Too young for cell phone?

Question

I'm planning on sending these answers to my parents, so here it goes. I'm 12, turning 13 in December. I'm very responsible and a straight A student. My parents don't think I need a cell phone, which I have been begging for! When I go out, I need to take my mom's phone, or borrow a friends. Its embarassing when people ask for my phone number and I can't tell them becuase its not mine! They offered to get my a firefly, but I refused because that's just as embarassing as not having a phone! I'll help pay every month, and I won't even call or text THAT much on it. Nothing works. Not even offering to do chores nd not get paid. I don't care if it's all I get for Christmas, or my birthday. Also, it will be a lot easier to get in touch with me, and they won't have to call my friends mom to see where I am! PLEASE answer this question!

Answer 1

Your parents offered to get you a firefly and to use their cell but you turned it down. That basically was your chance to show them that will use it responsibly and to upgrade later. But that's not really your plan. And they totally get that.

Your parents are smart and they have good common sense. Sorry but I agree with them.

If getting a cellphone was ONLY about safety then what's wrong with the firefly? Is it not a cellphone? Does it not make phone calls? Ultimately, its your parents' call whether or not you get a phone. With this question there's no right or wrong. So really and truly we're just giving our opinion.

Answer 2

Of course it's too young. There is no reason for someone that young to have a cell phone, it's not they go run off gallivanting somewhere alone. The purpose of a cell phone is to contact someone when it's necessary and there is no other way such as a land line. Normal 12 year olds, even if they are not in the presence of a parent, are around other adults that have cell phones, or at a friend's house with a land line they could use to contact whoever they need to.

Answer 3

You definitely need one. I've had it since I was 11! My mom was strictly against it until she was at the middle school orientation where the principal was explaining that we would probably be staying after a lot for extra help, activities, etc. And I'm sure your school is exactly the same. Anyway, my mom knew that I would need one to keep in touch with her, and sometimes if I'm at an extracurricular activity; I'll need to tell her I'm staying later than expected, and it'll be much easier and much less embarrassing than asking a friend to use theirs.

What might work for you, is make a "contract". Write everything you will do own on paper. Some ideas are, paying for it, keeping under ___ txts a month, keeping under ____ minutes a month, no prank calls, no talking to people you don't know, keeping it off during class, etc. And have her, you, and a witness sign it. Somehow, having it down on paper makes it different.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Well, here's my philosophy on it. Okay, you're not too young for a cell phone, and I'm 100% sure that you would be okay with having one and would be responsible. But I will tell you, that even in Jr. High, it's not necessary to have one, basically because you're not even going to use it that much. I'm 14, and I'm just getting my cell phone, because I'm in highschool now, and my parents wouldn't get me one until now. My sister, she's a junior in HS... and she's just getting hers, mostly because she's driving, and really needs one. Trust me though, life would have been easier if I had a phone for the past 2 years, but thinking about it, not having one wasn't so bad. So I would respect your parents opinion, but it is okay to let them know what you would like.

Answer 5

your not to young. But a cellphone is a lot of responsibility. My deal with my mom is that if my grades slipped, I would get it taking away. Then the day came where my grades did slip and I got it taken away. Now I got it back because I have A's.

BTW: I was 11 in 6th grade when I got my first phone.
And since your 12 and will start going to the mall or walking home from school by yourself, it's great to have a phone in case something happens.

Answer 6

Explain to them that you are just as concerned for your safety as they are, which is why you want one. Tell them if something were to happen, then you would want a phone so you can get help, especially sionce few people in this world would do it for you. Also explain that pay phones are no longer reliable because so many people have a cell phone that they can't afford to maintain them anymore. Tell them that having a cell phone even saved a couple lives. if you explain it's a safety reason instead of a social reason for wanting one, then they are more likely to comply.

Answer 7

I feel for you! I'm FOURTEEN and I don't have a cell phone. Neither of my parents have cell phones either! And I get all A+ and never forget my homework. They've let me babysit my younger sisters since I was 11 but NO CELL PHONE!
Very frustrated.
You have great reasons for wanting a cell phone, and you ought to get one. I don't know why your parents won't get you one. (or mine.)
Explain that you would like your own phone number. I think that's one of the few things you haven't tried.
Explain that it's a lot safer if you have a cell phone to call in an emergency.
Explain that a few of my friends have had cell phones since they were six!

Answer 8

Cell phones can be used for safety and they are an easy way to get in contact with your parents. You are not too young and most 12/13 year old have them.

Parents: Get her a damn cell phone already. Before you know it she will need it for an emergancy and TADA! she wont have one. Be safe, not sorry.

Answer 9

i think you're at the right age to get a cell phone. when i was 11 i got a pre-paid phone where you have to buy a card that gives you more minutes. the only reason i got it was for emergencies and because i was going to be walking home from middle school every day. i didnt get my first "real" phone until the summer before freshman year in high school.

Answer 10

I got a cel phone when i was 10 now I am 12 and i am getting a new krzr beacuse my cel phone went in the washing machine and it doesnt work for calling my sister is almost 9 and got one at the same time i got my krzr. she was going to get a firefly and she was ok with that but at&t doesnt carry fireflys at our store. I need mine beacuse i am at a horse barn every monday and wendsday and if my mom ever needed to pick me up then i could just call her or when my friends and i are at the mall and we need someone to pick us up. i am in 6th grade and my sister is in 2nd my sister uses hers on the bus beacuse her friend and her usually make last minute playdates on the bus and my sister call to ask if she can go over to her friends house. Hope that helps!