how old should my daughter be to have a cell phone?

Answer 1

For a prepaid Tracfone I would say anytime you feel like it but for a family plan I would say 13 because then they are older and know that they can only use X amount of minutes where X is your family plans anytime minutes split. I personally am 16 and just got myself my 1st cellphone it is a prepaid Tracfone check it out at http://www.tracfone.com I bought a year worth of service for $99 so my monthly cost is $8.33 a month (much cheaper than a plan phone monthly fees and charges) Here is a little more info: it is a prepaid phone with no age limits no montly bills no hidden fees/costs and no contracts and with all the calling features such as free voicemail free caller id free call waiting and free nationwide long distance. all for as little as $10 a month calculated minimum usage because you have to buy a minute card every 60 or every 365 days depending on if you bought the year service card because the cheapest minute card is 20 dollars and you would have to add one every 60 days it would be around $10 a month which isnt bad. Hope this Helps!!!!!! Tracfone Wireless is awesome good luck choosing your phone!! You can get a phone starter kit @ your local walmart for about $20-30 depending on what they have in stock.

Answer 2

Any child under 16 that is out of parental guidance to the extent they need a cell phone, isn't being supervised close enough. Children at the younger ages (10-15) usually will not be jumping into cars out of the blue to go to the lake or whatever, and have to call you to let you know. Its a status symbol (cool) to have one. The child could use their friends home phone to stay in contact, or payphones from were ever they are at.
Cell phone bills are outrageous. If your daughter is responsible and has a part time job and can pay it (At some point you will be paying all or some of the bill no matter what the situation) give it a try.
Text messaging could cost you thousands...!!!!
Instead of a phone that a young person really doesn't need, find out how much the monthly cell phone bill would be and start (suggest) putting that money aside for a car, graduation trip, or college fund. Something they will really need.

Answer 3

When she is mature enough and understands the responsibility of having a cell phone. If she understands that she should only use it to contact you or a relative when there is an emergency, then it's up to you to decide if she is really ready for one now. You didn't say how old she is but I assume she is over 10. If she is, then that's a fine age. My daughter is 11 and she has a cell. She only uses it to contact family when something comes up. Really stress the point that she should NOT give out her number to ANYONE and only use it when something comes up.

Answer 4

Well I think that she should be old enough to be responsible to take care of the phone and know her limits. Saying that, I don't know if there is an age that you can put on responsibility. If she is really young, I think that it may be important for her to have a phone that has restrictions on it that helps you keep track of her and what she does with the phone. If you have Verizon Wireless there is a cool new phone called the Migo. You can check it out here: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=2060. It is only 49.99 with a two year contract. It lets you program 4 different numbers that you want her to call and then also has a button to let her call 911. There is also a technology available with the phone called the chaperone. This allows you to snyc your phone with hers to track where she goes. You can set a boundary for her to stay within and if she ever goes out of that boundary you will be notified on your phone. Sounds a little paranoid, but with the world today I think that this is a great accessory that is availble. Hope this was helpful!! Email me if you have any further questions....

Answer 5

It depends on what she is using it for. There are child cell phones, that have emergency numbers only on it, or programable numbers, and they cant dial out anything. For super young children. 0-11.
12-15, is really young for a normal cell phone, yet the younger phones for younger children, are embarrassing to really carry.

If your daughter is responsible, for example, takes charge of her own chores, cleans her own room, makes her own bed, folds her own clothes, things like that. She is probably responsible enough for a phone.

There isn't really an age bracket, most teens have to wait until they have their own jobs, before they get a cellphone, or have to get paid chores, for the family or neighbors. Because cell phones, like pets, can teach someone about responsiblity. If they loose it, let them loose it, but dont get them a new one, until they are able to get themeslves a new one, and let them know that before they get one.

So go for it, if you want your child to be able to communicate with you, or her friends, when she is away from home (which i find is very important. this actually teaches responsiblity) they have no reason not to call you when they are somewhere, or going to be late.

Ps. I highly suggest, getting a cheaper phone, the chances are pretty high they might loose it. ;)
It also shows you trust them.

Answer 6

16

Answer 7

16

Answer 8

13

Answer 9

I have a little girl and as soon as she is old enough to go out by herself I will get her a cell phone. a prepaid of couse. If she is out without you you want to know shes safe and she can call for help if she needs it. There are to many weirdos out there and you should have some kind of contact with her at all times. Don't give it to her because she wants it give it to her because she needs it and you will feel better when shes not home.

Answer 10

I do not think a kid needs one. advertising has been strong they ran out of adult buyers so target the kids. If we give them clear rules to follow they can be in touch with out the phone. They lose them they lose everything. Wait at least till she can earn her own money and can get a contract herself. It gets me nuts to see kids with expensive gadgets, they have no idea how much work went into getting that. Sorry but this really gets to me. Simple is best. Contact numbers and a clear place to be then be there. Cell phones are for adults regardless of the advertising and peer pressure,
just my take on it. Take care