should kids have mobile phones ?

Answer 1

only the kind that has a line directly to mom or dad and nobody else.

G.G.

Answer 2

Yes, I think kids should have cell phones in case of emergency. I think the appropriate age for one to give their kid a cell phone is about 16 because that's when most kids get their drivers liscense and like to really start hanging out with friends late at night.
It's a good way for kids to communicate with their parents if they are somewhere where they cann't locate a phone or if they got into an accident. It doesn't have to be anything fancy just a Firefly phone thru Cingular would be good enough. If they want a cellphone to talk to their friends with than make a deal with them; have them pay for the monthly bill if you put them on a plan or if its prepaid they have to pay for their minutes.
I hope this helps.

Answer 3

i come from a very strict upbringing so many privileges were not made to me and my brothers such as having cars, phones, and TV's. However times have changed and many kids are doing more things than us at that age such as sports, activities after school, having babies and jobs. Depending on the child, i think it would be useful for him/her to have a prepaid phone only for the use of emergencies. Not for casual use. For example, practice let out early and she needs for you to come get her much earlier. Certainly a child shouldn't need a phone to talk to their girlfriends/boyfriends everyday. They don't have any bills so they are not calling creditors. Why else would a kid need a phone, except for emergencies? If there is a phone at home then with monitoring of course by an adult, that should be their primary source for conversation. The only exception is maybe a teenager 16+. By that time they may have little bills or responsibilities and i would "consider" giving him/her a phone. It depends on the teen. Like i said before, many kids nowadays are taking more adult roles and responsibilities than before. You have to evaluate your child's present circumstances and see if it warrants them having a phone. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Yes, with limited emergency use.

When my bother was 10 years old the school bus driver let him out at the wrong stop. My brother tried to walk home and ended up even further away. He had no money in his pocket, and had the courage to ask a stranger on the street for a quarter. He was able to call home, and eventually be picked up. This was over 20 years ago, since then the amount of kind people and PAY phones have decreased. Good Luck to those kids that get lost with out 50 cents today. Get your children phones, and get you piece of mind.

Trick is, get them the cell phone before they ask for it. Once they are begging for one, they are old enough to call their friends bragging. And there goes all the sprint comercials with $300 phone bills. Teach them to me responsible young, and they will do as told and respect your wishes. And that goes with everything.

Answer 5

Depends on the age, maturity, responsibility level of the child in question. My 11 year old has had one for a year. When she is not in my sight, I want her to be able to contact me or her father whenever necessary. But it's a nextel, and the phone part has been disabled so she can only 2 way the people that are stored in the phone. Emergency use only ya know? Not for status/coolness.

Answer 6

I think the prepaids that can only call mom and dad are good thing to start off with. The kids can call to be picked up, or if there's an emergency, and it can teach them some responsibility.

If they prove themselves capable and mature with that, then I'd say you can consider getting them a cell phone when they're like 15 or 16.

Answer 7

Oh of course not. I got my handphone when i was 13 and i tell you kids can promise anything under the sun just to get the phone, and when they get it they don't keep their promises. The purpose of getting them a hp is for communicating anyway, so just get them a phone card!! Or else even if they got the phone they can still choose not to inform you of their whereabouts, and the ancient excuse would be that their battery's flat. But if you do have to get him/her a hp i suggest you get one that has not much functions, firstly it is not costly, and secondly kids wouldn't be able to fully utilise the functions anyway. Plus it's troublesome when the kid loses the phone...

Answer 8

Excellent question. I agree with the pre-paid option for kids or ones that only call certain phone numbers. I believe it could be a real safety issue and it never hurts to put more safety and security into a child's life.

Answer 9

No!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kids should not have mobile phones. It is harmful medically as well as socially. Parents care may be reduced if kids were given mobile phones.

Answer 10

NO! Children should be supervised more by their parents then there would be no need! Mobile phones can lead to problems unless they are made for basic communication between parent and child.
Our children have walkie talkies to keep in touch when playing in the neighbourhood, Its a safety link, free and you only have to press one button to speak!

Answer 11

To call mom and Dad yes. I think 15 is a good age to start having a cell phone, after you have a job and can pay for it.