Should my 12 year old have a cell phone?

Question

My 12 year old daughter wants a cell phone really bad. She gave me a good deal. She told me that if she does her chores regerly and cuts down her allowence to $5 a week and besides getting gifts for christmas she would like just a cell phone. So far she has done a good job with cleaning. This morning she cleaned the whole house! She would like one to talk to her friends and have a liitle privacy. She usally misses alot of her friends phone calls because where gone. Sometimes the phone calls are important. So should i let her?

Well as shocking as this sounds, my daughter is the one who typed the message, trying to convince me of how she needs a cell phone, she then proceded to try and hide any answers that did sway in her favor. So I guess some of you are right I will give her some time to REALLY show how responsible she can be. Thank you for the advice, you did give me some things to think about.......

Answer 1

My son was 12 when he got a cell. It was mostly so we could reach each other when he was at his friends' homes and their phone was busy. Set VERY clear rules and consequences.

My son's phone charger was kept in MY room, so at 9:00 p.m. he gave it to me, I turned it off and plugged it in to the charger.

I put him on my plan so calls and texts between us are free, and he had to pay back any and all overages in cash from his allowance or money he earned around the neighborhood mowing, raking, car-washing, etc. Other parents have the kids get pay-as-you-go phones that they have to pay for, but then what if they really need to reach you and they're out of minutes? so I don't like that way.

Answer 2

You've got to get across to her that she can't talk forever on the phone. 1-2 hours MAX a day. Or else, tell her to call her friends after free minutes kick in at night. I do think it is important for a kid her age to have a cell phone, though, since she's going to be more independent and won't be around you all the time. She'll need to communicate with her parents, and it'll be good in emergency situations.

Answer 3

I'd promise the sun, moon, and stars, if I thought it would get me what I wanted. As far as keeping up with chores goes, it's only what she should do anyway. To me, that is not a tool to make a bargain with. But, since it is, in this case, see how serious she is. See how she does with her chores, say for the next 3-6 months...then decide. In my opinion, cell phones are good for teens who have jobs and can assume some of the responsibility of paying "over-use charges". Hope everything works out well for u guys. : )

LOL I now know where atleast one of my "thumbs-down" votes came from....

Answer 4

If you think she would be responsible enough, why not? Children at that age generally can't afford to use a mobile/cell phone on a regular basis, so if its for when she goes out and you want to contact her, or for when she can't be reached at home, they are a good idea. I wouldn't let her take it to school. I'm sure most of her friends have one and she probably feels 'left out'. She is obviously doing a great job and has shown you that she is prepared to work for it. Go on mum, let her have a cell phone! :o)

Answer 5

Yes!!! Both of my boys have one (ages 13 & 10). It's been great because if they're going to be home late from school, they can call (i.e. bus running late). They can go around the neighborhood without us having to worry about where they are and what they're doing. The benefit that I've seen is that my kids are allowed more freedom and they are acting more responsibly as a result.

Answer 6

It sounds like your daughter is already accepted her responsibility, and is doing things to prove to you she deserves that cell phone, I am in that same predicament myself, but my daughter is not taking it as seriously as your daughter seems to be. If it were me, I would let her have the cell phone, and just tell her if she abuses the priviledge, and stops doing her chores after, then the phone will be gone, but show you have faith in her and get her the phone and you may be glad you did

Answer 7

12 years is still an age where your daughter needs to be cared and get protected from getting onto the wrong way so its still not the age for her to have a cellphone for it has many disadvantages than advantages especially girls should be looked upon in this regard. There are many more reasons which even you can understand. Your Child's good future rests upon your decisions even if they dislike. I am saying this cause i myself have seen children misusing this little box to the extent of anything.

Answer 8

Yes, but inform yourself about cell phones so you will know what she is and isn't allowed to do. I think she is old enough to try to give her some responsibility. If she lacks in her responsibility tell her your going to take it from her.

Answer 9

Sure, everyone else has a cell phone. Be sure to get one where all the calls are viewable so you can see who she is talking to and when. That will give you some control over it.

Answer 10

yea,give her a break.she's obviously a good kid.i'm begging my mom 2 buy me a phone 2 but she keeps making excuses.she just wants privacy & that phone miit come in handy.say if she went 2 a party that got out of control.she would have that phone to call u & tell u 2 pick her up.