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Cell phones

Amy - posted on 02/25/2009 ( 4 moms have responded )

Is anyone else’s kids begging for a cell phone because pretty much all their friends have one? I was astounded to find out that nine year olds have cell phones but then I’ve been reading up on it and have actually been considering one for him because supposively some cell phone have what’s called a family locator (gps) where you can keep track of where your kids are if say, they go down to play with a friend. Has anyone heard of this?

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Tonesa - posted on 04/06/2010

wow I always thought 9 was too young, my daughter hasnt really pressed the issue yet though and as far of none of her friends have cells yet either. I might get her one next summer when she is 10 but right now she doesnt need one

Sandy - posted on 01/17/2010

My 9 year old got a cell phone for Christmas. We already had the line and were paying for it (long story), so it really didn't cost us anything extra. I've blocked text messages on her phone. There's nothing more irritating that children/tweeners/teens texting constantly! It's come in handy when I've needed to reach her and she's so excited about having it, she always has it with her! So far, so good - although I'm only ~3 weeks in!

JoAnn - posted on 10/12/2009

I have heard of this, but even though she was begging for one, i'm holding off for a while.

I feel like she's not anywhwere without an adult yet, so she doesn't really need it. A couple of friend have them and they just use them as texting toys!

Renee - posted on 02/25/2009

I gave my son his first cell phone the summer he turned 8 b/c he was begging for it. I really didn't want to but we were going to be around his friends from back East and didn't want to feel left out. I gave him a Go Phone with the pay as you go option. That did not last long b/c the minutes expire. I found I was forcing him to use them so I wouldn't waste them. This summer, I got him on our Verizon plan which is only an addtional $10 a month and it has parent/chaperone capabilities ( for an additional monthly fee, of course.) He really doesn't use it much to call his friends but it comes in handy when he needs to talk to me. I also feel better taking him to practice knowing if he gets done early I ccan come and get him right away without him waiting around. All in all, it depends on the child , maturity level and if they can keep track of it. On a down side, it's another thing to keep track of and you have to check his pockets so you don't wash the phone, like I did. Hope this helps.