Should a 6 year old have a cell phone?

Alana - posted on 11/17/2011

Let me tell you an experience i had. A 7 year old was given a cell phone at a party.. Her parents did not teach her phone etiquette. Because i used to have an extra phone for my daughter to call her father on but got rid of it, that was my only reason for having it. This child i know who has a cellphone calls my phone10 times in a row to get thru she will leave 5 voicemails saying PICK UP YOUR PHONE, I personally find it so distasteful that parents give children this young phones. They dont teach them manners they text message you are basically letting your child grow up to rely on technology.

I know alot of moms think its cool to give their kids phones. But honestly ? is it worth paying that extra money for it? my daughter uses my phone and they sit there for hours just on youtube listening to music. Its kinda of a joke they dont even talk. If you give them a cellphone your opening yourself up to be asked for more things to be given their way at a younger age.

Jo - posted on 11/16/2011

If they are earning the money to pay for it than it teaches responsibility but I think 6 is too young, maybe 9 or 10. Until then they need to focus on safely and calmly walking to their friends to play without going into street, breaking branches, losing shoes, etc.

Misty-Lynn - posted on 09/30/2011

yes the need for a cell phone due to them visiting other parents is really reasonable, that's what i mean about "not people like you"....that at this age would be the only real good reason for them to have a cell phone or simulator to that reason

Vicki - posted on 09/30/2011

Ok. Well, I still don't totally agree because like I said, every situation is different. There are lots of people on here that give their kids phones because they do have another parent they go and visit. Also, my son was 7 when he got his phone and he has been very responsible with it since then. I don't agree that young kids should be wandering around town doing whatever they want, with or without a phone. There are plenty of parents that shouldn't be parents though. I do agree on that. :)

Andrea - posted on 09/30/2011

I wrote a post a year or so ago in regards to this issue. My daughter was 7 when she recieved her first phone for when she was at her dads. She is now 10 and has a little more priveledges to her phone and because she has had it so long and its no longer new. It sits on her nightstand until she goes to her dads and she calls me everynight to tell me goodnight. she has no real interest of texting her friends or using up her minutes, because its a prepaid. I have read many blogs about how it is completely ridiculous to give such a young child a phone. However, we are not all forunate enough to be able to be with our kids every moment, and its nice to have an open line of communication at all times. I did not give her a phone to call and text her friends it is for family use only. I think that all moms like the security of knowing they can talk to their child whenever they want to. Sometimes parents dont always have time to be answering the phone.and worry sets in. So to those of you out there that are so insistant that its bad parenting for a young child to have a phone, look at it from another moms perspective. It is what works for us and she is not like many other kids with phones, she has learned to be responsible with it along with her DS her gameboy and her mp3 player. But because of her responsible behavior she has learned to take good care of the expensive toys that she wants. Good luck to all the mom's out there facing the same situation.

Misty-Lynn - posted on 09/30/2011

@ Vicki Garrett, in that case yes, if you read my post i put it as the parents who give their children cellphones so that they can go out on their own to do stuff....plus your son is 8 not 6, your not the people that I am talking about when I say bad parenting

Misty-Lynn - posted on 09/30/2011

I am a seperated young mother of 4 children from 6yrs - 2 months, I cannot work now because of this, because I do not believe in daycares - so I now work out of my home online. I juggle all my children, housework, plus skating lessons, kickboxing lessons, play groups & am even considering now homeschooling my 2 oldest children & i have never/would never even let my children out of my sight for more then 5 minutes in their backyard on their own, nevermind anywhere far enough where they would need a cellphone to contact me for safety reasons.

Vicki - posted on 09/30/2011

If my 8 year old son goes to play at a friends house, he takes his phone with him. We got rid of our landline and there are lots of parents doing that now, so I send his phone with him in case that's the case there too. He never goes by himself further than a block away and instead of yelling down the street for him, I can just call him. Also, I like him to have his phone when he has to go to his Dad's so that way he can call me in case he would need me. I'm pretty sure that doesn't make me a bad parent and I'm confident that my son will not get taken away because he has a cell phone. You should listen to the full story before you go off and harrass people. Everyone has different situations. Just because they have a cell phone, they don't deserve to get taken away.

Misty-Lynn - posted on 09/30/2011

no, but i know that according to CPS/CAS & according to the Early Childhood education act that it IS neglectful to say the least to let your child at that age go out on his own so you can have your time for whatever reason that is...I have worked as a early childhood educator (i got the degree & all) and have worked extensively with CAS throughout this time....it IS considered BAD parenting and in most cases can have the child removed from your care if was reported or at least highly monitored. My opinion is the courts/agencies opinions that deal extensively with childhood development & safety!

Vicki - posted on 09/30/2011

Wow! So just because I disagree with you, I'm a bad parent? I disagree with you on that too. You don't know my situation and you shouldn't judge someone just based on your own opinion.

