Do kids really need cell phones?

Cell phones have become less and less a luxury, to the point that people say they don't know what they would do without one. As an adult, that's fine. Spend your money as you'd like. However, I do not think that kids need cell phones. These kids should be playing on the playground, not comparing cell phones. They should be doing homework, not texting their friends. It bothers me to see kids talking on their cell phone. You are nine years old...who are you calling, other nine year olds? What do you have to say to them that can't wait?

If safety is the sole concern for a parent getting their child a cell phone, then they should get them a child's phone that allows calls only to specified numbers such as the parents, a grandparent, and the authorities, like the Firefly.

For me, the cutoff to getting a "real phone" would be when the kids can pay for it themselves, with money they earn (not gifts from Grandma). If they are responsible enough to work for one, then they are responsible enough to have one.

Do think kids need cell phones?

This is probably the only type of cell phone I would be okay with my child having. It limits the calls made to predetermined numbers of my choice, and 911.