Am I the only one who thinks that a cell phone for a child is INSANE?

Danielle - posted on 05/25/2010

We're not a techy family but I see children's cel phones as safety & communication device only--not entertainment.

My daughter is only three but I plan to get her a child's cel phone as soon as she's old enough to need one (probably before she's seven). Not one for texting, internet, and random calls, but one of those ones that can only call a few specific numbers such as home or parent's cel phones and 911. This type also includes tracking so if heaven forbid she gets lost, I can find her pretty quickly.

And my daughter always talks on speaker with the phone at arm's length when she calls her grandma--something she can already do on her own with voice commands. There is a lot to worry about when you're a parent (including radiation and over exposure to technology), but the thought that my daughter will be able to reach me at all times is extremely comforting.

Debra - posted on 05/25/2010

my 2 children 8 and 9 have phones i dont see wat the big issue is with kids having phones if im going to be late picking them up from school i can ring them or if i need to contact them while they r out playing at least i can find out were they r.someone said that kids under 13 should always be with an adult well were i live kids go out to play with out adults watching and its safe enough

Carol - posted on 05/25/2010

Food for thought...obviously done your homework . You are not alone ..... Definately not funny

Kendra Taylor - posted on 05/25/2010

I think there's more of a chance of something else happening to them since you'll have no way of contacting them rather than them getting a brain tumour from a mobile.

Tarina - posted on 05/25/2010

i would use the word drastic vs insane, but yes, i agree with you. Once a child is in High school i can see a valid use for it (sports, etc) as long as there are boundaries, but honestly where in the world would a child under 13 be without some form of adult there with them? I cant think of anywhere I would let my son go that wouldnt have an adult I trust within shouting distance. As far as kids USING cell phones, alot of families dont even have house/wall phones anymore, their cell phone is their only phone, so i dont think, as long as you are there to monitor the conversation, that its anything wrong. Having their own phone is a bit much though, i agree. As far as the safety factor... in the times we live now... I wouldnt let my son have his own paper route at 9 unless i walked with him to do it. I know when we grew up every little boy had a route... and i WISH i felt secure enough to believe that the world is as safe now... but its just not. But 9 times out of 10, that phone isnt going to be able to call anyone before something bad happens. Maybe that 1 time makes it worth the independence that child gets WAY before they should have it... I guess I would just rather be WITH my child to prevent something happening than rely on a phone which in all likelyhood, at that age, would be lost/broken/stolen more than it would be used for its intended purpose.

Jamie - posted on 05/24/2010

I dont see an issue health wise. My daughter who is 17 months will use my cell phone to call her Aunt, Dad, or Grandparents. SHe loves talking on the phone. U might not be able to understand half of the words that she is saying but she still enjoys it. She will go around and hold and object to her ear and start talking. Her favorite is the tv remote. I do however think its crazy to let a child have their own cell phone. I got my first cell phone when i was 16 and had my own job to pay for it. My little sister whom is 4 yrs younger then me. Got her first phone at 13. Which i believe is not fair. As the yrs go by children r more spoiled by the day. My neice whom is 9 has her own prepaid cell phone. She is not aloud to take it outside of the house unless with her parents and she has to do chores to keep it in service. She doesnt have many ppl to call and i think my older sister is crazy for letting her have one.

Jodi - posted on 05/24/2010

Pay phones are few and far between these days. There are certainly not enough of them around to be able to find one easily. I know that here, the only place you will find one these days is in a shopping centre.

Iridescent - posted on 05/24/2010

No, Marie. Many areas no longer have pay phones. Where I live is one of them.

Marie - posted on 05/24/2010

There are still payphones right? That's what I used, that's what my kids will use. They don't need a cell phone. I didn't have one until I was out of high school and I was never in a situation that warranted it. Mind you, I say this now. My child is not even a year old yet. What the future will be like in 10 years, I can't even imagine sometimes. But, I will put my foot down when it comes to WANTS and NEEDS.

Colleen - posted on 05/24/2010

No you're not. The health risks are probably not so bad if their time on the phone is limited but how do you do that if they have the cellphone with them all the time? And giving a small, valuable item to a child seems like a bad idea - where I live it is likely to make the child a target for muggers. More frighteningly, predators often use cellphones to target children, especially via social networking apps. Porn is also distributed via cellphones, even among quite young kids. My daughter is never out of the house unsupervised (except when at school) and at home she can use my cellphone while I'm there to keep an eye.