Misty-Lynn - posted on 09/30/2011

HELL NO! Your child is 6! In no way in hell should they have a cell phone, your child should have no need to at 6, if your child isn't in school then they should be with you or with someone you know & trust, end of story, that's it that's all! YOU should have a cell phone in case of emergencies & make sure if you leave your child with anyone that they have a phone to be able to get a hold of you, but other then that remember they are 6...your 6 yr old shouldn't be doing stuff like going to the park or anywhere else on their own unless they are still in sight of you to watch, did you know that whenever anyone gets attacked or kidnapped the 1st thing this person does in snap or get rid of a cell phone? it's a proven statistic fact & what if they get hit by a car, or some other accident to where they can't call? I DON'T CARE HOW MANY BAD PARENTS OUT THERE DISAGREE WITH ME OR EVEN TRY TO VERBALLY ATTACK ME! Because if that's what you do then that's exactly what you are, a BAD PARENT so I do not care of your opinion on parenting! Stop thinking about your selfish ass and be a parent rather then your own time & don't try to white-wash it as letting them be independent or being able making adult decisions on their own because at 6 they are not ready for that responsibility nor are able to safely handle it - they shouldn't need it for safety reasons either because that's what being a parent in about if for YOU to ensure their safety, it's an excuse to make yourself feel better about yourself for doing it!



10 yes if you want it for safety reasons, 6 no! My sons are 5 & 6 and they have plenty of old cell phones that are not activated and are used as a play toy, THAT'S IT!

Lisa - posted on 09/24/2011

My child did not have a cell phone at the age of six because outside of school she was with me. Perhaps I was extremely protective of my child but she did not spend the night at friends. If someone had a sleep over I was the volunteer Mom to assist the parent. If she went to a birthday party, I would stay and assist the parent having the party. I always wanted to make sure I was with her. She had a sleepover for her 8th birthday. One of the little girls had a cell phone in her backpack. The Mother came to me and told me she had a cell phone and that she will call her child on it to make sure she was doing fine. It just made sense to me. In order to start giving my daughter more opportunities to play with her friends I purchased her a cell phone. If she is over a friends house and something happens, she does not have to feel uncomfortable asking to use the phone. She can use her cell phone and I will be there before she can say bye. I can call her and check on her with out someone else interfering to make sure she feels safe and enjoying herself. I wouldnt want her somewhere she does not want to be, or no longer feels comfortable being, when I can just pick her up. It helps me feel more comfortable. If your six year old has an active social life (Birthday parties, playdates, church outings, etc...) then for your peace of mind get your child a phone. However if your child sees it as another toy, I would wait a couple of years and reevaluate the situation. I would rather my child feel safe and secure knowing I am only a CELL phone call away and the call is between the two of us and not the household of her friend.

Kelly - posted on 09/23/2011

Sherri, no one has personally attacked me but they have attacked others. I have spent over an hour reading each message and most have valid points whether or not to give a child a cell phone. I'm completely opened minded on both ends of the spectrum bc like you said, different lifestyles and different views. the people I am referring to are the one with the rude remarks like
"Who is a 6 year old going to call, Dora"
I think that's completely immature and another example:

"Are you out of your ever lovin' mind?? Absolutely, positively NOT! I get that it makes YOUR life easier. You know, let your kid go to the playground on their own, make adult type decisions, and generally take care of themselves. But here's the thing... Your child IS 6! Not 16, not an adult nor anywhere near being one. Let your child be a child. You should take the responsibility to take them to the park so that Stranger Danger can't nab them. You make the damn adult decisions. You take care of them. That's what you signed on for when you had your child. I can not think of a more irresponsible thing for a parent to do, aside from letting them run rampant. Oh wait. That's what the cell phone is for... "

I find that comment completely offensive and there are many more out there like that. I'm just saying that if someone wants to comment they should consider other peoples feelings and make a mature statement that gives an opinion without the belligerent remarks.

Sherri - posted on 09/23/2011

Nobody has slammed you Kelly or been rude. You give your reasons for giving to your child and those opposed give there reasons for not even dreaming about giving it to theirs.

Different lifestyles, different views - my view is no 6 or 7yr old should EVER be without adult supervision mine certainly aren't and so I can not dream of giving them a cell phone since they are never without an adult present at all times. I do feel strongly that this should be the case for every small child (and yes a 6 and 7yr old is a small child).

Kelly - posted on 09/23/2011

I have replied that my daughter does have a cell phone and explained why she has one but I'm sitting here reading these comments and some of the people who say no are being completely rude to us who say yes. Those who say yes are simply explaining why we gave them one and not bashing on anyone and I would like that same respect. We DO NOT give them cell phones because we want to be lazy parents!! My daughter (age 7) is VERY mature and responsible and she has it for safety reasons and I have complete security over everything she does over it so to those of you who say no why not give ask yourself why this is so offensive to you..

