What age should kids given cell phone?

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   Lgaliposted 14 years ago

   What age should kids given cell phone

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      lisafwg01posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      When they are old enough to pay for the phone and service themselves!
      
      I guess I'm old fashioned because I see absolutely no reason for a child to have a cell phone.

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         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         that is very hard

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         Princess Kariposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         but what about emergencies?

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            lisafwg01posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Somehow my generation managed to grow up without cell phones..lol

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               JSwansonposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Previous generations grew up with a lot of the technology that we dont have today.  As an example previous generations couldnt participate in a forum such as this one.
               
               I think its totally up to the parents to determine the needs but if used properly and responsibly I also believe it can be a great safety tool.
               
               Jenny

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                  Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

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         packerpackposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I support both of the above concept partially but the world has changed, it has become more complex and even more unsafe. Consider an emergency situation in which your kid is trapped and no one knows about it? Do you think cell phone is still not necessary? I guess following could be a possible solution;
         
         

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            Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            i agree to

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         scheinandrasposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         That's the way to say it:)

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         curiozitiesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I'm with you.  In short, they can buy it themselves when they're old enough to do so because I ain't giving it to them.

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      MangoGirlposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      my cousin is 5 and he has a cell phone, latest design
      pretty ridiculous, isn't it?

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         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         nice to know..thanks

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         Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Especially when there are studies that say it's unhealthy for kids under 8... see above.

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            MangoGirlposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            You know, I hate to say but some people really don't deserve their children.
            
            I see you're a cat person. Have you seen frogdropping's latest on cats?

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               Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               some people really don't deserve their children why is so?

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      TrinaLynneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Honestly I don't think kids should get a cell phone until they atleast are 16 and have a part-time job. But given the times - with school violence, natural disasters, any type of emergency, etc. - it is imperitive that children stay in contact with their parents at a younger age. They need to be responsible because I know some parents' kids cell bills are higher than an electric bill.
      As long as its used for emergencies I think middle school is an appriate age if the child is responsible.

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      Davinagirl3posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It varies.  Every child is different and each can handle different amounts of responsibility.  It is also up to the parent to make sure that the child knows that a cell phone is not a toy.  I think the younger a child can handle the responsibility of a cell phone, the better.  My friend's son is 10 and he has a cell phone on which he can only call 5 people.  The numbers are locked in and he can't use the dial pad.  There is 911 programmed in.

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         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         that is best thing
         My friend's son is 10 and he has a cell phone on which he can only call 5 people.  The numbers are locked in and he can't use the dial pad.  There is 911 programmed in.

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      zaina-777posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I bought my daughter a cell phone this year on her 10th birthday. For me to buy her it was very necessary as I work away from home and if I am caught up in traffic, I can call her and let her know.
      
      In the 6 months she has had it, I put in £20 credit and just over £14 is still in her credit, so for less then £2 a month, I think its more then reassuring to know that if she needs me or vice versa, it was a good investment.
      
      Maybe I may need to worry more when she hits her teen years.

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      1. 56

         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         nice idea

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      Rpenafielposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      People have a varying view on this. Some would say that it is ideal to give children a cell phone when they are over 13 year-old, while others would say that they prefer to give their children a cell phone when they are already 18 year-old.
      
      As I see it, however, age is not the sole thing that has to be considered by parents when deciding to give their child a cell phone. The need for the device and the maturity to handle it should also be considered. It can’t be denied that a cell phone can be very helpful in times of emergency, especially the ones with an emergency response system. So for parents who see the need for their children to have this device, they can simply opt to give their children a simple cell phone, which is more fitted to their needs.

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   Adam Bposted 14 years ago

   I like the idea of a cell phone that can only receive calls from the parents and can only dial parents and 911.
   
   With that phone I say it can be given to them at a very early age.

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      Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you. Is it possible?

