What's the right age to give your child a Cell Phone?

Answer 1

Depends on the reason for the cell phone. My daughter carries one when she goes shopping or to the park with her friends or when she is babysitting. Other than that she doesn't bother with one. She is 13. The only people she calls are me for a ride or she lets the friends she is with use is to call their parents. I have had no problems.
My daughter's best friend is going to get my daughters old one and use it as a pay as you go because I want her to have one at school. She is 14. I want her to have it so that she can call me to pick her up from school when she is needing a ride.
It all depends on what a kid is going to use it for. If they want it because they need to be calling their friends night and day, then no way. If they need it to keep in touch with home and for emergencies, then a good pay as you go works great.

Answer 2

I don't think kids need a cell phone for any reason other than emergencies. I have 2 boys aged 7 & 8 and they are not allowed to own one. However, I did invest in a 'spare' phone so if one of them is at a friends house or at a class after school they can call if they need anything. The cost of a child owning a cell phone also has to be considered - I know if my pair were let loose with a phone they would run up a huge phone bill. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I don't know if there's a "right" age. I think you have to make a decision as a parent if your child is old enough, responsible enough, and mature enough to handle a cell phone. Will he/she try to use it during school hours? Will he/she rack up a HUGE bill (this has happened to us before)? Does the child follow other household rules, and do you feel he'll follow rules you set for a cell phone as well?

Having said all that, make sure you start your child off with a prepaid cell phone. That way, if/when they lose it, you're not out a bunch of money, because the kid forgot to tell you he lost it, and then someone found it, and called China for 3 days straight.

Answer 4

I think 13 or when they start middle school is fine to give them a prepaid cell phone. They are likely to have to stay after school for band or play practice or athletics and it is good for them to be able to call when they need a ride home. I know lots of people who have kids with cell phones, but I think they are spoiling their children. I know a little girl in kindergarten who has a cell phone. And her mom gets upset when she goes over her minutes. Another couple I know recently got their 7 year old a Razor for her birthday. I think that is ridiculous. Kids that age don't need to be hanging out someplace without an adult. Why would they need a phone. What kind of values are being instilled in these kids? My daughter is in high school and she has a prepaid cell phone. She got it when she turned 13. It has been really helpful so I don't spend a lot of time just sitting outside the school waiting on her. But if she wants to get a razor she's going to have to get a job and pay for it herself.

Answer 5

If you are a parent and you want to be able to get a hold of your child in an emergency, like during a school lock down for instance, then your child should have a cell phone.

Answer 6

I think the appropriate age is when they start going out and doing things without adults. Such as you are dropping them off at the movies or the mall to be with friends. Anytime they get in a situation where another adult they know is not going to be there with them and they might need you.

Answer 7

i would say 12 or so... thats about when they start to want to gain indepence and want to hang out with their friends more and at that point the cell phone would be used more for of emergencies and letting you know where they are.... you of course would have to explain to your child that it should only be used for emergencies and if they take advantage of that or are not careful they are going to lose that responsibility.

Answer 8

I have one for my 5 yr old. It's only $10 and he has called me a few times but he can call other people too if he needs to but he knows it's for emergencies or you call after 7. The thing is it has a tracker in it and I tell him to keep it with him. Also, I can call him in when he's at a friend's house.

Answer 9

I have been given a telephone while i became 8. it is going to likely be an somewhat good difficulty so you might get your daughter. in order that she would be able to call you every time she is in difficulty. There are unwell human beings accessible and which contain your daughter going out along with her buddies, it is going to likely be good to have somebody to call.

Answer 10

When ever they start becoming alone going to a lot of places with their freinds or other people. Just when they realy need one and you know they'll need it oneday.