Should a 6 year old have a cell phone?

Tracey - posted on 09/22/2010

no i dont think so! my 12yo doesnt have one yet. once they start going places without me and they REALLY need one, then i will consider it., but until then, not a chance!!

Kerri - posted on 09/21/2010

I can't think of a good reason why a 6 yr old would need a cell phone. They have no business being left unsupervised by an adult. My 10 yr old daughter would love to have a cell phone right now, but for the wrong reasons. I will get her a cell phone when it's necessary, but right now she is never without adult supervision, therefore it's not needed. Also, I wouldn't want her texting yet. She is still learning how to spell proper English as it is. The only thing she will get out of texting at such a young age is carpel tunnel syndrome and some bad spelling skills.

My daughter is learning responsibility in other ways: keeping up with her retainer, glasses, feeding her dog, etc.

Colleen - posted on 09/21/2010

Well, I am not like most moms out there I guess. I gave my eldest a cell phone just before her 7th birthday. It only costs me $15 a month between the extra line charge and the parental controls option. This way, she always has a way to get ahold of me, she is learning responsibility, AND she has unlimited texting. So, it helps her with learning and practicing spelling. I love that she has one. And as the parent, it's my responsibility to st boundaries and limits. It's working out pretty well so far, and now even the skeptics in our lives are seeing the benefits.

Andrea - posted on 09/21/2010

I have an 8 year old daughter myself. I gave her a cell phone when she was 7 for christmas. She spends every other weekend with her dad and its a way for her to keep connected to me when she needs to talk or say goodnight. It also keeps the lines of communication open with her dad when he wants to talk to her whenever he wants. So if you are giving your child a cell phone you must feel there is a reason he or she may have a purpose for the phone that would benefit you and or your child. It has worked out very well for us. It also teaches them to be responsible.

Wendy - posted on 09/21/2010

what in the hell would a six year old want a mobile phone for my 17 year doesn't even have one

Donna - posted on 09/21/2010

oh hell no lol

Teresa - posted on 09/21/2010

My girls aren't 6 anymore (almost 9 now), but it sure would've been nice for them to have a cell phone when they were w/ their dad for 2.5 weeks this summer.... since he didn't answer the phone for me one single time. He lives where cell phone reception is spotty or I would absolutely get my children a phone to be able to call them when they are w/ him. The court order now states that I am to be allowed to contact them every day, so HOPEFULLY he won't violate the order and ignore my calls. Who knows though?

When we were still married... I never would've thought that a young child needs a cell phone and used to swear that my kids wouldn't get one til they were driving. Circumstances change though and it's helpful to remember that some people's circumstances are different than your's when answering a question like this. Just because YOUR kid has no need for a cell phone, doesn't make it wrong. :)

Holly - posted on 09/21/2010

I have a 6 year old and he wants a cell phone. I told him when he is 12 he can have one. My other three children are 18, 14 and 13. The only reason I got them cell phones is because they are all over the place and I want to be able to call them at any time to check in on them (I am a single mom and at work until 6:30pm M-F). AND it is great leverage for disciplining :0) But for a 6 year old... no way.

Myetta - posted on 09/21/2010

I think depending on the situation...sure when we were 6 and 7 we didn't need them, but honestly times have changed. personally for me, I grew up in Alaska and was allowed to run around my neighborhood at a young age, but I now liv ein mD and owuldn't dare let my 7 y/o son out of my eyesight even at hte neighorhood playground. Times have changed...some kids are latch-key kids or walk from school to an aftercare program with younger siblings. I think they can be useful when child and parent are apart, but not just to have because it's a trend. something like the firefly phone would be good.

