What is your opinion of a 12 year old and a cellular phone?

Question

Thinking of getting a cell phone for our son, what do you think of cell phones at age 12? Also, what is the best cell phone for this age?
Thanks!!

It is kinda funny how many "when I was a kid" stories I am gettin'. Like walking to school uphill both ways to and from school in the snow barefoot, oh and without a cell phone. Thanks though.

Answer 1

I think 12 is a perfect age for a first cell phone - I'm almost 15 and got my first phone around 11 or 12. Your son is in middle school I'm guessing, and it's really important for middle schoolers to have a way to contact their parents before/after/during school in case of an emergency. I know for me it gave me a nice sense of security and confidence to have one and it's just really convenient for the parents, who can call the kid if they're running late. If you're worried about your son losing it, if he's responsible it's unlikely that it will happen, I never lost my phone (I have a different now only because I upgraded). I recommend a basic flip phone (I like Samsung). Do not get one without a flip because then they can turn on in your backpack/pocket (happened to at least 3 times - really embarrassing). They make great birthday presents!

Answer 2

Well, this probably doesn't mean much coming from be because I am a twelve year old but I don't think your son should get a cell phone. I don't have a cell phone and my life is not coming to an end. I have straight A's at a college preperatory school, have many friends, am in great physical condition and concider myslef to be a dwon right good natured person. Cell phones are distractions. All my friends who have them rave ON and ON and ON about them. If a person truly desires talking to a friend, then they should simply invite them over or talk to them on the home phone. It works just as well and is not any less phone.
-hope I helped!

Answer 3

On one hand, I wonder if a 12 year old would be responsible with a phone (not running up the bill and being inappropriate). But today's world can be a dangerous place and parents want to (and should) know where their kids are. At 12 your son is becoming independent and exploring the world beyond the front yard on his own. A phone can be a link to home.

Answer 4

I think that getting a 12 year old a cell phone would be a great idea, in the sense that they will understand their limits and rules of use. A cell phone is great to have in case of an emergency, or if they need a ride after school, or even just to call and let parents know what they are doing and where they are at (or vice versa,,so the parent can check on them).

Answer 5

To be honest I think teenagers are getting mobilephones way too early nowadays.

I got mine when I was 17 but then again fashion was different 7 years ago.

If you're worried I actually stumbled on something called Firefly the other day.

Basically it's a phone with a capacity to hold 22 numbers (it works with a normal sim card), There are 2 big buttons: one for Mom and one for Dad and one button for the other contacts. The phone itself doesn't allow for text messages and automatically blocks all call from numbers not listed in the simcard. Thought it was a good idea for a young child you would need to call.

Answer 6

⇒ I guess that 12-Year olds come off as sounding a little Young; But personally, I think it all depends on his maturity.
Do you feel like he could be responsible enough to handle a cell phone? Are his grades good enough to where he deserves a cell phone?
The best thing to do would be to get him a Minute Phone as a starter.. This way you can tell how well he takes care of it.
Hope everything Works out for the Best! :]

Answer 7

We recently bought one for my 11 year old. I didn't want to, but after an incident where the day camp bus driver got lost and she was 45 minutes late getting home (and the camp didn't know where the bus was until a child on the bus with a cell phone called her parent), we decided that my daughter should have one FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY.
We got her a prepaid phone (at&t go phone, $20, included $10 of airtime). When she uses it it charges 25 cents per minute. She has never used it, but in an emergency she will. She knows that she can't call her friends on it, or she will be in big trouble.

Answer 8

If he has a specific reason to need one (maybe he needs to call you to be picked up after sports matches, say) then yes. Otherwise no. In any case, not an expensive or trendy one (kids have been attacked for those), definitely prepay, and make it very clear that it's for use to call you only, and that using it to chat will mean you take it away.

My 11 year old has a phone because she gets off the school bus alone on the opposite site of a major road, and she calls me to come cross her over. She's not allowed to use it for anything else except emergencies.

Answer 9

Well it all depends on the child...If you feel as thought your son is responsible enough to handle one then sure, you should get him one:) Now when I was 12 I definetly couldnt:) Even when I was 16 I was running up the home and cell phone bill. My cousins are aroung 12 years of age thoug hand they are very responsible. I would buy him a less expensive but still decent phone...Possibly buy a prepaid because that wasy you will not end up with a big bill...When the minutes are gone it will not allow any more calls. They can be a very good thing to stay in contact with your son:) Good luck in your decision!

Answer 10

I think it is a good thing that if something ever happened that he would need to stay longer at school or you forgot to pick him up he has a cell phone. I wouldnt get any kind of phone that has a camera on it for a 12 year old. It asks for trouble.