Comments on: Should Children Own Cell Phones?

By: hynangeleyes

hynangeleyes — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:56:59 +0000

Once children are old enough to go out unsupervised, say 16, is when they need a phone. They also need to be able to pay for it. Younger than that doesn’t make sense to me.
also,
As soon as a parent feels the benefits would outweigh the costs. It’s a great way to test a child’s responsibility level. For safety reasons, the cell phone could be a real plus — but for less responsible children it might be a disaster. Parents should pull them in cases of abuse.
I am 50 with a 27 year old daughter and a 15 month old grand daughter.
References :
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?

By: Valerie D

Valerie D — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:54:59 +0000

some kids need phones to keep in contact with their parents
References :

By: chicka

chicka — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:52:59 +0000

i think kids shouldnt get cell phones until 15 or older. I didnt get my first phone til then and i did rack up a big bill because i didnt understand how expensive they can be.
These days kids use them for stuff other then emergencies and i dont think they need a cell phone.
Im 23 and i dont have kids but if i did have them they would have a pre paid phone and as soon as they can pay a bill ie 15 and have a job only then will they get a plan phone.
Prepaid should be good enough to contact me on emergencies.
References :

By: Lewk

Lewk — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:50:59 +0000

I think that children/teenagers should have cell phones because parents do need to contact their children due to changes of plans or emergencies, as do the teenagers.

Personally I think a child should get a cell phone around the age they begin highschool. As this is a big change for them, with maybe new routes and going to school by themselves etc.

I’m 18.

I don’t have children, however it’s the way my parents have looked at the situation and I have a younger sister who is 12 and is in this situation.

Of course the main purpose of the cell phone, at first should be emergencies, which I think a child should respect, of course they can use it for whatever else, friends etc, it just needs to be made clear that it is used for emergencies also.

I think it’s a good experience for them to learn to have responsibility at an earlier age but also use it for pleasure, respecting the responsibility and use of it for emergencies for the "fun" side of the phone.
References :
My personal observations and experience.

By: JustaAverageBestie;]

JustaAverageBestie;] — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:48:59 +0000

kids need phones to contact their parents in emergency situations. they should be about 12. my age? im 47.yes i have children ages 12 and 13.
References :

By: Ashley

Ashley — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:46:44 +0000

What age should children/teens have cell phones?
1. What are your feelings on children/teens having cell phones?
2. At what age should a child get a cell phone?
3. What is your age?
4. Do you have children? If yes, what are their ages?

Please answer the last two questions, as I am most interested in how your age and parental status affect your answers.