Is a 9 year old boy too young for a cell phone?

Question

I think it's way too young but I don't have a say. He's academically very smart but of course very irresponsible because he's only 9 years old. His mom is an airhead. I don't mean to put her down but believe me, she doesn't use the brain she has.

Thank you for making me not feel like I'm crazy or out of touch. He doesn't even which clothes are his. He's not alone and not involved with activities. He has an older sister who watches out for him. She's had a phone since she was 10 or 11. Their mom is a social butterfly. Her kids are just accessories to her life. She must keep up with her friends. God forbid she thinks for herself. She's 36 going on 18.

He loses stuff (especially clothes, sleeping bag, games, etc.) all the time, which seems normal to me for a 9 year old but... I don't have my own kids. I know his mom relies on him to pack his own clothes. (That's always a riot when he's here and we see what he brings. I always say, is it really that much work to at least help him pack his bag? Really?)

Do I dare tell you this his mom leaves for work before he catches the bus as does his sister? He's left on his own to catch the bus, which he does. He has to take care of his own breakfast. Mom moved into a bigger house that is further from her work. She did it because a friend criticized her house as being too small. Oy! Forget the kids or my commute. Why I complain about her. I see the affects on the kids when they are here. (Depressed. Aloof. Want. Want. Want.)

The sad thing is that she hasn't learned anything from her daughter having a cell phone. She ran her cell phone bill up to over $100 more than once. Mom took it from her for a couple of weeks for it. That's it. She has a short memory it seems. Thank you again for letting me know that I'm not crazy and that I am right. I need support. I'm the only one in this family that seems to think this way. My coworker agrees with me. My mom, of course agrees with me. I'm big on compromise. These kids aren't learning anything when it comes to money and responsibility. They have more spending money than I do and I work for a living. Any "spending" money I have goes for some need and only the essential.

Answer 1

Yes that is waaaay to young take it from a 9 year old my mom say i cant get a cell phone till i am 16 and i really don't want one like people in my school have their cellphones and their ipods and the mp3 players but nooooo i think kids show off enough soo don't give him a cell phone my friend got a cell phone and she brag it to school and she went out on the playground and we asked if we could see it again and she put her hand in her pocket and her face turned white she said grace its not here HELP Me my mom will kill me and her mom took it out of her allowance and she still hasn't paid it off so NOO!

Answer 2

I understand the place you're coming from, yet i beleive that they shouldhave cellular telephones. Emergencies do ensue, and in the event that they certainly ensue- cellular telephones are a standard thank you to discern issues out and settle the situation (ex. calling for a journey living house. 911, injuries, etc) if a ninth grader does infact have a cell telephone they might not have texting on it... that would nto be for emergencies- in basic terms a waste of money (form of hypocritical reason i had one while i became in grade 9 and that i texted ALOT) yet sure, possibly a pay as you go kinda shitty telephone would be effective for a ninth grader :) 'for emergencies'

Answer 3

What would be the point of having a cell phone at that age? He should almost always be with family or trusted friends, all of whom should have their own cell phones to use during emergencies. It's not like he's driving or hanging out at the mall with his friends. There's no need.

Answer 4

It depends what he's doing.

Is he in a situation where, for instance, if he misses the bus he will be stuck? Does he do sports or other activities which involve him needing to be picked up, but it's hard to estimate beforehand what time that will be? Then he needs a phone. An extremely low cost, low functionality one, prepaid, and with strict instructions that he ONLY uses it for such cases.

Because all his friends have one, or because it's cool? No, he's way too young.

Answer 5

I believe 9 is way to young for a cell phone!! I have an 8 1/2 yr. old and there's NO WAY I would get him a cell phone!!! He too is very bright (he's in the gifted childrens program) but that doesn't mean he is ready for adult things...and cell phones are for grown folk!!!

Answer 6

Well as the times change I think its a little more appropriate for younger kids to have cell phones. Not the crazy nice ones that we adults have, but the ones that are meant for children, that have only limited functions. I like the ones that can link their phone to their parents so they know where there child is at all times. Also they make phones that can only call the numbers that the parents program into it such as grandparents, parents, siblings and emergency contacts.

I'm not a parent, but I would consider getting my child a phone like that so they could be safe and I would always have a way to get a hold of them.

Answer 7

I don't think a child needs a cell phone unless they are usually away from their parents. When he starts getting out of the house or staying home alone, then it would be practical.

Answer 8

Absolutely, my daughter is 8 and also very smart, but she can't keep track of her jacket! I cannot begin to understand for the life of me why parents think all kids need cell phones.

Answer 9

ya. 13-14 is a good age. Once you go to middle school, which is either 11-12, or 12-13. Or 14, if they don't need one until then.

Answer 10

If the child is out on his own, then maybe its a good idea for him to have one in case of an emergency, but honestly i dont think a child should be out on there own at his age, so there isn't any need for him to have one, he will only be made a target by thieves,
Express your feelings,
Good luck