What age or grade should a child be when they get their first cellphone?

1. 53

   Deb61410posted 8 years ago

   What age or grade should a child be when they get their first cellphone?
   
   I'm always hearing my nieces complain about not having a cellphone and I believe they should wait, they are 8, 9, & 11? How old were you when you got your first cellphone?

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2. 85

   Mr-Mediocreposted 8 years ago

   I was 18 when I bought my own cell phone. Kids really don't need a cellphone unless they're driving . . .and even then they probably shouldn't have one because they think they're invincible and will use it while driving recklessly. I guess I'd say 16 but that is said with reservations.

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   1. 53

      Deb61410posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I was 13 my first cell phone but i only got a certain amount of minutes each month and no texting or internet. It was for emergencies only. I didn't get my own phone until I had a job and bought the phone and paid the bill which by that time I was 17

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3. 59

   Merrin LeClairposted 8 years ago

   I got my first phone when I was thirteen, it really only worked for calling. I begged my parents for one because sometimes I would get stranded at school if one of my parents forgot to pick me up (this actually happened a lot) Really I only used my first phone to call my parents, and infrequently my friends if we had to talk about something right away.
   
   I would say a really basic phone could be good for even fairly young kids. It's useful for if they need to contact their parents. But they don't need much more than that till they are in their mid/late teens.

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4. 55

   Rue Caseposted 8 years ago

   in my view after 10 years coz it's a period of development .

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5. 67

   Dressage Husbandposted 8 years ago

   It really depends on the maturity of the child. Personally I agree with the other comments here. Kids only need a phone to call their parents and use should be restrained until they are capable of working and paying their own bills. That is the only way to teach them to control their use, and not just want to be seen to be in the in crowd!

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6. 59

   Penny Gposted 8 years ago

   I think each situation is unique. The parents work routine, the need to track children for many reasons, safety for the child. I do think the terms, available things on that phone must to monitored carefully.

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