Ebonique - posted on 09/21/2010

No. My daughter is 10 and she has some friends that have one but that is simply an extra bill that is not necessary. My oldest child, my son, who is now 15 1/2 yrs old got a cell phone in the 6th grade and that was only because he was in so many activities that required him to stay after school and sometimes catch the bus home. Also, he was in golf and I got tired of going on the golf course when it got dark because he couldn't stop playing after class was over. lol All of my children are involved in several activities and I may have to get her one soon because they are overlapping in times I have to pick up my oldest, her, and now my 4yr old that is about to start violen lessons. :)

Angela - posted on 09/21/2010

My almost 14 year old still does NOT have a cell phone!!! Where in the heck would a 6 year old be without an adult along that they would need to have a cell phone anyway????????????? A 6 year old that has a cell phone is BOUND to misuse it....seriously...let's get some common sense back and quit treating our children like they are little adults. Let them be children for pity sakes!!

Joyce - posted on 09/21/2010

Not, its too early to give a 6year old a cellphone

Lacie - posted on 09/20/2010

I am regularly having the cellphone argument with my 7-year-old. She has no need for one but wants it because her friend has one. Growing up, my mom had a rule about cellphones which I am passing on to both of my girls. NO phone until you are old enough to have a job and pay for your own phone and bill! Simply put and not up for discussion!

Susan - posted on 09/20/2010

no

Debbie - posted on 09/20/2010

It would be a wonderful world if a six year was never without an adult but if we are all truthfully we would have to admit that it does happen sometime. . Both my daughters had to change school buses when they were six and yes we live in a very small town. One day my daughters second bus broke down and was late and the other buses left leaving my daughter and 7 other 1 & 2nd grades alone at the bus stop. Luckily my daughter had her phone and was able to call me and I was able to call the school trasportation who was no aware of the problem and they got someone out there. I was also able to talk to my daughter to help her not be afraid.

Christy - posted on 09/20/2010

My daughter got one when she was 8, I took a lot of greif for it, but one day soccer ended early and a parent came to my house to tell me she was at the field waiting. If that parent didnt come by she would have been there for an hour waiting.That was the main reason we got her one. Also she walks home from schools, she is in a lot of sports, Girl scouts, and is at her friends a lot. I really got it for me, not her. It has parental contols and its locked down. No texting, downloads, and she can only call me during school hours.She calls on her way home so I know when she left. Shes called to tell me something has been cancelled after school and she is coming home (the school is closed by then) It also has a GPS so if someone grabs her she can hopefully put it in her shoe and we can locate her. Its not the same world we grew up in. I could safely stay out all day on my bike with friends. Not today. I like knowing she can call no matter what.

Mary - posted on 09/19/2010

NO NO AND NO

Joy - posted on 09/19/2010

NO!!! I have a 6 year old daughter and there is no reason a 6 year old needs a cellphone.

Sarah - posted on 09/19/2010

I am of two minds on this. In general, I am against young children having cell phones. I can see that there are times and situations when they are useful/helpful if not necessary. I find some fault with the notion that children should be supervised every moment and even wonder that such is really possible. That we cannot trust our children (or do not trust them) to get home safely is a problelm. There are indeed some devious individuals out there...but are there really more than in our own childhoods? I wonder if it is not more a matter of better media coverage and cultural awarness. At any rate, safety is definitly important, but so is teaching our children to be self sufficient. Even elementary children can and should walk home by themselves or with sibling and friends when possible if the distance is not too far. I have five children ages 3-16. Only the two oldest have cell phones. For us, middle school is the end of school buses and they must take the city bus home. I found that it was easier for me knowing they could call if they missed the bus or had to stay after school for tutorial. It must be said that the school office has a phone which the students may use after hours or during break to call home...(I forgot my lunch, homework..can you bring it , etc.) So I wonder if it is not our own fear which makes cell phones "necessary" for our youth. Convienence certainly plays a roll too (and I mean mostly mine). The children of course love them and embrace all technology this is the era they/we are living in. The games and texting (and sexting, if we must go there) are all part and parcel of what one must consider. Truely how much oversight one has or wants to exercise should be somewhat determined by age..but the type of phone and plan one purchases can help. Neither of my children have data plans on their phones...so although they can take pictures, they cannot either send or recieve them. ..or surf the internet, etc. So I guess, I would answer that at first you should consider whether "need" is a part of your equation. If it truely is then do what is right for you. I am a true proponent of our house rules may be different from others, but they are ours. When you, my child are the parent, you will make your own to the best of your ability and understanding. We must all be accountable to our own principals and beliefs. Good luck!

