[Poll:] How old were you when you received your first cell phone and?

Question

what's an acceptable age for kids to have their first cell phone??



I was 13 when I received my first cell and have had one since... my mom stopped paying the bill when I turned 18... [currently- 19]

I think 13 - 8th grade - is a good age to have the responsibility of a phone, but limit the amount of use...... buy a pre-paid or go phone plan =) but that's just my opinion. what are your opinions??


reasons for asking- helping my neighbor with a school topic.

Answer 1

I was 32. I think that Jr. High is a good age. But you are right. The pre paid kind are the best for that age. My boys both had one in Jr. High because of all the crap that goes on in school today I want them to be able to call someone in case of emergency. It is no longer a privilige but a necessity unfortunately. After the school shooting in Colorado I think every classroom should have one as well as every individual student in case they cannot get to the phone.

Answer 2

I was 14 when I received my first cell phone. Which my mom paid for and has been paying for up until a few months ago(18 now) she received a 600$ phone bill....hmm, as for the acceptable age, I'd say 14 was a good age for me, but everyone is different. I think its wrong to see 11 and 12 year olds walking around on cell phones, but if they can prove that they're responsible enough, then it's up to the parents.

Answer 3

I got my first one, I think when I was seventeen. My mom had to call the rep, so he could come to the house and show me the model and how to work it. It was a Motorola flip phone with a huge battery on the back. The good thing was that I was put on a hospital plan. And the more people that joined the less I had to pay per minute.

Answer 4

I was 43 when I got my first cell phone, ( a couple of years ago.) My son will not get one until he is @ 18 or when he can buy it, pay for it and be responsible for it.
You have a good idea. And I might give that some consideration for him getting one @ 16 or so. Still, I do not think it is necessary for him to have one of his own.

Answer 5

first mobile phone 10 years ago, was already an adult.

For me it's the feature that goes with the phone you give the kid...maybe a simple/limited phone for 9-10 year olds ; more quick extra features for 11-15; 16 above, anything goes and that includes paying for the bill.

Answer 6

I was 42. They didn't have them much before that. I wish I didn't have one now. It's a pain to never ever be able to get away from demands. On the other hand, it's great to be able to get hold of people you need - and that's one reason why kids should have them. I think you're right, though, serious limitations of use should apply until the kid pays his own bills.

Answer 7

50

Answer 8

I bought my own mobile when I was 19 or 20. I know it's different now, there are so many, but I think 13 is way too young to have a mobile, they fry your brain. If I had a child I would let them buy their own if they must but I wouldn't get them one, let alone pay for it.

Answer 9

I was 13.

Answer 10

i was 10