At what age did you give your children cell phones?

Nicole - posted on 08/05/2011

Well, I may be on the low end of the age bracket, but I constantly worry about my son's safety. He is 8 and has one of those pre-paid cell phones. It is only to be used for emergencies or when we are apart and need to talk to one another. He is very good about using it and hasn't abused it in any way as of yet. However, when he was 7 and went away with his Grammy for a short trip I let him take a 2nd phone that is on my cell phone plan. Big mistake! He ended up laying it down while fishing and it was lost! It was found much later, wet and ruined! I think that 8 is a bit young, but he knows the rules about the phone that I have laid down for him and so far, there have been no issues. I would suggest though getting only a pre-paid phone for kids under the age of 10 or 12. That way if it gets lost or broken it isn't that big of a $$ issue!

Shelby - posted on 04/20/2011

My daughter started asking my for a cell phone at age 10. I told her for 3 yrs that she had to wait until she was 13. For the first year, she went through a couple of disposable ones. She is pretty responsible with her phone now. I also have an 11 yr old who also started asking for a cell phone at age 10. I continue to tell him that he too, has to wait until he is 13. In the meantime, we've got him an mp3 player that he must be responsible for so that he can learn to do the same when he gets a phone.

Donna - posted on 04/20/2011

I was 17 when I got my first mobile phone which I paid for myself, My eldest is 14 and I gave him an old mobile of mine with a pay as you go sim when he was 12, he pays £10 a month out of his pocket money and all o2 to o2 texts are free with that. I think that mobile phones are given out to children a little too freely and sometimes they need to be that little bit maturer, hence the reason my 2nd child will also wait until he is 12 before he gets his first mobile.

Sindi - posted on 04/20/2011

I use Kodoo. 25 a month unlimited text and 200 day time minutes

Sindi - posted on 04/20/2011

I was the biggest one against cell phones! I gave in and gave my son one for his b-day when he turned 11. It's been almost a year, and he's not once gone over minutes, and mostly uses it to text, which I read every single one!

Tracey - posted on 04/19/2011

We gave our daughter who will be thirteen in July a pre-paid one for christmas last year. She has been paying for it herself throughg babysitting and chores she does around the house. The reason she got one now and not when in high school is that she does all kinds of sports and wanted to make sure that we are able to pick her up on time, and also most people anymore don't have landlines so when she is babysitting we want to know that she can get ahold of someone if need be.

My 10 year old wants one real bad as well but he will have to wait till he gets into high schol unless he can pay for it himself when he gets into the 8th grade.

Ellyn - posted on 04/19/2011

If you're concerned about them keeping in contact with old friends why not get a cell phone that they can use but strictly stays at home? It would be like a mobile landline.

My husband and I got cellphones just recently, within the past two years, to replace our landline. My husband's phone is a prepaid that he only uses on the weekends to talk to his dad long distance. My phone ends up being the landline replacement and stays with him when he's home just in case he has to contact me (since I'm 100% of the time with someone he can call if he needs to get a hold of me). My husband and I are VERY anti-cellphones, tho, so our daughter will not be getting one of her own unless she pays for it herself and even then if I ever caught her on the phone and driving (I don't have to worry about this for years, tho) she'd be grounded until she was 30 :)

Toni - posted on 04/19/2011

My 13 & 12 yr olds got their this year. My 6 yr old now wants one, but he has awhile to wait.

Jacquie - posted on 04/18/2011

My son didn't get a cell till he was a senior in high school. I personally don't have a cell phone. I don't believe children need a cell phone. I work in the education field and believe me when I say most of the time they are phoning their friends on it or texting. 8 and 10 years olds don't need a phone. If they have to call you they can use the phone at school. Or if they are at a friends house use their phone. I know most parents think their kids need it for emergances but it ends up being a toy rather then a tool. Don't do it. It cost you more in air time and mins.

Jane - posted on 04/18/2011

Someone on the first page asked what we did before cell phones. That is, I am sure she meant besides being rude, driving while talking on the phone, texting continuously, and so on.



I grew up before cell phones. Because there were no cell phones there were pay phones everywhere. My mom always made sure I had a nickle and later on a dime so I could always call her if I needed her. Last time I used a pay phone it cost a quarter, but haven't seen one outside an airport in so long I have no idea what you need in terms of coins to use one. About the time I was in college you could use a credit card if you had one, or a phone card, which was a credit card good only for phone calls..