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      Princess Kariposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      i agree. after all, the kid might get lost in a shopping centre or on the bus or even at school. a phone lessens the possibility. even a kidnapper can at least call the kids parents

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      moposanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      And I Approve this massage

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         Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Massage? Is someone giving massages? I'll take one

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            moposanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            definitely far from spelling bee
            But quite good at massaging

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   Adam Bposted 14 years ago

   yeah, you can set it up with your cell phone carrier.

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      Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      good to know this thanks

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         HappyHerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         They have some wonderful services for children with cell phones and I think they should have them just as soon as they start spending time away from you.  They even have some that allow you to set the minutes as your child earns them!
         
         I guess I would think about if they can go to the park or to play at a friend's by themselves?  Then that would be a good time for them to have a phone, not as a novelty, but as a safety measure.

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            Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            good take as a safety measure with minutes with there spending money

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   Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

   This study suggests kids under 8 not be given cell phones.
   
   http://www.theallineed.com/family/05012302.htm

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      Princess Kariposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      yeah radiation is bad

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   RGrafposted 14 years ago

   My 12 twelve year was given one because she was in after school activities and when the office closed she could not call to say it was ending early or was canceled.  Her 10 year old brother wants one, but so far I don't see a need beyond a want - therefore, no phone.  The $ also comes out of her allowance each week.

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      Princess Kariposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      i think making the child contribute is ok if the phone is fancy and cutesy

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         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         so 10 or 12 is good age with emergency features

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   gamergirlposted 14 years ago

   I'm with the others who say when they can pay for it themselves.
   
   Kids don't NEED cell phones.  They WANT cell phones.

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      Princess Kariposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      what about birthday presents and prepaid? my brother and i got phones but they are less of a toy and more of a mundane thing to get us get hold of mom and dad

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   ysdataposted 14 years ago

   When they start grade school with parent control.  Only allowed to dial home and other emergency contacts -- parent's selected.  Then as they get older -- remove some of the parent controls.

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8. 87

   RGrafposted 14 years ago

   Each person needs to be evaluated individually.  If they go off on their own a lot, maybe they need one.  I know that my daughter has called when she felt that she was being followed (there was a guy following her and her phone call had us down the block to prevent anything from happening).  If they don't venture out, then they probably don't need one.

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      Princess Kariposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      what about people who have a really big house?

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   ysdataposted 14 years ago

   A few years old, we move to a new city.  The bus driver (school bus) could not find our new development.  My daughter was able to call home -- I found the bus (and my child) thanks to the cell phone.

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10. 60

    Princess Kariposted 14 years ago

    I would say ten is an ok age if it is not super fancy and it is just to get calls from mommy and daddy. socially i would say 12-13 so that they can sms their friends

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    Laughing Momposted 14 years ago

    My daughters each got phones when they got old enough to go places without me. They have Kajeet service, which allows me to control what numbers can call and be called, and what times they can and can't use it. It's also GPS traceable so I can find them if I need to. But it's basically just an emergency use only thing, so they only get like 30 minutes a month. And NO testing,although they are pushing me to add that feature.

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    LennyPposted 14 years ago

    There is no need for cell phones. If you are old enough to have children you are old enough to have lived without them. You didn't need them so why would they? I agree with the camp that says they can have them when they can buy one themselves.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       so do not buy good one

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          Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I think the point was that they don't need them...no matter the cost.

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             lxxyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             What if your kid has a habit of running off in the store? Or at a mall? Obviously, you should teach your kid not to...but those who don't, or try their dardenst and their kid is stubborn, this doesn't work.
             
             Cell phones are merely a device for long distance communication. If a kid is given one with a specific purpose (like for emergencies) it provides a good way to keep track of your kid and give them a way to quickly call for help.

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                EYES CHAMbERSposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                i have agreed!

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    lxxyposted 14 years ago

    I think all kids should have a way of communicating in an emergency; there's a cell phone designed to keep kids in touch with fire, police, and mom and dad. But nothing more, nothing less. They can't even enter a number themselves to call out.

