I am debateing this with my 13 year old and I don't know if she will use it responsably or not. She isn't exactly a modle student and she has been known to make a little trouble but nothing majore......
2006-10-31 09:03:55 · 32 answers · asked by Arielle+Aubrey 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Yes, I gave my children cell phones before they could pay, because they can call me if: emergency happens, staying late for school,etc.........
2006-10-31 09:06:45 · answer #1 · answered by purpleone726 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
For a 13 year old I would consider a cell phone necessary for emergency purposes. At her age it's natural to want a bit more independence. And if she's a little rebellious, you want her to be able to contact you quickly and easily in case she gets into a bad situation she can't get herself out of. Go with a prepaid phone (we did Tracfone, but there are others) with the agreement that it is primarily for family communications and emergencies. At least if she abuses the "minutes" she can only go so far and will not rack up hundreds of dollars in charges. Even better if you can find a phone that has some kind of "GPS" feature, or a phone & plan that only allows calls to/from the phone #'s that you (the parent) program into the phone. See how she does with the prepaid phone for a period of time - maybe 6 months. During that time you can research other plans, and maybe move up to something else if she demonstrates that she will be responsible with the phone.
Good luck!
2006-10-31 13:44:39 · answer #2 · answered by Auntie M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let your daughter know that you are thinking about giving her a cell phone, but don't just give it to her, make her work for it. Tell her she must earn her way. She most do chores and try to calm herself at school when she feels she might start trouble or lose control of her anger. She most try to bring her grades up and study more than she has ever studied before. Doing that will hopefully bring her grades up and if she really wants a cell phone bad enough she will study. Chores will teach your child responsibility and even if you don't know whether she is responsible or not, you will she it now. If your child does not agree with this deal you should tell her that there is no cell phone until she learns how to 1)stop making trouble in school, 2)be more responsible, 3)and get her grades up.
2006-11-04 02:32:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think teenagers only need cell phones when they are at least 16 years of age and up. Under 16, they shouldn't be alone without parental guidance anywhere they would have no access to a reuglar phone anyway, so why would they need a cell phone? Once they are 16 and out driving on their own, they could break down in the middle of nowhere and need to call for help. But of course, by the time they are 16, they should be working one or two nights a week and should be made to pay for their own cell phone.
2006-11-01 01:51:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question, not sure it is the right one. I'm guessing your daughter is trying to sell you on the guilt aspect. I don't think a parent should feel obligated in anyway to supply a child with a cell phone. Schools still have phones for emergencies. I had a guy tell me he got one for his 11 year old son and was so glad because the next week the kid got sick at school and was able to call him, like he couldn't have used the land line at the school!
If your daughter has not shown herself to be responsible, maybe this would be an incentive for her, if she should choose to improve her grades and stay out of trouble for a while.
However, if you just really want her to have a phone, take advice given by others re: setting limits you are comfortable with and go for it. I'm a firm believer in each family deciding for itself, within what is legal and ethical, what is ok for their kids! You'll get lots of "advice" by experts claiming either way is "right" (or "wrong")!
2006-10-31 13:49:24 · answer #5 · answered by Robin R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 13, it's nice to be able to keep in touch with your child. They are spending more time with friends, and might be involved in after school activities, and sports. I find it very helpful for my 13 year old son to have a cell phone. We are on a family plan, and the phone was free. We never go over the plan's minutes, and he has to pay for any text messages he sends or receives. All you have to do is tell your daughter exactly what she can and can't do with the phone, and how many minutes she's allowed. If she doesn't comply, you just take the phone away. You could also make her grades a condition of getting the phone, and if they slip, the phone gets taken away.
2006-10-31 10:30:46 · answer #6 · answered by Tiss 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, if they are for a certain intended use. That is why my parents paid for my first cell phone - they wanted me to be able to call them from wherever I was if something went wrong with my car or something. They started off by telling me I could use no more than 100 minutes on their plan or I would have to pay overages.
I am now 19 and in college, and my parents still pay the extra $10 to have me added to their plan so I can call them whenever I need to without paying long distance, and so I don't get stranded when I'm driving.
2006-10-31 12:02:14 · answer #7 · answered by antheia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your child is away from you or school on a regular basis then giving her a cell phone would offer you peace of mind.
Here is the issue - she needs to earn the privilege or making and getting calls. I would not give my kids one unless they can pay for it and understand the consequences of not paying for it.
No phones that have texting, picture mail, no downloading ring tones. Nothing racy. I think that if she is not a model student, you may want to make getting a phone contingent on improved effort.
Once she has a phone, the barn door is shut. You will not be able to back out of this. Can she do chores to earn this? There are phones like a firefly or Disney that are limited in their use.
Cell phones are a status symbol that are sometimes not allowed in schools or classes. Maybe she can show some responsibility around the house to show that she can manage this. If she has a history of losing things, you need to have a contract with her so that the consequences are known in advance.
I will lend my kids my phone when one of my girls is away from me and not at school or at a number that I can reach her.
2006-10-31 09:47:14 · answer #8 · answered by anirbas 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, im 17 and i've been asking my dad for a cell phone...bcuz i go to school and don't have a job, so he was gooing to buy me one when i was 15 but he never did..now im 17 and he still hasn't gotten me one...It isn't necessary...now i've learned bcuz most of my friends with cell phones are always with their boyfriends on the phone or just making private calls to make people laugh and stuff...they don't need it..its just something they want...
I have 3 friends that their parents didn't let them have bf but they did and would talk to them on the cell all the time in the night until they ran off with them...
2006-11-01 03:15:32 · answer #9 · answered by chikis 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends. I use to work for a major cell phone company and a lot of parents would get phones for their children. Definitely talk with the cell phone company. Put limits on the phone, such as no texting and internet. This can be blocked by calling your cell phone company or at the time of purchase. Also, look into a prepaid plan. But all in all I would use this phone as a tool for better grades and behavior. Best of luck.
2006-10-31 09:12:44 · answer #10 · answered by kimberlylroderick 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My 13-year old has had her own phone now for about a year. I'm so glad I got her one. When she's out with her friends, I can contact her at anytime.
You need to do what you think is right. In your case, would it be helpful or a waste of money? Then follow your instinct.
2006-10-31 22:52:20 · answer #11 · answered by Melody 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