In addition, folks planned better. School trips were more tightly scheduled so coaches could tell parents to show up at a specific time to pick up their child. And every school had at least one pay phone outside the school so folks could call if they needed to do so.

Lisa - posted on 04/15/2011

I am really divides over this question. I do not feel that children need cell phones. When we were kids we did not have them and did fine without them. My parents knew where we were and if we needed to "check in" there was always the land line. I have a son that just turned 14 yesterday and he still doesn't have a cell. Just like my parents, I know where my kids are at all times, and believe me, he finds a way to call me, if needed. I think that cell phones are more of a luxury than a necessity. AT THE SAME TIME, I know that in a case of an emergency, they would be needed. That is where I am divided.... I just don't think they are necessary when your child is in school and near land lines. I agree with the other moms that say there kids can get a phone when they can pay for one.

Jami - posted on 04/14/2011

My daughter just got one for her 10th birthday, but with many restrictions. We made her sign a tween/parent cell phone contract that clearly states the rules for her and obligations of us. Her phone has the internet turned off. I would be happy to email you a copy of the contract we used if you are interested. Just send me an email if you would like it. Also, we made sure that the phone had proper equipment to help her take care of it (screen protector, snap on case to help with accidental dropping, a tiny purse with a wrist strap to carry/protect it, etc)

I also have a 7 year old son. I will not consider getting him one until he is 10.

Sherri - posted on 04/14/2011

Not until 14. Absolutely no reason before the teenage years and they aren't without adult supervision before those teenage years.

Terilee - posted on 04/13/2011

We live in Christchurch, New Zealand where we have recently had two major earthquakes, the second one causing multiple deaths.... I was away from my children for the last one, on the other side of town, and it took me 4 hours to get to them, my husband managed to get to them first, about an hour before me, but the whole experience was an incredibly traumatic one, and even though my boys are 6 and 7, I plan on getting them one very very soon, so that we are able to get hold of them whenever we need, and vice versa...
Unfortunately, my phone on the day was very flat, so ringing me would have almost been pointless, but at least I know that I could have if I wanted to! My husband could have though, and it would have put both our minds at ease so much faster!

Jen - posted on 04/13/2011

I gave my son an inexspesive cell phone for his 9th birthday because that is what he really wanted sooooo bad. It was broken within a month. So I did not replace it. When it came time for me to upgrade my phone, I had my old phone put on what was formerly his line, and I would give it to either of my two children (8 and 10) as I felt necessary ( on a sleepover, or riding a bike to a friends, etc.) Then about a month ago a realitive offered us a phone for my daughter and I decided to let her have it and added another line.

So far no problems. I did have to add unlimited texting when my 10-year-old went over the limit. I made him pay the overage charges. They know that I can and will read their text messages, and look at who they have talked to and when, anytime I want to. They are not allowed to go online for any reason. If they want to download games or ringtones I will do it and they will give me the money for what they purchase. I think it is a good way to give them a little freedom and teach responsibility.

Jae - posted on 04/12/2011

I don't plan on giving my 8, 8, and 9 year olds cell phones until they are in middle school.

Jane - posted on 04/11/2011

I gave my daughter a cell phone when she was a sophomore in high school because she was on several varsity sports teams and needed a way to let me know when the bus was heading back into town so I would know when to go to the school to pick her up. Since cell phones were new to both of us at the time there were a few surprise bills, but she paid me back and I got the contract amended to make things work better. Our biggest problem was (no surprise) texting.

My son got a cell phone when he was in 8th grade because it wouldn't be "fair" for his sister to have one when he didn't. However, his was a prepaid phone with blocks on using the internet or texting. He has still figured out ways to download stuff and spend my money. Fortunately ATT is willing to remove at least some of the charges. At the moment he does not have a working phone and I am in no hurry to replace it. If I do it will be with a $14.95 ATT Go Phone. It will work on his number once we get his sim card replaced but is, of course, way cheaper than replacing his good phone when it isn't contract renewal time. I was hoping that his having a phone would be helpful in that my husband had a number of health problems so we sometimes would have to dash off to the ER suddenly. If my son wasn't home the cell phone would be a way to contact him to let him know whose house to go to. However, he often forgot to carry the phone, or refused to answer my calls, so it never worked.

