If my 12 year old wants a cell phone when should I give it to her?

Question

Should I get her one for her 13 birthday? or christmas or just when ever?

Answer 1

Buying her a phone as a gift is OK, paying the monthly bills is NOT.

If she has a job and can pay the bills then fine. If not then NO

This is a lesson in responsibility. Now I know 13 is a bit young for work, you can also make her do work around the house (pull weeds, clean floors, paint the house) not including her normal chores. Then I'd pay her something like 5 dollars per hour, this will give her some respect of what it takes to maintain a cell phone. If she ever stops paying, then her phone becomes MY phone. Don't be wimpy about enforcing this.

That's what I'd do.

I will NEVER pay monthly bill so my children can have a cell, NEVER.

Answer 2

I have neices that got cellphones for christmas and they are just 7,8, and 9 yr's old. They took the responsibility of having one LIGHTLY. MY one neice that was 7 lost her first phone within the week, she then got two phones after that due to loosing the second one. The 8 and 9 year olds did great, but they live in a different house and follow totally different rules. I also have a ten year old neice that got a cell phone at christmas time that does great with her cell phone. She cherish's it, but she is also very mature. She has to do chores in order to get more time on her phone. I guess it all depends on if you think your 12 yr old is responsible enough to handle a cell phone. I would think so though, but only you could judge that.

Answer 3

12 years old, i have 5 children 17, 15,, 12, 2, and one , the only one with a cell phone is the17 year old, and he pays for it himself, the 15 year old can have one at 16 if he pays for it, of course the 12 year old wants one but i feel that is way to young, it is tough not keeping up with the Jones but why on earth does a 12 year old need a cell phone it is something for an older child it is not a toy, i cannot believe how many parents get there young children cells, spend the money on some music lessons or dance classes, tell her she can choose the class, and if it is so you can keep track of her, that is not a responsible way to parent, i would tell her no, and to take a babysitting class so she can earn the money to get a cell phone and pay the bill

Answer 4

No. Where does it say in the parenting guide that we have to give our children whatever they want? Did you have a cell phone at 12 or 13 or 14 years old? What could your child possibly need a cell phone for? Think hard about your reasons for indulging in this want. What message are you sending to your child? What are your reasons?

Answer 5

Every situation is different. I have a 12 and 15 year old, and I want them to have a cell phone. That way there is never an excuse for them not calling me. They know that they better answer if I call them. It helps me to know where they, and what they're up to.

Answer 6

well i got a cell phone a month or two after i turned 12 but i didnt rele care i mean all my friends had cell phones so that was the main reason i wanted one then i washed it acidently but you nedd to deciside if you want to cause my brother who was 15 when he got one went over 40 dollars of texting but my whole family cept my mom got a cell phone at the same time so my sister didnt get one until 18 dont get her a real explsnive one cause she needs to learn about a phone and take responsiblty with it before you get a rele good one my frist cell phone was 10 dollars.

Answer 7

Use Jitterbug.

No frills phone; just does phone calls. No other reason would a 12 year old need a cell phone.

Answer 8

I think this is an individual decision, everyone has a different opinion and no one will be exactly right for your family. Me, I would get her a "firefly" phone where you program in the numbers she can call and block numbers she can't, with no text messages either. Cell phones are tools, not toys.

Answer 9

I wouldn't consider getting her a "firefly". I know people can make fun of her because of that and we don't want that.
Get her a cheap phone and tell her she can only use it if she is lost, needs something really important, or if you are traveling-give her a couple minutes to call a friend.
Don't let her just call people in the house when she could use the land line, okay?

Answer 10

Whenever you feel ready. We got our boys cell phones at 9 and 11, but I knew they were responsible enough to use them. They take their phones with them when going to friends houses, riding bikes outside, or anytime they are without me and their dad. Its been great for us and them as well, their friends can call them on their own lines and its given us a sense of security too.