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       Laughing Momposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       If I knew how to put a thumbs up icon on here, I would. So just imagine it's there, lxxy.

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          lxxyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks LM. You can...on one of my hubs! Haha, no, just kidding.
          
          Here's a link to said phone I speak of:
          
          http://www.fireflymobile.com/

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good take

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    sassychicposted 14 years ago

    I have to say that children are growing up so fast and society isnt helping the cause. Children become way too "busy" at young ages when they should slow down a little.
    
    I recieved a cell phone when I was 15, that was because of my activities and it was heavily supervised only for times when I really needed it, not at school unless I was going to a track meet or going somewhere I needed to get in contact with my parents. My sister on the other hand recieved her's much younger at the age of 13! she had the phone handed to her and I had to work my buttah of for!
    
    I have worked very hard to prove that I can "handel or have privleges" my sister often doesnt have to ask for promisson for much adn gets things handed to her easily.
    
    I guess it really just goes for maturity level and responsibility.
    
    I would say and agree with when they can pay for it. they will build character and the understanding of money that way

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    EYES CHAMbERSposted 14 years ago

    I think when a child is finally walking home by themselves or staying with friends and is old enough to be taking the bus places...they should have a cell phone! You never what could happen in this world or what might happen around any child...a cell phone could possibly save their lives in many situations. However...if a child is at home constantly and only in houses you know the number to...there really is no need is there!?

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good take

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    Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

    I think sometimes it may depend on the situation, rather than the age.  I like the idea of keeping either a kids' phone or a cheapy cell phone, and just letting the child have it if he's going to be in a situation where it may be a good idea.  If I had a five-year-old going for a sleepover I may tuck one in his backpack.   I don't think kids younger than high school need them for anything other than "in case of emergency".  Something like $15 a month on a prepaid phone will cover that type of thing.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       yes I agreed with you

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    spiderpamposted 14 years ago

    It's tough to say nowadays, maybe between the ages of 12-14

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    dineaneposted 14 years ago

    When and whether kids have cell phones isn't a "should" or a "should not". Of course no one needs a cell phone. We don't need a stereo or a computer either. It's up to the parents to judge whether their child is responsible enough to have a phone, whether the convenience is worth the money, or whether or not they simply want to gift their child with a cell phone - anymore than they'd give them a video game unit or a baseball bat.
    
    My daughter has had her phone since about 12 (she's 17 now). I think as a result I've allowed her to be more independent since we can conveniently reach each other. And she enjoys communicating with her friends via the cell phone. I don't make her pay for it, but then I don't charge her for watching the t.v. :-)

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    Direxmdposted 14 years ago

    Why does there need to be an arbitrary age limit? Just look at your kid and you will know if the time is right or not.  It's that simple, make the best judgment based on your child, not the age of other peoples' children.  Everyone is created and is raised differently--you will know when the time is right.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       still if know how other expereince we will have good ideas

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       earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       You are spot on with this. My children and grandchildren have had phones when they needed them. One at age 7 another at 9 and one other at 12.

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          KCC Big Countryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I also agree.  It will be different for every family.  When my daughter started participating in a lot of afterschool activities I wanted her to be able to call me.   She was around 12.  No matter what age they are, you have to teach them to use them responsibly and how to care for them.  As my daughter has gotten older she now uses HER money to upgrade the phone, etc.

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    I'mmabookworm!posted 14 years ago

    Probably when they are about to go to High School as they will probably need it more then. But generally, you should know when they will need one! ^^
    
    Bookworm

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       grade 7 is good time

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    Kudlitposted 14 years ago

    I gave my daughter a cellphone when she graduated from elementary.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       that is good time

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    jcalesposted 14 years ago

    I would say 13 and above. (PG - 13 rule)
    
    Why? because they should simply go to school, or if in after-school activities have a teacher or teacher asst. there with a phone for parents to call them, after that they are home right?

