Am I old enough for a cell phone?

Question

Ok, well I just turned 14 a couple months ago and my mom may or may not get me a cell phone. She's a little iffy about it right now, even though I'm trying to convince her I'm responsible. My parents trust me, I'm good in school (A's and B's, maybe ONE C+, but they were fine with it), and I'm really responsible. Like when I go to a b-ball game or something, I'm always home on time and I let them know where I am, when I'm leaving, when I'll be back, etc. I'm not really sure why she won't let me get one...she once said I'd get one for my b-day, but that never happened, and now she's saying maybe for graduation, which is in 6 months. I'm not sure if she will this time, do you think I'm ready?

Oh and money is definatly not the problem. They have good jobs and they told me that I wouldn't have to pay for it when I do get one. And I don't get an allowance and I'm too young for a job, so I wouldn't be able to pay for it. And I do go out with my friends and she's hesitant to let me go out alone cuz I can't contact her if something goes wrong since the friends I usually go out with don't have cell phones. I'm just a little confused.

Answer 1

Try a compromise. Start out with a simple phone that only lets you call your parents or an emergency number.
Make a pact with your parents that if you use this phone responsibly for one year, they will upgrade you to a regular phone, but you will pay for the monthly cost of your calls and texts out of your allowance.

Answer 2

I would have to "Preface" any answer with a couple of comments:

First I am almost 60 years old. I have never had a cell phone, I have never talked on a cell phone and I have only carried one once. That time my wife forgot here cell and I took took it to her office.

Second I am only getting one side of the story; your's.

That said, if you were my child, and assuming you are telling me the whole story I think I would consider your request favorably. There would have to be a solid understanding of what the phone was for and you would be on a pretty short leash when it came to the amount of minutes you would have. I would probably get a prepaid one that extra minutes could be purchased for. Then buy you 15 or 20 minutes a month. I wouldn't forbid you buying more time but the time I bought would be for you to keep me current on your whereabouts and activities. If you wanted to have a cell phone hanging out of your head 27 hours a day you would have to pay for that yourself.

I really think that would be fair, assuming you gave me the full story. BTW, you don't need a phone that takes pictures, sends text, has a million optional programs, plays music, plays TV and video games or makes coffee. Show me how responsible you are in shallow water and maybe the added bells and whistles can come later. Regardless of how responsible you seem, I just wouldn't sign up for a two or more year service agreement, at least not until you had a track record with a phone.

FYI, I placed a significant value on your question. When a person can formulate their thoughts and get them into print as well as you did, especially considering your age, it makes it much easier for me extend a bit more freedom to that person.

Good luck, I hope you get your phone.

Answer 3

A cell phone is something that you should get when you NEED one. Ask yourself this: Are you ever anywhere without some form or adult supervision/way to get in contact with your parents? If the answer is 'Yes" then you could talk to your parents about getting a cell phone, if the answer is "No" then you do not need a phone yet. If you really want a phone, maybe you could do some chores to save up money to purchase a pre-paid tracphone (These are usually around $15-$20 and the minutes are pretty cheap). This way you can learn responsibility by having to pay for something yourself/using your minutes and texts wisely.

Answer 4

You do sound really responsible. Maybe try helping out around the house more than normal too - parents love that - without being asked. Like offer to do the dishes, and try doing laundry, or at least folding it. Taking on extra responsibility is always helpful. And maybe talk to her about why you need it - and don't mention everyone else has one. Stick with emergency use - what if something happens at school, like a lock down? Wouldn't it be nice to get a text from you saying you're ok? Or if you're on your way home from something and there's an accident thats slowing traffic...wouldn't it be great to be able to call and give her a heads up?

Answer 5

As a fourteen year old girl .There are many reasons why you need a cell phone, I will start with a very disturbing story
My Friend got her daughter a cell phone she was 13 when she got it her dad tought her to carry the cell phone on her instead of her purse, She went to the movies her dad droped her off, But as soon as he left a car pulled up and a guy came out and threw her in the trunk of his car and took her purse
from the trunk of the car she called 911 and lead the police to the car she was in, that cell phone probally saved her life,
The next day i ran out and got my 10 year old a cell phone
i decided She needed one. I tought her to be responsible with her phone
here in Hawaii we have a company called mobi phone
i like it because it is 50 bucks a month unlimited everything
texting ,miniutes,411 ,
If your mom can find somthing that has a great price and good miniutes I think 14 is a great age for a cell phone it just helps me when i'am not with my kids I work and can't always be there for them. I hope you get a phone soon
My oldest is 28 years old and when he was 14 there were no cell phones But i did get him a pager so i could call the pager to check on him
good luck

Answer 6

Well, You're old enough but what would you use it for? If you play a sport or need to get picked up ofen, then i would say yes. But if you just want it to be cook or call your friends or text, you can do all that with a regular home phone and you can iM instead of text.

But if you're 14, you probably go places where you can call to be picked up. And I'm sure you meet your friends places so it wouldn't hurt to have one.

O and if you want a cell phone, go with the track phone! They're good and have better reception than alot of contract cell phones.

Answer 7

Well, it has been my own personal observation that unless you have a job to pay for the expenses of the phone, you shouldn't have one.

A coworker of mine caved in and got one for her 13 year old - she had good grades, didn't miss school, was very involved in sports, listened well, and was considered very responsible.....until the text messaging started...on top of the phone calls. Their bought her a plan for 1000 text messages a month...well, that soon turned into over 2000 and a bill of over $500 for one month!

I think if you get a job, show you are responsible with your money, and can handle the bill on your own....then maybe I would consider it.

Even as an adult, you can get caught up and not realize how much you have used your phone....leading you to a debt you can't get out of.

Answer 8

You are not the only one without a cell phone.I really one a cell but my parents are the same. Like u said i am also responsable but what they say is that a cell phonbe is not like a book thats gonna help u in education and that u have to pay it each month so its really not yours casue u never stop paying. This is kidda of true but keep on trying maybe u get 1 soon ;)

Answer 9

Actually, I think that cell phones are highly beneficial in today's society. There are very few public phones available anywhere anymore and the cell phone is essential as a safety tool as well as for good communication. We started giving our son one of our phones when he went out at a younger age than that in order that we could all communicate with each other. Later, he had his own, on a share plan with us and the guidelines were very clear about what not to do in order to not run up huge phone bills. There are now so many phones out there with flat rates, that it really shouldn't be an issue and if I were your Mom, I'd want to be able to get in touch with you and want you to be able to reach me, if you needed to. Yes, I think that you SHOULD have one!!

Answer 10

I got one when I was in 5th grade. bad idea. I never used it and it was a waste of money. I'm 14 too and I just got a new cell phone because mine was broken. Just be in a situation where you would need a phone but you didn't have one. That will convince them. Also tell them that you will pay the monthly fee and actually try to. that will def. show them that you are willing to help pay for the phone and that you are respnsible. :]