Jasmine - posted on 09/19/2010

60% of American children are involved in shared joint custody. Unfortunately and scary that one can not always know exactly what is going on at the other parents house. I always wish for parents to never know what that feels like.

Jasmine - posted on 09/19/2010

My son has had one since he was six, he's 8 now. I believe you know, what you know. And you teach your children what they know. The cell is not a toy, not for fun, costs money, and has other value. He knows this and is responsible. He used to go to his biological father's every other weekend. The origination came keeping the doors of communication open when he was away. Every now and then he will call a friend. After all he's a boy and they don't talk like women. Heehee

Christen - posted on 09/19/2010

my son will be 8 next month and he has one its a lil rinky dink phone no touch screen and he has like 250 mins a month i just want to be able to call himm when hes at the park and im sitting where i can see him but dont want to yell his name

Anna - posted on 09/19/2010

Nope. I didn't get a cell phone until i was 20. I get so mad when i see little children walking around with phones glued to their ears. It's bad enough when adults do it. So rude. People are way to dependent on cell phones.

Martha - posted on 09/19/2010

i have a ten year old that wanting a phone I don't think that he is responable for it and neither is a 6year old what happen to letting kids be kids. cell phones are for teens and adults and not for baby that can barely speak or spell.

Donna - posted on 09/19/2010

Definitely not

Zatonda - posted on 09/19/2010

No! if your not present with your child and they need you, I'm sure they are most likely with someone that can contact you, I don't even like my nine old have access to home phone. looked up twice and he called 911 trying call anybody. no I didn't like that at all.

Penny - posted on 09/19/2010

A child of 6 should never need a phone as they are not to be without an adult. The adult should have the phone. ANother thing one should consider is to not allow (especially girls) kids to have phones with cameras. The latest new trend is sexing. This is were you are taking pictures of yourself and sending them to the oppisite gender. A trend that is very popular starting in grade 5.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/18/2010

no

Chondelle - posted on 09/18/2010

At 6 yrs old no child should have a cellphone because at that age he/she should never be unsupervised.

Donna - posted on 09/18/2010

just my opinion, but heck no!! my 12 &11 year olds have cell phones & my 11 year old keeps losing hers. i don't think a 6 yr old is responsible enough.

Michelle - posted on 09/18/2010

My son is 10 and we got him one ONLY because he started a new school and the communication with the school transportation was non existent. There have already been atimes when he ws dropped off at a different time and location then we were told. Had he not had his cell phone to text and call me I would have been freaking out! BUT he is NOT allowed to play games on it or call anyone friends. we had extensive talks about value & that it's not a toy. So far it's working out fine. I expected to be lost by now. :)

Jen - posted on 09/18/2010

As I've stated previously I have a cell phone for my daughter, but she doesn't use it without supervision and she only gets 20 minutes a day to talk to her friends or family unless it's on a weekend and even then we still limit her so she doesn't think it's a toy. She knows a cell phone is a big sign of trust and doesn't want to mess it up.

Chris - posted on 09/18/2010

Hello. It just depends on the circumstances of her life. If she goes from your house to her dad's house or is at afterschool care, if she has health problems like athsma or epilepsy, I would say, YES! but just to have to talk to her little friends, no.

Nigar - posted on 09/18/2010

Absolutelu no. First the child is to little to have it, second it is bad for his health.

