Do you think that a 11 yrs. old should have a cellphone?

Question

It would only be for emegencys. because she does dance paino and is a mothers helper. should she have one or not?

Answer 1

NO

Answer 2

Personally, I think it's too young. Children dont need a cell phone until they are older and away from adult supervision. What kind of emergency could she have at piano or being a mother's helper? They have regular phones there, don't they? I agree with cell phones for emergencies when they go off camping with the youth group, go to the mall on their own, etc. But most places an 11 year old goes, she's WITH an adult and there are phones around. I know they all beg for phones. It's a status thing. I just don't like to see all the parents giving in. There is so much trouble they can get into with them....not to mention how many kids LOSE them! As a teacher, I am constantly taking them away from kids who are text messaging other kids at school! It interferes with their learning and they sneak. Please wait until she is at least in Middle School.

Answer 3

Get one of those cellphones that only allow for there to be a 911 feature and 2 or 3 other numbers that are pre-put in before you give it to her. That way, all she can do is call you (assuming you'd be one of her contacts) and 1 or 2 others as well as the emergency line.

She won't be able to text message or call all her friends, but she will also have that added security of being able to dial out to you or others if and when necessary.

I personally think that if you get her a full-featured cell phone you may regret it. I don't see sense in having one just yet, she's only 11. She still depends on you and a few others to take care of her and take her places so there doesn't seem to make much sense for her to have any more options than necessary.
Plus, those phones for 'kids' are much cheaper!

Answer 4

This is the same thing that we went through when our daughter turned 11. She has had one for about a year- she is 12 now. We decided to get her one because she was so busy with things outside of the home. We researched the diff kinds of phones, and diff kinds of plans and came up with Cingular's Family Talk. Mobile to Mobile is free, and free evenings and weekends. Since the evenings and weekends would be when she was using it, we decided that we would get her one. We didnt get her an expensive one, and we kept insur on it. Another reason was- the danger factor. If she was ever taken or was going to be late, or in any kind of emergency situation, she would be prepared. I have not regretted doing it at all. It is also a great way to make her behave.. she smarts off, she gets it taken away... :o) Good Luck!

Answer 5

Absolutely not! I work with the youth at my church and that is the biggest complaint we have. Everywhere they go an adult should be present! They are not old enough yet to understand how to be polite and are geuinely obnoxious with them. There is no reason at all that an 11 year old should have a cell phone! Especially when they can call, text, and take pictures now. I willnot give my child a cell phone until he is old enough to go somewhere w/o an adult and has a genuine need for it and it will be prepay so that if he wastes his minutes, oh well, he can save his own money to buy more until it is time for the next month that I will buy them!

Answer 6

This question has been asked a million times!!!!!

My answer is no - 11 year olds should always have adult supervision anyway or at least always be near a phone.

Kids don't need cell phones until they are 16 and are going to be driving around alone and could possible be stuck somewhere and need help.

Geesh pretty soon 3 year olds will have cell phones, what is this world coming to?

Answer 7

I hate cellphones, personally. I think they teach kids to tune out! They peck away on a cellphone and never learn to communicate with real people. At the same time, though, they do serve a purpose. You just need to set the rules. For example, let her know it is your phone - she's only "using" it. Then, once she is home, tell her it needs to be turned off and returned to you. She can call her buddies from the house phone, right? If so, then there's no need to use a cellphone at home.

Answer 8

My daughter is 10 years old and has been asking for a cell phone, but I told her that she hasn't really shown me that she is responsible enough for a cell phone. She can't even keep up with her hat and gloves. My daughter is an athlete and she plays soccer, softball and basketball. I told her if she needed to use the phone than she should ask her coach. I told her wherever she is there should be a phone near by. Until she can show me she is responsible than she could have a phone. if you think your daughter is responsible enough than I say yes let her have one.

Answer 9

Nope!

As much as I understand your daughter being in extra curricular activities, I just think there is such a thing as to much too soon! Think back to when we were children, we were involved in activities and what not and we did not have PHONES.

Granted, society is different and I understand wanting to be able to "put your finger" on your child when you want too. But, from a maturity standpoint, a cell phone is just not a "must have" for a child.

The retail industry knows what they are doing too, because they have created all these child friendly phones; Disney just recently created their own cell. However, just because they appeal to our senses, doesn't mean we have to buy into it.

Ultimately, whatever you choose to do, just be mindful that you want your child to be a child as long as she can and not a "mini adult".

Answer 10

I see no reason for an active 11 year old not to have one but I would never suggest telling her that it is her cell phone. Tell her it is hers to use in case of emergency and not as a social tool. Make sure she hands it over to you when she gets home.

Answer 11

I think it would be a good idea. I am eleven and have kept mine safe and paid for for two years. If she is prone to losing things maybe you could start her out with a Firefly cellphone? They are less expensive
and they only allow a certain amount of phone numbers. Does she have an allowance? Maybe she could pay the bills for one? Then again, she might be the irresponsible, impolite type.

I hate children.