How young is it ok to have a cell phone?

Question

I am a single mom of a 6 year old boy. We moved out to the east coast 2 years ago and its just us- no other family. Since I am working some longer hours and he shuffles from school to daycare to home with a babysitter. Is it ok for me to get him a cell phone? I am thinking its a good way for me to be in touch with him as well as having our family back home being able to reach him without having to go through me or wait until I get home. I also figure this might give him incentive to talk to the family more on "his" phone more since he hates doing it from mine.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Answer 1

I have a few younger cousins who have their own....but they have the ones that have about 5 buttons and are programmed to only dial the numbers stored to each button. For example, if she pressed the Red button, it dials her mom, blue is her dad, etc. That would be a good idea since he's so young. My brother is going to get one for my niece since she always wants to call either me, my mom, him or her mom when she isn't with them. She's 4 but has already seen the phone and knows how it works better than me.

http://www.fireflymobile.com/

Answer 2

My kids were 10 and 12 when they got theirs. I got it for them basically for emergencies ( but of course now i cant keep them off of them)Also if you do decide to i would highly suggest getting it insured for the few $s more a month.Personally i would not get a child that young a cell phone but if you can pay for it and feel more comfortable doing so then i would say yes.I've had many bad comments about my 10yr old having one but i just let it slide its my choice as it would be yours.

Also if teh phone has texting capabilities on it i would definitely block them. Believe it alot of kids that young already know all about texting and how to use it,

Answer 3

In my opinion, a 6 year old is way to young to have a cell phone. I can't imagine my little sister talking on one ^__^ It would be different in your case, though, because he is on his own a lot and will sometimes need to conveniently contact you.

Get him a small, cheap phone that is easy to use and not too expensive. At 6 years old, kids are very forgetful and lose stuff very easily. Spend wisely :) Good luck!

Answer 4

The kinder school where my kid was before had a trend of 5 yr old kids owning cellphones. My kid is now in the third grade(different school) and no cellphones are allowed in there.

I think if kids are old enough to go to school alone and go home alone (weather taking the bike or walking to school unsupervised), they should own a cell phone then. (for safety purposes more than anything)

Answer 5

6 years old is a little young for your son to have a cell phone but if you think he is grown up enough to know how to use one then go for it.If you have a cell phone show him how to use it, have him call his grandmother.And that is with out your help after showing him how to use it.If he can call his grandmother and know how to use the cell phone then go for it.But if he can understand how to use it then fine get him one.But if he can't understand it don't wast the money tell he is older. If anything show him how to use a home phone.Good luck and hope things work out.

Answer 6

I think it all depends on maturity level. If he is mature and will not call 500 people a day and run the bill up. I think he deserves it. I think kids that like to stay after school or go to friends houses a lot need to have cell phone. They can call you if they need you.

Answer 7

I think that its a good idea but i also think that 6 is too young..
maybe u should try getting him a pre-paid phone for the time-being just to see how it works out..that way you have no commitment to the phone..

Answer 8

i think thats an excellent idea, and will give you both a lot of security, there will be those that say hes too young, but he doesnt want it to talk to friends etc like teenagers do, this is a safety and security measure, if i were you-i would not think twice, i would be out shpping for a phone

Answer 9

i think of 8 is basically too youthful for a cellular telephone. Why could you get interior the way of your little sister's happiness? I have been given my cellular telephone at 10. My suitable buddy's little sister is 9 and he or she has her very own cellular telephone...She makes use of it often for video games and 30 2d telephone calls. yet it somewhat is rather not the element. situations have replaced. Your little sister might want that cellular telephone sooner or later. it could save her life...probably.

Answer 10

it's your money and if it works for you and your child, and if you think it's a sound decision, then do it.

just remember to insure the cell phone -- it's a minimal fee... 6 year olds don't always remember things, and lose stuff quite a lot.

take care