Do you think that a 15 year old should have a cell phone??

Question

My granddaughter wants a cell phone and I don't think she should have one.. Is this right of me or should she have one???

Answer 1

I think it's ok for her to have one, start her off on a prepaid one, like virgin mobile . CP's are good for emergencies and when you need to tell a family member your be late coming home, are can you pick me up from some where. It's ok to get one just restrict some of the features on it.

Answer 2

Hi. I am an old timer too. You are both right. Having the right 'reasons' for carrying the cell phone are paramount.
With so many parents working, having one is a safe way to connect with the children.
911 is a button away and the child's life, if she is taught how to be discreet with the phone, could be saved.

If the child simply wants to use it as a status symbol or to chat on the phone all day - then a cell phone is a disadvantage to that child - social skills are not learned that way. She should not be showing it off to everyone, but should respect that it is an adult 'toy,' and therefore carries adult responsibilities.

With certain rules and restrictions, it is a very smart item, and taking away a cell phone is a very big deal to a kid - so it is a nice tool for the adult when monitoring/teaching behavior.

When they get a little after school job, and find themselves in a pickle of a situation with an older predator, they can make a discreet call to a parent to double check on the best way to handle the moron. Kids who are well taught still find themselves in compromising situations, and nothing seems black and white - or they second guess themselves.... Or when the bus is late and they find themselves in the dark and alone.... I wish I had had something like that when I was young.

So they do have advantages.

Answer 3

My personal opinion is that nobody should have a cell phone. I despise the fool things. But, if your granddaughter is responsible enough that you can depend on her not to abuse the privilege, why not let her have it. My brother got one for his youngest son when he was 14 or 15, and everything worked out fine. If nothing else, it allows you contact your granddaughter whenever you need to.

Answer 4

It all depends on the sort of school she goes too, and the friends she has. Most kids have cell phones.. my nephew is 8 and his parents got him one for when he goes to a friend's house or for emergencies, he doesn't really use it. I got mine when I was 18.. but that was years ago and it wasn't as common. If all her friends have one it's normal.. she would stand out without one. My brother has one and he's 15.

Why don't you think she should have one? I think it's actually safer.. because you can call her anytime and ask where she is if she's late or something. My cousin just got her cell phone and she just turned 16...

Answer 5

No. I don't even think most adults "need" a cell phone.

That said, many kids today do have them, and she likely feels like the odd one in her group. Text messaging has become the big thing in this age group, and not having a phone means you get left out of the latest gossip and discussions -- a very big issue for most 15 year old girls.

If you decide to get her one, try and set some rules on use; particularly make it clear that cells are NOT for use in class time, and that text messaging during tests is cheating, just like passing notes.

Answer 6

yes a 15 year old should have a cell phone

Answer 7

Well i think that she should have gotten one by the time she was 13.
But thats just me.

I got my first cell phone when i was 11 (now 13). I think it depends on how much she needs it and how mature she is. If she is allowed to go out with her friends (unsupervised) then she should diffenatly have one. If she loses things easily then you might want to rethink.

Answer 8

I think 15 is a good age at this age she is probably doing a lot of things on her own. A cell phone would help you to keep track of her. I would just make sure she doesn't overuse it.

Answer 9

Wow, Kids in grade school have cell phones. Get her a pre paid one.

Answer 10

I'm 13 and have a cell phone ONLY when my mom and dad say i can use it. i get to keep it but they let me take it to the dances and partys and stuff. They pay for it to........