I am a single mom wondering whether I should buy a cell phone for my 13 year old son. I am worried about the cost, and I would like to know if you think i should get him one or not. He is generally well-behaved, but I worry that he might go over his minutes. I want your input!
2007-05-21 14:13:29 · 13 answers · asked by italiangriffey 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cell Phones & Plans
Nah. Wait until he is 16. He doesn't need one yet. If you absolutely feel like you must get him one, make it one of those pre paid ones and only put so many minutes on it each month. When he runs out he is out for the month. if he does good on this then you can get him a real one. I still think he is to young though.
2007-05-21 14:22:21 · answer #1 · answered by ambergail1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I can understand this, had teens myself w/cell phones. But I made them pay for them once they got jobs.
What is the need or motivation here? If it's so he can keep in touch with you (rides home, permission to do activities) or to call his friends or other contacts, I don't see much of a problem as long as he understand that there ARE limits to its use and that there will be some consequence you'll give him if he goes beyond the limits (like he can't use it for a couple weeks or he has to do extra chores or get a paper route to pay for the extra cost).
If he wants it so he can text his buddies during class or do something he shouldn't be doing (kids have been cheating at school with phones believe it or not)...then that's a different story. I'd say no. But if he's generally well-behaved and you've trusted him in the past with other responsibilities (and the cell phone would be a responsibility), I don't see why not.
Cell phones seem to have become pretty much a necessity these days for both adults and kids in some ways. If your son needs a ride home from school or some activity and you're not home...he'd have to call your cell, right? And he'd need a way to call you, right? That's basically what my kids got them for when they were in high school. I never knew when they'd be done with band or basketball practice or if they were wanting to make plans with their friend and I sure as heck wasn't sitting at home by the phone waiting fot them!
I wouldn't recommend the phone insurance. Most inexpensive phones are between $50-$100. You pay about $5 a month for the insurance. Too costly based on the price of the phone and you'd need to replace it quickly so that insurance pays for itself. And I think once that charge is on your contract, it stays there until the contract is up. So if you have 24 month contract, you're obligated to pay them another $120!! over the cost of the phone...
2007-05-21 14:26:52 · answer #2 · answered by keyz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is a good idea to get him a cell phone. You would be amazed at the additional peace of mind you will have, being able to contact him, and knowing he can contact you. Regarding the minutes, of course he cannot be trusted, once he learns how to text. Best to find a program that will allow you to add minutes as needed, similar to the disney plan. I would recommend not getting him a phone with too many bells and whistles, they cost more and it is not worth it. However, getting cell phone insurance is worth it, as kids do lose them, and they do break. And expect a learning curve, it takes practice to remember to charge the phone, and carry it.
2007-05-21 14:25:25 · answer #3 · answered by mliz55 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
texting is really popular with teens and most of teens text as to have privacy as no one can't tell what they are talking, but yea I got one at age 14, and I responsible. Also depends how much u are willing to spend a month. Verizon wireless have plans that have little bit of minutes and 1500 text messages, and cingular has a plan with 550 minute and you can add 200 messages for 4.99 a month. Both companies are between 40-55 dollar. Also cingular has unlimited night and weekend minutes to any phone. Also cingular has rollover minutes and you can call anyone with cingular or at&t without using your minutes
2007-05-21 14:29:21 · answer #4 · answered by xracer87 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought one for my son when he entered Jr. High.
I have Verizon and with the family plan I do not have to worry about him going over minutes or if he calls another Verizon wireless phone.
Most of the people that we know have Verizon.
Get him one, see how it goes for one month. If he abuses his privileges, then take it away, and call the cell phone company to have his phone number suspended.
2007-05-21 14:21:34 · answer #5 · answered by Mom of 2 great boys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 14 and am responsible at not going over my minutes. If he a has a girl friend it may be a whole different story. I'm also going to warn you about texting. It costs a lot unless the plan includes it.
2007-05-21 14:20:06 · answer #6 · answered by [unkown] 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi! the thing is its a bit hard to entrust teens with almost anything. and its not as if its a matter of life and death that you really have to get him a cell. my advise is to wait 2/3 years more, he will a bit more matured and maybe you would have saved enough to buy a good phone, probably the one he likes.
2007-05-21 14:24:26 · answer #7 · answered by priti r 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm 12 and I got a cell phone when I was 11. I only have 100 min. each month and I am responsible, so I think he would be too.
2007-05-21 14:21:13 · answer #8 · answered by Ted (Guitar Legend) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The odds are that he will go over the allowed minutes. Most people do. It is VERY VERY expensive!!! I suggest you get Metro PCS if it is available in your area. Flat rate with unlimited minutes a month. Only around $40 a month.
2007-05-21 14:33:13 · answer #9 · answered by flygirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion (which probably doesn't count for much) a thirteen year old shouldn't have a cell phone.
If they were going to get one, I would suggest a pay as you go.
2007-05-21 14:21:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