Jodi - posted on 05/24/2010

Sure, there are crimes that are not reported. There have always been crimes that are not reported. Guess what? Your child is probably more likely to die in a car accident than to die in a potentially dangerous situation as a 12 year old. In fact, they are more likely to die in a car accident than ANY OTHER METHOD if they are under 30. And that's only death, many are injured this way, both physically and emotionally. So, do we develop our children's sense of responsibility in relation to this potential danger? Or do we just ban them from driving altogether? My 17 year old stepdaughter is on the road, and while we worry about her, she is a very responsible young lady. Sure, by driving on the road she is in potential danger, but what right do we have as parents to stop her from driving is she is acting responsibly and has earned our respect as a driver? She owns and pays for the car......just as my 12 year old owns and pays for his phone.



Anyway, regardless, I know how I deal with it works for my children. I've gone a bit off topic, so I'll leave it at that. I was just making a point that I can't understand anyone not allowing a 12 year old a little bit of freedom, just as some can't understand how anyone does allow them any freedom. I just wanted to state that giving them the freedom often depends on the child, the area in which you live, and your parenting philosophy (of which we all have something different), but that it doesn't make you a lesser or better parent.

Natalie - posted on 05/24/2010

I just want to remind all those out there who keep saying I was doing ____ when I was ___... Times are A LOT different than they were when we were kids. Also... the whole "We never had them and were just fine" rule is just plane ignorant. Our grandparents were fine without seat belts, helmets, condoms... Are you suggesting that we would be fine without them too?

Briana - posted on 05/24/2010

It all depends on demographics as well. We are more aware of crimes against children, yes, but that will only go so far. Also, can you imagine how many crimes are committed that don't get reported?

Iridescent - posted on 05/24/2010

I have to agree with Jodi - a little rope at a time. I had a ton of freedom as a child. With new technology comes new decisions. Most people wouldn't question a child with a walkie talkie - did they when they were new? I'm sure! Same as any other new technology. I'm not going to raise my child into adulthood still needing me there for everything if we can prevent it. They have every right to learn to be independent mature adults, and to become such, they must be given opportunities to learn it and also to make their own mistakes.



We didn't allow our kids out of visual range until they were 8 years. Then it was 2 years of walkie talkies, and now a cell phone. Fully reasonable and they've earned it. I expect a lot of my children, and they pull through. Sometimes they shock me by going over and above what is expected. I like to encourage that.



We were at a hospital today and I was in the x-ray lab with my 8 year old, and my husband had the three 3 year olds. The two girls ran into the women's bathroom. They have stalls for privacy. He went in to get them. A woman washing her hands flipped out because "they are fine alone". Excuse me, they are NOT! They are THREE years old. I really don't care what society thinks is acceptable for how I raise my children; I will raise them as they need to become the responsible, happy adults they can be. Part of that decision is not allowing them in a bathroom alone yet. Another part is allowing our older children the freedom they have earned, while giving us peace of mind by giving them a cell phone.

Jodi - posted on 05/24/2010

Unsafe situations have existed forever. If anything, our children are actually safer today than they ever were because awareness is so much greater. If you look at statistics of crime against young children (and I don't have them handy), they are safer and less likely to become victims. I believe 11-12 is a perfect age to start allowing them to explore the world more on their own without supervision. Mistakes made at the age of 12 are potentially far less life threatening than mistakes made at 18. If we can provide them with a phone as a tool to assist in this process, I don't see the issue. It can actually be a very useful tool in the development of a child's emotional intelligence and sense of responsibility.

Briana - posted on 05/24/2010

As I said, every child, every parent is different. Also one has to consider the demographics of where and when you grew up to current demographics of where and when your children grow up. I personally do not cotton wool my children about anything, I strive to give them the tools they will need to be street smart, confident, self reliant, and independent, but it is also my job as a mother to not only teach them how to keep themselves safe in life, but to keep them safe in the process. Having a difference of opinion on this doesn't make one person right or wrong. It's just a different perspective.

Colby - posted on 05/24/2010

I totally agree!

Clarissa - posted on 05/24/2010

No, you're not the only one. I don't even believe teens need one permanently, maybe when they're "out" so they can call home if need be, but not 24/7.

