How old should a child be when they get a cell-phone?

Answer 1

when they are old enough to get a job and pay for it

Answer 2

There's no set age. Whenever it becomes necessary to communicate with them during the day and it's too much hassle to always be running for the school office or the pay phone is when they need one. Don't worry about the expense...if the child is too irresponsible to keep track of minutes then just buy a Tracphone (prepaid) and that way there's no way they can exceed their minutes. Those phones are also really cheap so if the child looses it it's not such a big deal and it's a learning experience.

Answer 3

Children don't need cell phones but once they're in their teens & into after school activities, etc., I think a Trac phone is good enough until they can afford a cell phone or until their parents can put them on the family plan.

Answer 4

21

Answer 5

I would say around 12-13. Whenever they are old enough to start going places without me (like being dropped off at the movies or the fair), so I can call them to check up on them whenever and they can call me if there's anything they may need.
Although those ones that you program four numbers in them so they can call only those four people may be a good idea for smaller kids to have in their book bag in case of an emergency.

Answer 6

Whenever you think they are responsible enough to pay for some of it themselves. I got mine when I was 13 I could of had one when I was 11 but I had no money. I have a friend who claims she got hers when she was 5 and I say that is way to young. You pick.

Answer 7

your child should have a cell phone when he or she is responsible enough to take care of one.

Answer 8

I would typically around the age of 14. But if your child is mature enough to use one responsibly, then it's up to you since you are going to pay for it.

Answer 9

12 years old because they're well into middle school and will start to go places alone and need a phone for emergencies

Answer 10

i'd say 8th grade. they start to get a little bit more freedom and its good to be able to get a hold of your kids when they're out with their friends. plus, you can have them check in all the time. it works for both the parent and child.

Answer 11

We got my daughter one for her 12th b-day! she is in middle school and does alot of extra activities for school and church so we like having constant contact. Onething to do is make sure you get them on some sort of circle plan and make sure they understand these are the only calls they can make or receive.