What's a good age for a child to have a cell phone?

Question

*my son is 8 yrs old*

Answer 1

He is too young. Think about what he would do with it and if there is anyone he *needs* to call that he can't on your home phone.
Do his friends have them yet? Are they allowed at his school, as most schools are cracking down on them. What would happen if he lost it?
If after you ask yourself all that and it still seems like he needs one look for a cheap one on pay as you go, so you don't get a massive bill at the end of the month.

Answer 2

I think the proper age for a child to get a cell phone is around 12-13 area. I think that would be the proper thing because thats when parents start to let their kids go places more alone and with friends. Therefore needing a cell phone. 8 is really to young.

Answer 3

I see no point in a child, who is always supervised by an adult, having a cell phone. If he is, say walking to the neighbors house, he could take a walky talky, two way radio, or borrow a parent or older siblings phone. Most children just want to "be cool" or "fit in", so the parents pay $25 a month for a phone. I think as soon as a child is ready to go to a movie or event without direct adult supervision (12 maybe), then they probably are responsible enough to have a phone.

Answer 4

You need to ask yourself if there are times when he might need to call you and there are no other adults (or older children) around. For example, does he come home to an empty house after school or walk home? Does he ride his bike to his friends house?

There are some phones that are "emergency only phones" that can be programmed with a few numbers, like police, "mom", "dad" and "mom's work" (or whatever.) This will prepare your son for use of a 'real' cell phone without the freedom of calling anyone. Also, it will ease your mind if you'd like him to have a way to contact you at all times.

Check the LG Migo at the link below!

Answer 5

My sister is 10 years old! She got a cell phone for her birthday (September 3) I was so mad i was thinking why would she need a cell phone?Anyways she said cuz she always goes outside with her friends and my mom said of safety reasons so yeah there are some reasons!
By the way the phone is NOT disney or a firefly its a RAZR

Answer 6

In my opinion, age doesn't matter.
These are the things I look for when I am thinking about getting my son a phone:

1) Do we have the money?
2) Is he responsible enough?
3) Does he really need it?(Is he going a lot of places without me?)

I ended up not getting him the phone. We have the money and he is pretty responsible, but he doesn't really need it. he is only 7 so if he does go somewhere without me, he is with another adult that has a phone.
(I was seriously thinking about getting him a firefly, though)

Good luck!

Answer 7

when your son starts to go out with his friends or go out somewhere away from home and he is alone then its a good time for him to have one... but not all the time.. only when he is going out... a cell phone at that age can be a good "allowance" rather than giving him money every week get him a pre-paid cell phone and tell him he has to earn the min like dollars... some cell companies have childrens phones that are just add on lines to the parents phone and they can monitor the usage and incoming /outgoing calls and messages...

Answer 8

16

Answer 9

There are cell phones that can be programmed to ONLY call home, the parents' cell phones and/or work numbers and 911. That way, the child has it for safety reasons, but can't use it for social reasons.

For calling friends, I agree...the right time is when the teenager has a job and can pay for it.

Answer 10

17