Should I get my daughter a cell phone?

Question

She's 13 and is on our home phone A LOT. She has a 30 min. limit per person but lots of people call her. I have a home-based business and feel that I may be missing calls since she ties up the line. The problem is my son didn't get a cell phone until he was 15. We told our daughter that she could have one when she is 15 too. Should we change our minds and get her one earlier? It feels like she would be winning the manipulation game if we did.

Answer 1

My daughter received her first cell phone when she was 11 years old. I was skeptical of doing so at first. However, my then fiance, and now husband suggested that we get a prepaid cell phone for her. We did. Of course, we had rules and stipulations, i.e. we only paid for a certain amount of minutes per month, if she ran out of minutes before the month expired, that was her problem. She could either do chores to earn money, and choose to purchase more minutes for herself or wait until the new month. She was very responsible with her prepaid phone. Her father has now added her to his plan, and she is still responsible. However, the delimma with 13 vs. 15. I understand it being not fair. We have a blended family with 6 children. We have them all full time. Ask your son in confidence, how he would feel if you did get his sister a cell phone now. Your daughter sounds like a social butterfly, like my 12 year old. (LOL) I am more comfortable with the fact that she has a cell phone. Also, GPS can be added these days. Not because I do not trust my daughter, its for safety reasons. When she attends school dances, or goes to the mall with her friends, or she goes to a friends house. You never know what could happen at any moment. I am comfortable knowing that she can call us when she needs to get ahold of us. Also, payphones are pretty much becoming obsolete these days and also, will your daughter always have the exact amount of change needed for a a payphone? I am only speaking from my experience. My daughter is the eldest of all the children. My stepdaughter, who is seven year old, has already asked for a cell phone. We told her that she had to wait until she was 11 years old as well. However, if times change that much within the next 2 to 4 years, then we will consider getting her a cell phone as well.
Like I said, this is only my opinion, but I hope it helps you with your decision.

Answer 2

Times change.I don't know when your son was 15 but if it was more than a year ago,you can change these limits.My sister got a cellphone when she was 18(3 years ago) and the next year when I was 14 I got one too.And I never felt like I am manipulating anyone.Just cellphones were cheaper when I was 14 and more expensive some years before that.And what does it mean a limit for the phone - 30 minutes for person?!These limits are stupid.People may need less or more time.Talk with your daughter about the phone(how long does she use it) if there are problems with it but these limits are a stupid thing at all.Would you like to have a limit about the phone on you?You'll say "I know how much phone to use" but why doesn't your daughter know?In other countries chidlren over 10 are mature and know what the phone is about and who pays the bills later.Why isn't your daughter responsible enough not to be under limits?You have a more serious issue than her cellphone.

Answer 3

If you are missing business calls, then don't let her stay on the phone. Or you could get yourself your own line as well. In my opinion, 13 year olds don't need cell phones to talk with their friends. I would however consider getting her a cell phone that is set up for her to be able to call 911, her parents, and maybe 1 or 2 other people in case of an emergency. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Let her have the nicer of the two phones. If you are like me as long as you can make and recieve calls you're happy. Dont throw good money after bad, Your daughter does bear some of the responsibility. She should not be rewarded with a brand new phone when her last grew legs. Maybe a little harsh, but realistic. I would have her power off her phone and keep it in her bag with her at all times instead of leaving it in her shared locker. You can never trust the locker mate again.

Answer 5

If your daughter talks a lot then she might go over her minutes on a cell phone which can add up very quickly if you don't have the right plan. Instead, get another line. Tell your customers to call that line instead. Then your daughter can have the whole 1st line to herself.

Answer 6

If you have already told her no cell phone until she is 15 then stand by it, instead how about getting her a line of her own in her room with a separate number??

Answer 7

Get a business line.
I have custody of my 11 yr. old grandaughter and I got her a cell phone and we have T-Moblie, she is on the 5-Favs programs, so we don't get charged for any of the favorite 5 people she talks to. The only problem with this is that the phone is glued to her ear from the time she gets home from school to the time she goes to bed.

Remember you are the adult and its your decision.

Answer 8

Get a second home phone line. It may be cheaper than a cell phone and there are no overage charges. That way she can talk all she wants and have her own phone number while you can keep yours for your business.

Answer 9

Stick to your 30 minutes and make it 30 minutes a DAY. Don't let her monopolize your businesses line. At 15 then get her the cell. :) What I would do.

Answer 10

Kids don't need cell phones. Get a second line to your house.