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    andromidaposted 14 years ago

    If necessary then even 5 years kid can keep a cell phone.But I think the electromagnetic radiation will have some negative effect on kids health or even on kids brain frequency.Although research of radiation by cellphone on human brain is going on and still we don't know the actual effects of cell phone radiation.So, I think kids should avoid cell phone as much as possible.

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    Apeppersonposted 14 years ago

    I don't think kids need cell phones to begin with. The excuse about maybe them needing one in an emergency is hog wash. I can't get over some of these 8 year olds walking around with Blackberry's.
    
    What age? After they move out and get a job!

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    Joelle Burnetteposted 14 years ago

    We gave our son a cell phone when he began middle school. His sister's school is on his way home and it comes in handy to call him when I need him to walk her home. It's also nice on rainy days to know where to pick him up and when he's off at his afternoon activities; swim team and such.
    
    I also know I can trust him to follow the rules of the phone. And I know he's not using it at school because the school doesn't allow them to be used during school hours. If an adult/teacher sees them using a phone during school, it is confiiscated and a parent must come to school to claim it.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       i agree middle school is good time

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    PaulaShaftoeposted 14 years ago

    Kids start to get busy AND independent in middle school (7th grade). Prior to that kids are RARELY on their own without easy access to parents/teachers/coaches/etc for communication.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       so 7th grade is good time

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good take

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    wordscribe41posted 14 years ago

    It's an individual decision.  That being said, I am appalled by the number of kids in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL who have them.  Some of my daughter's 4th grade friends are cell phone wielding children.  Come on.  You shouldn't be so out of touch with a child this young that he/she would even need one.  Ugh.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I agree

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    Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

    I've learned the hard way on this issue (divorced parents are notorious for indulging because the kids "split" between the two parents). For example, "we" (Sonny and me) learned just how few the number 300 is when it comes to texts. That was the amount he had per month but was actually the number he used in a week. To be fair, I had to learn the same thing with minutes early on until I found a rate plan with sufficient minutes that I don't go over. And with free unlimited texts.
    
    It is true that our generation was able to manage without cell phones. Heck, our telephones were even stuck to the wall:-). But I do find having the capability to check in with Sonny (and him with me)gives me peace of mind.

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    KCC Big Countryposted 14 years ago

    People generations ago did without a lot of the things we have today...and yes, we all made it, but it's not a reason to ignore the technilogical advances we've made.  Cellphones are a tool that when used properly can assist both kids and their parents keep in contact with each other.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good take

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    Jacodyposted 14 years ago

    the age they seem ready at.

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    J-Maeposted 14 years ago

    Our daughter just turned 10. Her big present from us was a phone. She has had it a week and is doing very well. Its not like she has a ton of friends just yet.
    I think it really depends on the child. My child is very responsible and very mature for her age.
    We have rules and regulations and so far so good but it has only been a week and a day. She has only used 95 mins, most in texting.
    
    

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    Research Analystposted 14 years ago

    Actually when they turn 5 years old, so they can ask all those questions they have.

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       J-Maeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Lol... I so 'getcha'. Hand them the phone to call NANA and PAPA

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    Hope Alexanderposted 14 years ago

    Children shouldn't be given cellphones, they should be implanted with RFID chips which track their movements anywhere on the globe.. that's the only sensible thing to do...

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    ainyposted 14 years ago

    one coin, two sides. but frankly speaking, kids should not be allowed to have cell phone when they are too small, such as when they are in primary school. even if they are elder,families should be their superintendents. but i am afraid that if they are in trouble and they cannot hlep themselves, then what is the best choice for them?maybe at thay moment, the people they want is just their father or mother or sister and borther! it is a real difficult thing to decide what is the best!

