Once they can pay for their own? Or just lend them yours (the parents) when they go out? Or should they have their own for emergencies?
I worked at a middle school and just about every kid had a cellphone. I thought it was ridiculous, but then it got me thinking... so opinions please, or experiences.
2006-10-03 06:27:33 · 17 answers · asked by PrettyProblem 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
We let our Middle school kids, about 12 years old, use our cell phone when they were old enough to go to the parks by themselves on the other side of town, also when they had sports practice after school. Then if we went out with adult friends and they had something else going on we would give them the extra phone. We bought them a phone and paid for the basic plan when they started driving and require them to pay for text message and overages. So far it has worked OK, there is no reason that we can't get in touch or the sick stomach feeling you get when your child is not where he is supposed to be because he got a ride from another parent and didn't call you to say I got a ride.
2006-10-03 06:44:38 · answer #1 · answered by tman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to emergencies, their is a prepaid phone they can use, and my mom and dad let me use their cell phone when I went out, until I got my own, as long as I didn't run up the minutes and send a ton of texts.
On the other hand, when they turn 16, get a car, their licences, and a job, I believe that they should be able to gain the responibilty to have thier own cell phone. Granted, they are only 16 and will still be able to get the phone takin away if they abuse it, go over the minutes, so on and so forth. I guess that could be anouther type of punishment for teens nowadays. But, if you stop and think about it, a new driver, driving god only knows where, they may need a cell, and if they can have the resposability of a job, and a car, why not a cell phone? It is all a part of the growing up process, and it helps them learn more about responsibility as well!
2006-10-03 06:56:37 · answer #2 · answered by jm_radi2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You really shouldnt decide on what time is right based on their age. I got mine when I was...hmm..I think I was 11. because my parents wanted to make sure they could always reach me and make sure I was always safe. My friend told me that she got one when she was 9 , for her safety, she got the firefly though, the phone made for kids. I find it ridiculous (sp?) when people say like 14 or 15 or even older because, how are you going to know where they are!! how do you know that they arent lying in a ditch on the side of the rode or if they have benn kidnapped or something. Sorry that was long and confusing- just my opinion.
(And if they child is using it mroe than you want them to use it, tell them and set limits to the phone)
2006-10-03 15:14:07 · answer #3 · answered by girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the child/teen.
My niece is about to turn 13 in December and she is going to get a prepaid cellphone for her birthday. (she doesn't know it yet though... hee hee) So she can call her mom whenever she needs to.
They also have those firefly cell phones out now that I think you can program 4 numbers into the phone and there is an emergeny number and those are the only numbers they can call.
Neat!
2006-10-03 06:32:34 · answer #4 · answered by CareBear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't have a cell phone until I could pay for my own. Even then, I waited for about 2 years before I bought one (didn't buy until AFTER I moved out) because I hate them.
Children do not need cell phones. Why would you let them go somewhere which they would not be able to contact you? Parents need to be supervising their kids a little more and letting them go out and dick off a little less.
2006-10-03 07:04:18 · answer #5 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My children will be ELIGIBLE for a cell phone at 16, and that is contingent upon grades and their ability to pay for it. They must get good grades in able to have a car or a job so if they don't have the grades, they will get neither a job, a car nor a cell phone. My wife and I don't even have cell phones, nor do we particularly want them. If at 16 the boys can handle it (read: afford it and deserve it through getting good grades), they can get one. Until then, I don't care if all my 12 year old son's friends have one.
2006-10-03 06:43:08 · answer #6 · answered by Mykl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I say 16- If the kid is driving, it's nice to be able to get a hold of them. My 12yo step daughter wants a cell phone because all her friends have them, but why? I know where she is at all times, why pay for another cell phone?
2006-10-03 06:34:08 · answer #7 · answered by Jessica 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe if the child is responsible( won't lose, won't waste airtime, misuse in class etc..) and that child is social then they should have a cell phone. A cell phone is a great tool for the parents to keep in contact with the child
2006-10-03 06:32:38 · answer #8 · answered by ellc123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got one when I was in high School, I think I was 15. Before then, I had a pager when they were popular. I was mature enough to handle it because my Mom made it known that if I was caught playing with either of those during class, they'd be taken and not given back until I was mature enough to handle them.
2006-10-03 07:10:46 · answer #9 · answered by D-Wizzle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends what they are used for. If a middle school child has extracirricular activities and the times may change then a phone might be handy.
2006-10-03 06:32:04 · answer #10 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