and yes 6 years old is too young

Answer 10

I think it is way to young for a cell phone. I think that if you really feel like he/she needs one, you can get that newer phone called "firefly". It only has , like, 4 buttons.... mom, dad, emergency, and I think one friend. It is a pre-paid phone. I know that you can get one from Toys "R" Us. It was made just for real young kids.