Quite frankly, I never saw a real need to give the kids phones before then because I always knew where they were and who they were with. I was almost always home so they knew how to reach me.

I know some of our neighbors have given their kids phones at an earlier age, but their kids are latchkey kids. Mom is at work when the kids get home from school so the phone serves as a way to check up on them. However, I hate to tell them but their kids often got up to all kinds of things even while talking to their mom on the phone.

The main reason for giving a kid a cell phone actually is that because of the ubiquitousness of cell phones there are fewer and fewer pay phones. A lot of kids only want them to play the games, download ringtones, and impress friends.

Sondra - posted on 04/11/2011

For those of you who went with prepaid phones and plans, which company do you use? I haven't made up my mind yet but I thank everyone for their input. Knowing what prepaid companies are out there will really help me decide. I like the idea of being able to lock out features. Thanks so much for all the replies.

Alozia - posted on 04/11/2011

Sondra I believe it really depends on your children and you. My son was in kindergarten when he got his cell phone.No internet or anything just a prepaid cell phone. Everyone thought I was crazy but we proved them wrong when he went out of town for a family reunion and during the night he was sleep walking and locked himself outside of the hotel room. When he woke up outside he was scared but because he has his cell phone in his pocket he was able to call his grandmother and she came and got him. So again it depends on your child mindset. My kids know that the cell phone is for emergency's and not just fun.

Kim - posted on 04/11/2011

My son is 9 and he has one. I really don't think he needs it but I do like being able to call him when he is up the street playing with his friends. It gives me peace of mind that he is ok and I can stop worrying for a little while longer.

Dawn - posted on 04/10/2011

My oldest was 12 when she got her phone but it was only for emergencies cause she stayed after school for sports BUT we locked everything she had no texting & could only call the people I had put in her phone (me, dad, grandparents) as she got older we added a few people. still at the age of 16 now she still has certain restrictions on her phone.. I don't feel kids need a cell phone just to run around talking ortexing there friends.. that is what home phones are for or playing in the neighborhood..Good Luck

Michelle - posted on 04/10/2011

I got my daughter one at age 8 but she gets the bus to and from school ( a private school bus though) I was worried when she started thats why I got her mobile but she only used it for half a term now it at home cause its safe im not worried etc. but it actually helped her connect with the older kids at her school who like looking after her and make my daughter feel cool (her words) so the phone was a great ice breaker at a new school. I like her to take it with her when she goes out with other people and school trips.

Kim - posted on 04/10/2011

No, my son doesn't have a job but he gets birthday money and christmas money. When he broke his phone he had to use the money that he was given for his birthday from his grandparents which was even worse because he knew he wouldn't be getting anymore money anytime soon.

Holly - posted on 04/10/2011

I gave my daughter her prepaid cell phone about a year ago on her 5th birthday....she can only call the people listed in her contacts and the people listed her contacts are the only ones whom can call her. Its the same with her texting she can only text those in her contacts...

Julianne - posted on 04/09/2011

when they can pay for it.

Jill - posted on 04/08/2011

More important than whether or not they are responsible is the fact that recent medical findings show that cell phone use does in fact affect the brain. The medical world doesn't know exactly what this means at this point, but they can see the brain reacting on some type of images (I happened to see it on Dr. Oz the other day). The recommendation at this point is to limit cell phone use for anyone younger than 20 years old because the brain is still developing until that time. Since you use a cell phone instead of a land line, there was another recommendation that would be helpful for you - use an ear phone piece so that the antenae (sp?) is not near your brain. I still use my cell phone, but my kids don't. Better safe than sorry since they just don't know what the effects might be.

Nikki - posted on 04/08/2011

I am hearing some great information that I might utilize when my children are closer to say 17/18 years of age. What did parents do when cell phones were not invented? Cell phone use are prohibited during school hours. Besides, in an emergency..the phone will still not be useful, as the school goes into lock down. The school will call you if your child is involved. I am on a first name basis with most of my childrens teachers, staff , nurses etc. I also know a majority of my childs classmates. Lastly...more teenage fatalities are due to DISTRACTIONS. Texting is illegal while driving.. but it doesn't stop them. There is a greater risk your child will be in a car accident than in an emergency related situation while in school. It is just one more thing that our kids are losing out on.If we give them everything now..what do they have to look forward to as adults? When one of the Moms posted here and said her son had to pay for the $50.00 replacement charge; where did that money come from? I am almost certain that he does not have a job.