Sharon - posted on 09/23/2011

my step-daughter is 7 and her grandma gave her, her son's old I-phone which is not hooked up for service, she has it only to play games on it.

Teresa - posted on 09/22/2011

I like the firefly idea. We ARE having to teach our 7 year old our phone numbers, though. He picked up my aunt vendall's wall phone the other day and couldn't figure out why it wasn't calling daddy. He was only mashing the number 2, my husband speed dial number on my phone.

Eliza - posted on 09/21/2011

believe it or not i say yes... my 6 year old started first grade at a new school this month and she is noe taking a school bus for the first time. her 1rst day she got off at the wrong stop and when the bus pulled up to my house she was not on the bus!!!! long story short police couldnt find her until another school in our town called them because my daughter saw the school while walking and told a teacher she was lost. i always said my child wont have a cell phone until she is a teen but this situation opened my eyes. i suggest a firefly phone where your child can only call a couple people like mom or dad ect...

Susan - posted on 07/05/2011

i guess it would all depend on the child. my daughter has one and its pre paid. We only put time on it for certain occasions and activities. She is aloud to call on family and friends that are already programmed in the phone. She is very responsible with it and when not needed I have it in my drawer. She is 7 and we have never regretted letting her have it. I dont care what anyone says, in this day and time I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Amanda - posted on 07/05/2011

It really depends on a situation. Do they go to school with friends or on a school bus...If so and they ARE responsible then I would say yes because of SAFETY. God forbid something happens in school or on their way to and from school and they need help...My daughter 5 will be 6 in Oct..Will she be ready for one? Not sure. Will she need one? Maybe not. She does have an illness and I would feel safe to know she can call me in an emergency, but since I will be picking her up and taking her to school. I don't think she will need one right now.

Serinitee - posted on 07/02/2011

No.











(I'd leave it at that. But cell phones are actually dangerous. Why start killing your child's brain cells at such a young age. At 6, a responsible, healthy adult should be around at all times, there should be no need for a child to make a call when an adult can, and in case the adult has a terrible accident, your child should know to pick up the house phone or the adult's cell phone and dial 911)

April - posted on 07/02/2011

I dont really see why not if the child is responsible enough to deal with one. I had a cell-phone when I was age 12, because of trips that I would take with the school and times that I stayed over at friends while parents where out of town. A standard phone and not a touch phone or anything something real cheap I could see letting a child have not at 6 but at 8 I could see it.

Karla - posted on 07/02/2011

i understand why some parents say no to children having cell phones at a young age, i am from chch nz, and with the quakes we have been having i am very thankful that she had a cell phone she is 10, it took me hours to get to her in the feb 22 shake, even tho the network went down we will still able to txt each other, the way the world is at the mo i think its the best thing for them to have.

Angie - posted on 07/02/2011

no way at all.

Meena - posted on 04/10/2011

not at all!!!

Holly - posted on 04/09/2011

my five year old has one for emergency purposes only.

Ellen - posted on 12/01/2010

NO!

Gina - posted on 12/01/2010

I don't see any reason for a six year old to have a cell phone. I think when a child is old enough to go off with their friends by themselves, that's when they have a use for a cell phone. I got my first cell phone when i was 18 lol. Granted that was before everyone had one.

Cora - posted on 12/01/2010

Definatly no!!!

Nell - posted on 11/20/2010

i have a 16 year and he still doesn't have one. What good reason would a 6 year old need a cell phone. I think that kids are getting cell phone way to young there is not way a kid under the age of 12 needs a phone.

Jennifer - posted on 11/06/2010

NO! Are you kidding me?

Natanya - posted on 11/06/2010

my 7 yr old child has a phone. she knows not to take the phone any where only when she sleeps over by her grannies.

Amanda - posted on 11/04/2010

I think it depends on how mature the child is. Our almost 7 year old son has one. He only uses it when he goes to play with his friends. We live in a small town and the park and his friends' houses are only a block or 2 away. He takes it with him and calls when the programmed alarms which we set go off to check in. There are only mine and my fiances numbers in the phone, so they are the only 2 people he can call. Other than that he doesn't use the phone. It's just a prepaid simple standard phone, but I have 4 children including him and daycare children and I would be a total worry wart if he didn't have the phone after he left to go play!

Marissa - posted on 11/01/2010

My husband gave our 9 year old one for Christmas because he was Deploying to Iraq and he wanted her to have it for emergencies (she spends most weekends with his family because I work) plus he wanted to be able to call her when she was there and I was at work. Well needless to say she never knows where it is and it is never charged she will charge it take it with her one day and then 3 days later I will find it dead in the bag she had with her that weekend.
So in short no Cell Phones for kids r pointless. If it wouldn't cost so much to turn off I would.