Michalene - posted on 09/18/2010

not at all

Carolyn - posted on 09/17/2010

I think it depends on the situation. I have a 7 year old son and he has a phone. The phone is not a toy and he doesn't treat it like one. It only has numbers for me, his dad and grandparents from both sides. Its a little prepaid phone. It helps me to communicate with him when he is is other place. Your child just has to have the maturity level to be able to have a phone.

Tracy - posted on 09/17/2010

I don't feel that it is a need to give a child this young in age to have a cell phone. My son is six going on seven soon and I would never think to buy him a cell phone yet. Sometimes I will let him talk to daddy or meme or sister on it if we are not at home. But they don't really need one if there is a emergency at school the school has emergency contact numbers to call. i think it is a little young.

Jasmin - posted on 09/17/2010

DEF NO!!! they have no one to call at that age, because they shouldnt be alone at that age!!

Lisa - posted on 09/17/2010

The thing that I have noticed the most from this thread is that the Married (or separated and living in the same town) moms are the ones saying not on your life and the divorced, separated (living several hours apart)and never married moms seem to be the ones saying they are very worth while. I would say that this is something that is a personal choice but that those of you who wouldn't shouldn't behave like your way is the only way to parent. That seems to be the point of ugliness here.

Crystal - posted on 09/17/2010

i think it wouldnt b bad 4 ur 6year old 2 have a cell phone never know wat could happen and they have 2 call u and plus they got them kid cell phones out now through t-mobile and through disney its all programed

Melyssa - posted on 09/17/2010

Absolutely not! Children have no reason or cause for a cell phone so young. Unless they are in sports or activity outside of the home after school or they are driving...they shouldn't have a cell phone. Some parents I believe allow their kids to grow up faster then they should. Let them be kids! Besides....who the heck are they calling?

Crystal - posted on 09/17/2010

i dont think so neither should my 8 yr old.

Laurie - posted on 09/17/2010

I can't imagine any reason why a small child should need a cell phone. My kids are very active in sports and scout activities, and my husband and I work full-time, but we always know where are kids are, and would never let them walk somewhere without an adult or go to a friend's house if we didn't know and trust the friend's parents. I think the age of technology sometimes makes parents feel absolved of their first and foremost duty - being parents. I would, however, definitely consider getting a cell phone for my kids once they are old enough to be with their friends unsupervised, but not before then.

Lisa - posted on 09/17/2010

Gay, My son has never touched the emergency button more or less because he understands what a true emergency is. He was around when my Grampa died recently so he knows what IS an emergency I would say if you teach your kids what a real emergency is things should be ok.

Dallas - posted on 09/17/2010

My daughter has a cell phone (of course not an expensive one) and she's six years old. i got her a prepaid phone and i haven't had any problems with her misusing it. we moved out of state and it helped her keep in touch with family back home. also it was a reward for her learning to read and write for school.

Gay - posted on 09/17/2010

For those of you who have used the programmable phones with just 4 phone numbers and 911, how did your child do? Any problems with kids calling 911 when they shouldn't?

Debbie - posted on 09/17/2010

I bought both of my daughters when they were in first grade. They were the type of phones that have only 4 numbers plus 911 programmed into them. My girls never lost them I was also able to get in touch with my girls when I needed to. I have since past the phones on to friends who have younger choldren.

Susie - posted on 09/17/2010

Now that I've read from Brandice and some other Moms on why their kids have cell phones I would have to change my opinion :) I really didn't think about the different reasons kids might need them.Also I would never put any Mom down for doing things that work for their situation...:)

Wendy - posted on 09/17/2010

not at all!

Jen - posted on 09/17/2010

My daughter is 8 years old and she has a cell phone, but it's only for after school, after all her homework is done and she only has it until her bedtime. I've got all the numbers programmed in there for her and she knows who she can and can't call. It's just like letting a kid use a home phone. All it takes is a little common sense. That being said, a 6 year old is still a bit young. I have a 6 year old son and I wouldn't let him touch a cell phone with a 10 ft pole. But then again, he is autistic so yeah.