At what age should children to be allowed to have a mobile phone?

1. 64

   Tricia1000posted 13 years ago

   At what age should children to be allowed to have a mobile phone?

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2. 81

   Blond Logicposted 13 years ago

   To my way of thinking, the two words should never be connected. Why do they need a phone? How many emergency phone calls do children make? This is usually the line the children will use in order to make a parent feel it is necessary to purchase one. If that doesn't work it will be, 'all my friends have one'.
   
   Of course they can't just have a 5 year old phone whose buttons are so worn you can't see them, no, it has to be a 'popular' model. This obviously can be translated as 'costly'.
   
   There is no greater risk to children today, I believe, than there was when they needed to use a public pay phone. I feel by having a phone, they are putting themselves at a greater risk of being mugged.
   
   I think the widespread popularity of phones among children is  due to a good advertising campaign and spineless parents. It is okay to say, 'no' to your children.
   If the child feels it is imperative he/she has one. Make them get a Saturday job and let them pay for it and all the credit they will use. Do not offer to help with the cost or credit at all. This way, the ball is firmly in their court, they will realize how expensive they can be not just to purchase but also to make calls. I suspect when they realize they have to work all day Saturday to afford one and they need to keep working just to be able to speak to their friends, the proverbial light bulb will switch on.

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3. 79

   lobobrandonposted 13 years ago

   I got mine at 16 3 years ago. It depends when they are capable of looking after it and can understand the pros and cons of having one.
   
   Blond Logic has a perfect answer and I doubt she's missed out on anything

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4. 80

   kittyjjposted 13 years ago

   Interesting that you asked this question because my husband and I just discussed it yesterday.  Our son is going to be thirteen in April and he is asking for a cellphone as his birthday present.  In our case, since his school is only ten minutes away and I am a stay-at-home mom, we told our son that he would have his cellphone when he goes to high school which is about three miles away from home. So I wouldn't base on the age, but would look into the situation whether there is a need for the kid to have a mobile phone.

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5. 60

   Adams-ebooksposted 13 years ago

   I was 14 before i got a phone, my sister 14 and my little brother 10!
   
   I think it has become more acceptable. A 10 year old does not need a flashy iPhone or anything but i mean, a cheap $50 phone is ok!?
   
   Times have changed

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6. 35

   edhanposted 13 years ago

   It boils down to what there is a need for using a mobile phone. I give my children's hp when they are in their seventeen as they require to use the SMS features to communicate with their teachers and classmates in regards to school activities.
   
   So, it depends on the school and whether there is a need to do so.

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7. 61

   mayursoni346posted 13 years ago

   According to me if possible, then children at highschool should be provided a cell phone. Its not necessary to provide cell with high functionality and other stuff. Children need it, at student life to communicate with teacher and friends through sms basically.

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8. 89

   Pamela N Redposted 13 years ago

   We live in a world where many people have cell phones but should our children have them and if so at what age should we get them one? read more

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9. 57

   shorty72posted 13 years ago

   My son was 13 when he got his phone because he went on a holiday. Then  he could call us when ever he wanted. My daughter got her phone when she was 11 because she was doing band and I liked the idea that she could contact me if she needed. So I think it comes down to the circumstances and if you child needs to be able to contact you to what age. I don't think I would go any lower than 10  personally.

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10. 69

    xethonxqposted 13 years ago

    I think 12 or 13 is young enough, but with several restrictions on use. (time frame of use, type of use, and the clear understanding that it will be gone in a heartbeat if there is misuse).

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11. 88

    Sunshine625posted 13 years ago

    My daughters were 12 when they got their first cell phone. My granddaughter is in pre-k, but her friends in kindergarten have cell phones and she will also. She wants my iPhone, but maybe when she's 10. For now she'll have a basic phone for family use only. Good question!

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