Children and Phones

1. 61

   AMBeeryposted 12 years ago

   Children and Phones
   
   What do you think is an appropriate age or situation for a child under the age of 14 to have a personal cell phone?

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2. 62

   dianetrotterposted 12 years ago

   I teach high school.  Many kids over 14 should not have cell phones.  They text, sext, play games, and listen to music in class.  It impedes learning.

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   1. 80

      cloverleaffarmposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It also impedes proper social interaction. I agree with you. Kids don't need phones.

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3. 80

   cloverleaffarmposted 12 years ago

   I don't think a child under the age of 14 needs a cell phone. In my opinion, there is no situation in which a child would need a phone. There are always a phone near them, since they should be with adults, so why do they need it.

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4. 75

   jaydawg808posted 12 years ago

   Under the age of 14, I don't think a cell phone is needed.  However, if my son/daughter is driving, I most certainly would want them to have a phone in the event of an emergency.

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   1. 62

      dianetrotterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Make sure they don't use it to text or talk while driving.

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5. 67

   safiq ali patelposted 12 years ago

   I'd say children can use a mobile phone from the age of 12 onward. And they can own a phone from the age of 14 onward. That would be my rules for my children.

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6. 61

   AMBeeryposted 12 years ago

   Thanks to everyone for their answers. I feel about the same. I think a phone is not appropriate for a child who doesn't have a need for it. For those who are younger, they are always with an adult whether parent, sitter, or school and are surrounded by phones. I think there comes a point, such as when they start to drive, where it becomes a safety issue especially during this time in history, but I think an ability to be responsible with it should also be considered. I find it sad that the teachers in the elementary, where my boys attend school, have a basket to check phones and mp3 players in and out to keep it from being a distraction. I also find it sad that most of the phones the kids carry in the boy's classes are not basic phones either, but top dollars with abilities to do more then just make phone calls and send text messages.

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7. 60

   Rpenafielposted 12 years ago

   I would say children can have a phone when there’s a need for it and if they are capable and responsible enough on owning one. Cell phone should be provided as a way of communication and a way to help parents monitor their child. Every negative factor about a child’s cell phone can be corrected by providing strict rules at school or at home. http://rpenafiel.hubpages.com/hub/The-D … ell-Phones

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