At what age should one buy a Mobile Phone for a Kid?

1. 60

   Lady_Eposted 14 years ago

   At what age should one buy a Mobile Phone for a Kid?

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2. 60

   Didistoyzposted 14 years ago

   I don't think age has as much to do with whether a child should have a cellphone as much as necessity.  I have 3 children in my home.  One is my Daughter (15), Stepdaughter (15), and Stepson (11).  My daughter has a cellphone because she is back and forth to her dads house and has a very busy social life where the need for me to contact her and her to contact me is important.  My Stepdaughter and Stepson are always where I can get ahold of them if needed so we do not spend the money on a cellphone at this time until it changes.  You will know when the time is right when you start worrying about them when they are away from you and wishing they had a phone on them so you can call them.

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   russellwnentwichposted 14 years ago

   do the kid a favor and don't buy them a mobile phone.

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4. 58

   lindagoffiganposted 14 years ago

   For safety purposes, most middle schools are allowing cell phones for students.

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5. 64

   Ralph Deedsposted 14 years ago

   The right age is when your child convinces you that most of his or her friends have cell phones and lets you know that she or he feels left out because she doesn't have one.

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6. 0

   stagnettoposted 14 years ago

   I agree with lindagoffigan in that a cell phone is really necessary for children as a safety measure.  And the age that they really need one is when they start going places on their own.
   
   I personally would even give one to a child of mine as soon as it was able to understand and operate it as children often get separated and lost from their parents in big department stores or anywhere with crowds and phone contact would help in these cases enormously.

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7. 70

   dl53acyposted 14 years ago

   I guess it all depends on how responsible the kid is.  I think between the ages 12 or 13 years of age.  I say that because kids start to associate more with others around this age.  Whether it be their hang out times with their peers like going to malls, movies & parks. Then of course, there is the puppy love stages where they start talking to their friends more on the phone.  Also when kids are commuting home from school its a good link for the parents to keep up with your child in their absense. So I think the mobile or cell phones becomes a necessity around this age period and also depending on the need for one.

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8. 60

   teendadposted 14 years ago

   I'd have to be at least 30 before I'd buy a mobile phone for a child.

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9. 60

   M. Goodwinposted 14 years ago

   as is true with most children, it depends on the child and his/her particular circumstances.  if they are on their own a lot, need to contact home regularly for pick-up or just to check in then, yes, they need a cell.  unfortunately the old stand-by payphone is no longer an option.   most of the time  you can't even find one!  assess your child's needs and whether or not they have 'earned' the responsibility of owning and taking care of a cell phone, then decide if you can bear the additional expense.

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10. 57

    anisettaposted 14 years ago

    Part of my answer to this question may be a dream for a far away land. I think that a kid should not have adult toys. Children do not need cell phones, TVs, video games, or any other sort of electronic babysitter.
    
    Children need the attention, love and guidance from their parents or legal guardians. The advanced technology is creating a cyber-human society. What are we going to do when machines take over the human brain? Who is going to babysit us then? Who is going to protect us from a supercomputer that will be able to control our every move?
    
    I can see that more and more society relies on technology to imagine that children are safer. I think is quite the contrary. With a cell phone,  a child has the freedom to go anywhere after school. If both parents work, which is not uncommon, the child can be anywhere but at home when the child should be home studying or doing house chores. The cell phone facilittes mobility and the chil'd opportunity to conceal his or her real location at any given time.
    
    I think the cell phone should be replaced by a well monitoring parent, by high standards and effective implementation of any broken rules.

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11. 60

    The Ropeposted 14 years ago

    anisetta - it appears to me as if you do not like "change".  While I would also love to have the security of the world you describe, the world is not like that anymore (if it ever was).  Security and safety is definately an issue today and the urge to "be like other kids" is a long held desire.  Cell phones have their place, monitoring how the child uses the phone and restricting it's use by buying a prepaid phone is much more revelant today.  I vote with M. Goodwin...it's the responsible parental answer.

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12. 57

    xriotdotbizposted 14 years ago

    Children should only own a cell phone when they can support it.  As much as they talk and test, they better get the unlimited plan which run between $50-100 a month.  If the child has money coming in to cover it, then they can be responsible for it.
    
    Otherwise, parents can keep a hidden spare phone on their plan for the child's going out needs.

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13. 60

    dabeanerposted 14 years ago

    The sooner the better.  The herd needs thinning via brain tumors, Childrens' developing brains are more susceptible to microwave transmission damage

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14. 60

    Leenie Poohposted 14 years ago

    I think around eighth grade - at least here in my family and in the area we live in, that seems reasonable. But of course there are so many factors that go into making a decision like that: how mature is the child, what is their schedule like, do they need a phone to phone for rides, etc., how responsible are they in terms of abiding by any agreements re: the phone and keeping track of the phone ... Regardless, whether or not they do or do not have a phone isn't going to hurt or harm their development or hurt or harm your family - and remember, if you give them a phone and decide it was a bad decision, you can always take it away.

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    Jersey Jessposted 14 years ago

    No earlier than 7th or 8th grade! Would be great for an 8th grade graduation present, that's how I got mine and it was great. Most kids these days, as early as 4th grade, tell their parents ALL of their friends have them and therefore your child NEEDS a cell phone... Don't give in, they'll thank you later.

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    tina1234posted 14 years ago

    Yeah, when all of his or her friends have cell phone, it's the time to buy one for him or her. Cell phone is not a safety measure for kid, but also  relation to friendship.

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    lisaluv9784posted 14 years ago

    I would say no younger than 12,but the honest truth is,it all depends on your childs level of maturity.You don't want to buy them a cell phone and have them lose it,or run up a huge bill.A lot of kids do tend to be irresponsible yet at this age,so judge for yourself by their day to day actions.Some people suggest giving them one as soon as they are old enough to know how to use it,but this is not necessary,unless you want to put out endless amounts of cash every time they lose their phone.My 8 year old knows how to use a cell phone,but he can barely even keep track of his shoes and glasses.I would hate to see what would happen with a cell phone!

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18. 59

    truewho??posted 13 years ago

    well if  they lose it  the age they should get one is 11, 12, or 13 .10 they will lose it i lost mine because im 10

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