Briana - posted on 05/24/2010

Jodi, I am certainly not saying that what you choose to do with your son is wrong, I am saying that I wouldn't do that if it were my son. I am astonished that the school would allow a 6 year old to walk home! wow. Granted though times have changed and it seems as though at the same rates of advancement in technology, there seems to be a increase in unsafe situations for kids. Regardless, every parent and every child is different and no 2 situations are going to be the same either. And to clarify, it was not the 12 year old out alone that I was voicing concern over acting irresponsibly, I was voicing concern over the potential for harm done to the child. Your rope analogy is a sound argument, but that was not the topic of discussion I was implying.

Charlie - posted on 05/24/2010

A 12 year old needs supervision ? Wow !

I was doing 4 hour surfing sessions at the beach without any adults at that age , walking to and from school with a group of kids at 6-7 years .
There is being protective and there is cotton wooling your kids .

There are potentially dangerous situations at all stages of life its about teaching kids how to handle social situations and prepare them for independence , if they are never given the chance they will never be able to handle themselves correctly in adult life when they do face these situations .

My nine year old cousin has an emergancy phone for when she goes away for sleep overs and what not , she is not allowed to use it for social calls or random texting , i dont see anything wrong with that kind of use , i only feel that if a teen needs one for social reasons they should be able to pay for it themselves .

Jodi - posted on 05/24/2010

Briana, I was walking home from school with a group of friends when I was 6. My son was walking home from school or riding his bike home (and to school) since he was 9. We will just agree to disagree that a 12 year old deserves some freedom. After all, he will legally be allowed behind the wheel of a car in 3 1/2 years. A little rope at a time rather than all at once in my opinion.

Briana - posted on 05/24/2010

Jodi, I agree with Sherri to the extent that even a 12 year old should have adult supervision especially out in public alone or with a single friend. That is a potentially dangerous situation for a child, which even at 12, no matter how tall or mature acting they are, they are still a child.I grew up in a very small safe neighborhood and my parents were both educators, even then they would not allow me to go walking anywhere by myself. I won't be allowing my children to either. Cell phone or no cell phone, that has the potential for a bad situation all over it.

Nicola - posted on 05/24/2010

just to add to my previous post if there under 10.

Elizabeth - posted on 05/24/2010

Trish, you make a good point about girls sneaking off with their boyfriends, but you know what? I was doing that just fine without a cell phone when I was a teenager. Teens will always come up with a way to do what they want to do. It's part of being a teenager.



My 11 year old son has a cell phone, and he can call anyone he likes, there are no restrictions on his phone. You know who he calls? Me, his grandmother, and his father. He occasionally texts his friends, but even those are few and far between. He and his 9 year old brother do play at friend's houses on our street, and I don't feel the need to supervise them, but then again, this is a very safe neighborhood in a very small town. I find it very convenient to be able to call him if I happen to be near the middle school when they let out, and tell him that he doesn't have to ride the bus, or on days when plans change, and considering how unreliable his father is, plans DO change around here at the last minute.



My father died of a malignant brain tumor, and he rarely used his cell phone. There was actually no real reason for the tumor, it just happened. We all die of something, I just don't see the point in getting worked up over every little thing that "might" kill us in some indirect fashion. Oh, and I am medical personnel, so I do understand, probably better than most, everything that could be considered harmful to one's health.



Other than the first paragraph, this isn't directed at any one person, just trying to address several points made in earlier posts that I didn't agree with. Every family's needs are different, so I don't believe everyone should subscribe to my train of thought, this is just how I feel about the subject.



One last thing. i graduated high school 15 years ago, and I remember one of my teachers having a car phone. While it may not seem like the same thing as today's cell phones, it was still a type of cell phone. Therefore, I hardly consider cell phones new technology.

Lisa - posted on 05/24/2010

Hello we are all okay and we lived without them..here here to the woman who is old school I LOVE IT--keep it up mama!

Natalie - posted on 05/24/2010

And to answer your question... I am sure that you are definitely not the only one who feels that way... and if you were, so what?

Natalie - posted on 05/24/2010

I agree with you and disagree with you. I think it is INSANE for young children to have them for the purpose of talking to friends and social reasons. However... I think that school age children having them makes sense for three main reasons: 1) If there is a disaster at school or some other emergency they have a way to call for help no matter what, 2) Parents can contact the kids easily if they are running late to pick them up or to get them a message for whatever reason (aunt sally's picking them up instead...), 3) Most phones can be GPS enabled... meaning if someone snatches your kid, and they have the phone on them cops can locate them VERY QUICKLY!!! My son is 9, he has had a phone since he was in Kindergarten, but he is not allowed to give out that number and no one but me, my husband and my father call him on it. As far as the "tentative health risks" I think you may be a little paranoid, but that is just my personal opinion, and you have a right to yours.

