At what age should a child or teen have a cell phone of their own,in your opinion?

Question

*thanks alot*

Answer 1

I would start them off with a prepaid cell phone, then if they take care of that one and are responsible enough and if you can afford it put them on your cell phone plan.

Then there is this prepaid service from Alltel called the U, i recommend that as a first. It has some of the same features as a regular service plan such as free mobile to mobile and free night and weekends, also when you are out of minutes, you can still txt message, i don't know how you feel about txt messaging though.

I had my first cell phone when i was 10 and i bought it myself,
but after that first one, they will never be able to live without one. I should know, i'm 16 and i have had 6 cell phones, some were junk, but others were not. i bought all of mine except one. I would buy my kid their first one then if they wanted another one after a while I would make them buy it.

(not sure if you are a parent or child)

Answer 2

Once children are old enough to go out unsupervised, say 16, is when they need a phone. They also need to be able to pay for it. Younger than that doesn't make sense to me. also, As soon as a parent feels the benefits would outweigh the costs. It's a great way to test a child's responsibility level. For safety reasons, the cell phone could be a real plus -- but for less responsible children it might be a disaster. Parents should pull them in cases of abuse. I am 50 with a 27 year old daughter and a 15 month old grand daughter.

Answer 3

I think if they are 11 or younger they should maybe have a little pre-paid phone with a few mins on it just for emeergiencies!! because there so young, but i think a good age for a first real cell phone would be 12-13 =) because i hate when i see all these 6 yesr old with phones i think it's crazy!

Answer 4

13♥

Answer 5

When they can pay the bill on their own. A child doesn't need a cell phone for any reason. A teen doesn't need one unless they can pay their bill by working at a job. I didn't get my first cell until i was in my 20s.

Answer 6

When they are old enough to get a job and pay for it themselves. I'm 22 and didn't get my first cell phone until I was 18, when I had a job and could pay for it. I technically could have gotten one at 16, I was working then, but there wasn't much of a reason to.
I'm pregnant with my first child now, and they won't get a cell phone until they can pay for it themselves. It's a privilege, not a right for a child to have a cell phone.

Answer 7

age 12

Answer 8

I personally think in this day and age with all the stuff gong wrong in the world that a kid should carry a cell phone with them where ever they go. But because of the irresponsibility with kids texting when ever they feel like it and running up big bills for their parents I think those phones should be the prepaid kind.

Answer 9

I'd say 13-14 and that would be to call home or call a family member. Why would I not know where my child is? I took her to her friends, practice, game, movie. I say when I or someone else picks her up. No text, just calls.

They can't pay for that luxury, they can't have it.

No kid needs a cell phone, they need supervision.

Answer 10

I see no logical reason for a child/teen to have a cell phone b/f they're driving. When they're driving, they're a little more independent, and I'd want them to be able to call if they got stranded somehow.
B/f that, IMO, it just seems silly to me.
I didn't have a cell till I was out of the house, 19.