Mhei - posted on 10/08/2010

i agree!

Sherry - posted on 10/06/2010

Absolutely not....We have told our boys that when they turn 13, they can get a pay as you go plan, but anything else they pay for themselves......that is just too young for a cell phone.

Heather - posted on 10/06/2010

My 9 year old has a few friends with phones and asked me about this.
My answer is: "Why do you need a phone? He is never left in a situation where he would need one, because I always ensure that their is a responsible adult about.
If you want to talk to your school friends, they can ring you on our land-line and you can do the same.
I will reconsider this when he is a bit older and starts catching the bus to school (because there are not as many phone box's about, and I would hate him to be in a situation he can't ring me if the bus did not turn up etc), but until that time comes the answer is No.

Speaking to the other parents who have got their children a phone at 9 or 10, this has only been because, they have to walk home from school or catch public transport without a parent/teacher and perhaps are at home without a landline for an hour after school while their parents come home from work.
At 6 a child should not be left without a responsible adult, so should not need a phone.

Crystal - posted on 10/05/2010

No way.

Aicha - posted on 10/05/2010

yes n can only use it on emergencies my son had a cell phone @ the same age n that has thought him to have some responsibility she will b fine by the grace of God tell her not to give the number away of speak to strangers she will b wise on where to or how even when to use it. I don kno if dis help

Julie - posted on 10/04/2010

YES! My daughter is 6 and has had one since she was 5! I love it and so does she! She has a keyboard on hers so she can text. As far as I'm concerned, it's a great thing for them to want to write all the time. She loves texting the whole family! She has unlimited texting so there are no worries about the bill. Plus if she goes somewhere without me or my husband, we can ALWAYS get a hold of her. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!! :)

Angela - posted on 10/01/2010

No. Simply because he/she is too young and doesn't understand the value of a cell phone, and what to use it for. I have a 10yr old, an 8yr old and a 5yr old. In my opinion, I don't think kids should have a cell phone until they are old enough to have a part time job and can help pay for it. But like I said, it's just my opinion

Christel - posted on 10/01/2010

my 6 yr old doesnt have a cell he carries around but he has one at the house for emergencies only. I believe it is important that a kid knows how to use a phone cell or otherwise.

Eyvon - posted on 09/28/2010

depends on the situation......

Arkishia - posted on 09/28/2010

I bought my son one when he was 5. He could only use it to call certain people and only the people I selected could call him. I'm actually contemplating getting him another one next month for his 7th birthday. I feel he is old enough to understand emergencies & situations where he needs to get in contact with either one of his parents or grandparents.

Kris - posted on 09/28/2010

I can't believe some of the posts that I am reading. Six years old and a cell phone! I'm 36 and I can remember the very first cell phones coming out, they were the old bag phones! It wasn't until I was 20 until I got my cell phone. Yes, things were different back then. But the question I ask is, what is a 6 year old doing or where are they going that they need a cell phone??? My 7 yo is NEVER anywhere without me besides school. I am at ALL of her activities, sports and everything else. So I'm not sure why the heck she would ever need one. Unless some moms find it ok to drop there 6 and 7 and 8 yr olds off to these things and leave them there by themselves! I find it crazy that one would even consider it - the cell phone or leaving their young child anywhere. But to each his own I guess. It doesn't teach them responsibility, it teaches them that they could pull one over on their mom!

Nicole - posted on 09/27/2010

lmao... ok you do things your way and i do them mine. like i said it's pretty ridiculous that people take personal blows when someone is simply asking for your opinion.

take care

Amanda - posted on 09/27/2010

Nice. All you are doing is engendering her co-dependency on you. I'm sorry, but there is just no reason for her to have that kind of ability. If she is feeling "uncomfortable" with riding the bus there are other ways of dealing with it. Like making sure that you are there to pick her up and making a conversation out of that to point out that Mommy is always there. Giving her a cell phone is just too much adult for a child of that age. I have two kids, one of them (my 6 year old) is special needs, and there is just no way that they are getting cell phones until they are much older. In today's society technology has become the "go-to" to fix all these issues. What would you have done when there were no such things as cell phones, pagers, internet, tv, or video games. That's what parenting is about. Period end of story. There is no reason that is logical or excusable to provide a child that young with a cell phone. Rationalizing your way through it just doesn't cut it.

Nicole - posted on 09/27/2010

I love how everyone judges you. My 6 year old has a cell phone. She gets to have it when she goes to school so can call me on the bus when she's almost home. She was very nervous with the whole school bus thing when she started school so it was a good way to make her feel more comfortable. She knows she can call me if she's ever afraid. You make your own decision.

Tammy - posted on 09/27/2010

What could a 6 year old possibly need a cell phone for?

Wendy - posted on 09/27/2010

Not even close. My 11 yr old doesn't have one and won't until high school when she's more mobile.