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    Serena L.posted 14 years ago

    I think it's appropriate for kids to have access to cellphones when you are comfortable leaving them alone at activities -- baseball practice, drama, after-high school stuff.  At that point, it's a convenience to you to have them meet you quickly and easily when it's time to pick them up.  For me, that hits around 15.  At fifteen, they can and should contribute to the cost either with money or extra chores.
    
    Be careful that the phone gets charged in your room at night.  Some of my teens' friends are totally comfortable calling or texting them between 11PM-3AM.  Teens need to sleep.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       that is good age

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          Jacodyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          i agree too 15 is a good age.

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             Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             so 15 is good age

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    Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

    I dont understand parents who buy them for the kids?
    Crazy.!

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    kmackey32posted 14 years ago

    I believe children should have a cell phone at a young age. Lots of phones have tracking devices on them and i love to know where my child is at all times. If my child was ever kidnapped it would show where they are....

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    Blackngoldbananaposted 14 years ago

    Actually, nobody NEEDS a cell phone.  Humanity lived without them for several thousands of years.  Kids don't NEED them, but it makes it a lot easier on the mother to keep in constact contact with them.  It depends upon the child of course, how much time they are away from home and how responsible they are.

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    lumberjackposted 14 years ago

    i think cell phone is God given right, every child should have one before they turn 10

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       10 is good age or to early

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    Journey *posted 14 years ago

    Hey there, Lgali, you started a good forum topic here. This is a topic of constant debate with parents. I see there have already been lots of responses and I'm joining in late in the game but I agree mostly with those who have said "when they are old enough to afford it themselves." There are a few exceptions.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       so what is old enough?

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    Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

    I never gave my kids cell-phones at all.
    If there was an emergency, landlines worked just fine.
    They bought their own individually ,as soon as they could afford them.
    Actually you might think I was a mean mum ,but as soon as they wanted junk food , I told them its time to get a job after achool which they all did...then they bought all the soda and junk there lil hearts desired.
    Now they are older ,they dont waste their money so much , or are more disciplined than most of their friends.
    And their mums  still whine on about it , but still give to their darlings like its their right ???....who decided that ,lol

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    R. Blueposted 14 years ago

    Kids should never get cell phones...especially ones that text....too many getting killed because of them.  I say implant kids with a tracking device at birth....surgically.

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       Eaglekiwiposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       then put them on ebay when they turn 16..

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    Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

    My dad raised four daughters alone, when our mother died.
    He never gave us a curfew and my friends envied me.
    Dad said you are old enough to know if you dont get enough sleep , youll be tired the next day , and when youre tired you lose interest in learning, so he went on , I trust you to know what your body needs...
    Well damn !!..I felt so guilty being out late , I would be home ,in bed ,asleep by 10:30 anyway...
    
    Post date When I become a mum to three sons,and another generation , that wisdom still works ( with a little tweeking)
    boys need a different kind of guidance.
    
    Cell-phones are a luxury item when your young and a damn nuisance when your older ( j/k)
    Lgali it depends on your standards, not what other people would do ( just my opinion)

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very nice take Thanks

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    Drew Breezzyposted 14 years ago

    somewhere between 13 and 16

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       that is good age

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    mayhmongposted 14 years ago

    Never!!!

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       why never?

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    SweetiePieposted 14 years ago

    I say give kids very basic phones until they are eighteen.  When they are older they can buy their own phone with all the features.

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very nice points

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       that is good one

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       that is good way to make them happy

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    mayhmongposted 14 years ago

    Once they start, they won't stop using all your minutes. Wait til they get their own job and earn it themselves.

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    SweetiePieposted 14 years ago

    You can give a kid one of those safety cell phones that allows them to only call you, a trusted relative, a trusted family friend, and 911.  Also, those phones often have a gpa tracking device built in.

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    Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

    I'm amazed this thread is still going on

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       kmackey32posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Why? its a good question. And my 9 year old has a cell phone.

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          Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          thanks for sharing your views

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    anime_nanetposted 14 years ago

    Sixteen

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       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       i agree

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