what age should a child have a cell phone?

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babykatdream099

New member
what if they use the phone to stir up trouble and getting other people in trouble with. My niece kept ease dropping of what i put online, and tells her mom and her mom gets mad just because i put something nice and sweet ,not causing any trouble.
 
C

Chinni

New member
depend on how mature they are I got my very first cell phone in 1st grade you are probably saying oh that way too young I know that is but I never lose my phone so yea but I think around 11-13 is a good age to give them a cell phone
 
A

Anna

Member
I say it doesn't matter the age as the maturity rate, some kids can be as old as thirteen and still act like a five year old
 
A

Artemisc

Member
It depends on the child. It isn't a bad idea to start them on a cheapie no contract phone. If they lose it, no big deal. And since you pay by the minute, they can't go over and trash your plan. Once they demonstrate that they are responsible enough to not lose/destroy a phone, and understand the idea of tracking usage, they are probably old enough for a contract phone.
I did this with both of my kids when they were about 13-14. My older one is good about it, my younger one just lost his iphone, again, so I got him a $10 trac phone. It can go the other way. And he's 17.
 
S

Syd

Member
middle school.. so 12 or 13. I got mine because my parents got divorced and my mom thought it would be easier to communicate. but, if your child is on a sports team or something and you need to get in touch with them, they should really have a cell phone. :)
 
M

Maria

Member
I don't think there should be a specific age. Whenever the child is responsible enough for one. If the child is out a lot, and the mother or father needs to be in contact with them, it's a good idea to give the child a cell phone, nevertheless if they misbehave it can be taken away.
 
N

Norman

New member
11, or as soon as the child starts going out alone with his friends. A phone is a great way to get a hold of your child, and in case something wrong happens to them.
 
K

kaoru

New member
When you think they're mature enough for one and are leaving more often than usual. If they go to their friend's house a lot, get them one. If they stay at home 24/7 they probably don't need one, but if they're mature enough they should have one to stay in touch with their friends.
 
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Alexis

Member
Erm, well I got one in 5th grade when I was 10. It's very useful!! Especially if you have a mom with anxiety. ;) Anyway I lost that phone 2, my cat bit it, dropped it numerous times but, yet it's still sitting in my drawer. Haha, anyway now I'm in 6th grade and I have an iPhone 4. It's really useful! And I'm very responsible! Lol, so an appropriate age would be preteen basically. But it really depends on the child. If they are really..um irresponsible then wait until they mature. But yes preteen.
:)
 
E

Elly

Member
That all depends on the parents and the child.

I was 12 when i got my first cell phone, and it was for Emergency's Only.

At the end of the day, it comes down to how the parent feels about it.
 
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