AManda - posted on 04/08/2011

my sister n law gave her kids cell phone only for emergencies. She got it set up thru the phone company i believe. They are not allowed to use it for anything else. The oldest is fixing to be 11

Tammy - posted on 04/08/2011

I got my son a cell phone when he was 12. Then when my middle child turned 12 she got one. This drives my almost 10 year old crazy! She wants one right now. I told her when she turns 12 she can get one too. Ok so I may cave before she turns 12. :)

Teresa - posted on 04/07/2011

My girls are 9 and don't have one. If I could guarantee they'd have service at their dad's.... they would have one for those trips only, but he lives where service is iffy at best.

We don't have a landline, so they will be getting a cell phone before I ever leave them home alone. That will be the only reason I can foresee for them to have one before they are driving though.

Different families have different circumstances, but IMO... unless there is a NEED for the kid to have one.... not until driving age and/or they are paying for them entirely on their own.

Katrina - posted on 04/07/2011

my 8 yr old daughter has 1 i personaly think it depends on the reasons not so much if the child needs a phone because i dont think any 8 yr old needs a phone but if u need your child to have a phone when my 8 yr old is out playing with her friends depending on what my younger 2 children are doing as i cant always go out and get her or if shes in her friends house when its time to come home or if i need her i just phone her she comes home i know everythings ok and she goes bck out to play

Sondra - posted on 04/07/2011

My husband decided to do away with the landline phone in favor of cellphones because he finds it cheaper, so he and myself have cellphones. My children, however, do not. When we had the landline phone, they were able to talk to their friends (the ones that they had phone numbers for) but now, they really don't get to talk to their friends anymore except at school. My son had a friend that he talked to every weekend, and he really misses being able to talk to him because they no longer go to the same school. I wanted to go for maybe a very cheap prepaid phone for him so that if he lost or broke the phone it wasn't too expensive anyway. I know, however, that if he gets one, my daughter will want one too. I want it to be fair for the both of them so I was wondering what other parents have done when the topic of cell phones came up with their children. I do think that they are a bit young for the responsibility of a cell phone, but I want them to be able to talk to their friends since they miss them so much.

Nikki - posted on 04/07/2011

When they can pay their OWN bills.

Sylvia - posted on 04/07/2011

LOL I don't even have a cellphone. I don't think my 8-year-old will be getting one anytime soon :P

Candy - posted on 04/07/2011

What did family do before cell phones? I dont plan for mine to have one until they can pay for it. If I did think I wanted them to have one it wouldnt be until they were in high school. My friend gave her 6 yr old one. grated she had great reasons but it just doesnt seem rightt to see 6 years at parks on the phone.

Meena - posted on 04/06/2011

I bought cellphone to my Son on his 13th birthday....that too because he goes out for few classes and I needed to be in contact with him in case of any emergency. But I have resitricted him not to use it after 7 p.m. so he uses it only after he comes back from school till 7 p.m.

Kim - posted on 04/06/2011

I got my son his first phone when he was 8. I got him a firefly prepaid phone. It had no numbers on it so he could only call the phone numbers that I had added to it, He was very responsible while using it and never had any problems with it. Eventually we bought him a real phone and added him to our family plan since he demonstrated that he was responsible enough to handle the phone. I do recommend buying an insurance plan because my son did accidently leave his phone in his pant pocket and I washed it. He did have to pay for the phone to replaced. It was a $50 charge for the insurance plan.

Jennifer - posted on 04/05/2011

Where I live most all kids from the age of 8 have their own cell phones. I persoanlly don't agree with it and my kids 10 and 9 will be getting one any time soon. I do wish my 10 daughter had one thinking we could text back and forth but mainly cause she is in Girl Scouts and I don't always go with her. It would just be easier. But my husband and I discussed this and no matter how other think we are not getting our kids cell phones till THEY are RESPONSIBLE for them.

Shellyann - posted on 04/05/2011

Hi Sondra, I have three kids 16,14, and 10. My two kids didn't get there phone untill they were in the 7th grade so they were about 12 when they had one, my 10yr old is asking for one now and my husband an I told her she will get one at the same age her brother and sister got there own.