What do you think about kids and cell phones?

Question

I want to get my 12yr old a cell phone in case of emergencies. What do you think? Do you think a 12yr boy would be responisible enough to take care of it? With all the school shootings among other things I have really been worried.

Answer 1

I think that you should get your son a cell phone. Even though he might lose it. That's way they have a protection plan for if cell phones are stolen and/or lost. I would buy him a prepaid cell phone. Or you can add him on to your plan and you can monitor that too. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 2

This is pretty young for a kid to have a cell phone, but your the parent, and if you feel this is something that you want to do for your own child in particular then do what makes you happy. I don't know if he'll be responsible enough for a cell phone, but you could always find out. I would get a prepaid cell phone for him, that way you can set the minutes to where you want them without him using the phone when he wants to. You will know if he's been using the phone by checking the minutes on his phone. You could keep track that way and also let him know that the phone is just for emergencies when you need to be able to get in touch with him. Lay down some ground rules. Whatever you decide is really up to you. Either way I hope things go well and that your son is safe in school.

Answer 3

In this day and age, there is hardly anyone walking around without a cell phone. It has become a necessity I think. My boys are 9 and 11 and they've been bugging me for one. I told them if they can bear the responsibility of taking care of the phone, making sure they do not chalk up unnecessary calls or spend too much time with it, then maybe in a year or so I will get the older fella one, the younger boy will have to wait. 12 seems to be an okay age. In Singapore, kids as young as 7 already own phones even special needs kids have cell phones. As you say in an emergency, they will be able to contact you. I guess you have to weigh the pros and cons and have some faith in your kid!

Answer 4

i think that a 12yr old might still be too young for a phone. When he goes to highschool, then I think it is a good idea to get a phone in case of an emergency. However, if you would really like him to have a cell phone at 12 years old, then get those cell phones that you can put only the numbers you want in the cell phone and you can put only phone numbers he's allowed to dial out until he's older.

Answer 5

Emergencies... that's an AD ploy by the phone companies... A 12 year old is not responsible enough to have a cell phone... Don't be surprised to get a monthly bill that rivals your house note... Mankind has gone thousands of years without cell phones... now there's this sudden need for them even at the kid level...

Answer 6

I believe a cell phone is one of the most useful invention ever made. It successfully bridge distance and provide reliable communication link. If you should give your 12 year old kid a cell phone you must let him know the primary purpose of the gadget and what are the things he can and can't do with it. He must fully understand that a cell phone is not a toy. I believe your kid is old enough to handle a cell phone if properly oriented. It will serve a constant vital link of communication between you and your kid.
It will also help you monitor closely his whereabouts and activities.
Therefore, in my humble opinion it is a wise idea to give your son a cell phone for your peace of mind.

Answer 7

I was totally against getting my 11 yr old son a cell phone, but realized that it was necessary since he gets home from school about 30 minutes before I get home from work (we don't have a landline). I'm able to call him immediately after school to remind him if I'm picking him up so he doesn't get on the bus or to bring home something. I'm able to find him when his bus is really late or if he's hanging out with some friends.

I've stressed to him many times that it's not a toy - that he can only call friends on weekends (when it's free). At first, I had to constantly ask if he had it on him, but lately, he's takes it everywhere and he hasn't lost it yet (my fingers are still crossed though that he won't lose it).

Good luck.

Answer 8

There are cell phones that you can purchase for your 12 year old and program 4 emergency phone numbers. Police, Fire, and two additional people that you choose who will be of service in case of emergencies. 12 year old's aren't responsible enough to keep up with a phone after the initial excitement is over. I know from experience. They are great to have in an emergency, and if you think your 12 year old is responsible enough to have one, make the correct choice on which one to purchase. Good luck!

Answer 9

I am a mother of three kids and when they become the age of your son they will have a cell phone I think it will be good for them to learn how to be responsible for something and I think it will be good for them in case of emergencies I also think it will be another way to keep an eye on them when you are not around (you can call and make sure they are doing what that are supose to be doing) so yes i think a cell phone at his age will be beneficial and i think he is old enough to be responsible for his own things

Answer 10

Its entirely up to you if you would like to purchase a cell phone for your son. Cell phone companies provide tracking devices on cell phones for parents so they can keep track on the telephone calls they're making and where the kids are located. Just talk to your cell phone provider and see what they can do to help. Keep your options open!