Nikki - posted on 05/24/2010

I'm only 22 and a sinlge mom to a 2 yr old. My daughter plays with my phone all the time. She talks to my grandparents on it (well what could be considered talking) and ill call her frmo one phone in the house and just play. she knows how to turn on my camera and how to click a picture. (its one of those ones with button on the side) NOw, i agree with most people ahving their own cell phone is crazy. I didnt get one til i was 16 and i started payin for it with my job. I dont believe in any of the radiation junk as everythign nowadays will give you cancer or soemthing. I have no intention of gettin her her own cell phone with free reign of minutes or texts. when shes old enough to start going on sleepovers, activites, sports, her fathesr house, whatever I see no problem in her using mine in few years to talk to relatives and will definiteyl get one of those firefly oones with like 4 numbers programmed and tracked for emergencies. too much crazy stuff happens nowadays and i dont care how young or old you are you're never able to keep an eye on your kid once they hit school age 100% of the time so having a cell phone that only calls their parents, siblings and 911 seems perfectly reasonable to me.

Milann - posted on 05/24/2010

I worry more about someone hurting my children than I do about the possibility of them getting cancer using a device that could save them from harm.. If I worried about everything the scientists said "could possibly" cause cancer, we would never leave our home or eat or use half the products on the market these days.

Jodi - posted on 05/24/2010

Sherri, my 12 year old is allowed to walk on his own to a friend's house, and he is allowed to go to the local basketball courts or football oval with friends with no adult supervision on weekends for an hour or two. He is also permitted to go to the movies with a friend with no adult. He catches buses to and from school. He also has sports practice an hour after school finishes at his school one night a week, so he has to sit somewhere and do his homework while he waits (it is pointless catching the bus home onbly to have me run him straight back again). He has a phone and he is actually extremely responsible with it. I don't see the issue with a 12 year old having some freedom without adult supervision. But then, maybe I live in a place where I feel comfortable with this, and you don't.

Nicola - posted on 05/24/2010

I think its insane its linked to alot of problems later on in life. (example fertility issues, cancer, hearing problems ect.)

Jennifer - posted on 05/24/2010

My kids don't have cell phones (only 9yo, 6yo, and 8 mo). I have no intention of getting them one for a long time either. More because they are rarely in a situation where they would need one, and never in one where they need one of their own.

Trish - posted on 05/24/2010

The ones that can only call certain numbers are good for older children as you can program the numbers they are allowed to call and 911. They also have GPS on them. But to give a child free reign on a cell phone is just asking for problems that wouldn't have neccesarily occurred.



Con: Kids can use cell phones to alert others by texting that an authority figure is approaching when doing things they should not be doing Or I have seen girls pretend to go for a walk and when they are out of sight they call older boys to come and pick them up and their parents have no idea.



Pro: A cell phone actually saved children in a classroom as it was used to contact the police when an intruder entered without that person knowing. They can always call 911 if needed in a hurry with one touch of a button. Or text quietly if in trouble and quickly give you information.



A cell phone can be very advantageous for an older child or it can be your childs worst enemy. As usual common sense, reason and discretion are key factors for everything.

Lucille - posted on 05/24/2010

When we were in school, we didn't have lockdowns because of kids bringing guns to school, so yeah, i think kids should have another way to call for help other than risking their lives. I would rather my child have a cell for an emergency, than die at the hands of some child with a gun

Sherri - posted on 05/24/2010

Kristen do your kids not need calculators and computer access for school? My kids are required to do a lot of homework on line 2-3 days a week and are also required to have calculators for school. This isn't an option it is mandatory or they get written up for coming to class unprepared if they get 3 write ups automatic detention.

Also one more question what are 7,8 & 9 yr olds doing without a parent present or a responsible adult at all times. My 11 1/2 yr old and 13 yr old are still not even allowed off our street, they are not allowed over a friends house unless I drive them and walk them to the door and speak to a parent. I just don't understand? So no neither of my children have cell phones, my oldest one will be almost 14 this winter and then we may consider it as he does take skiing lessons 45mins away and there is no way to contact him if I will run late due to a flat tire etc to get him as happened this past winter.

Shelley - posted on 05/24/2010

This is why we have babysitters or child care....children that age should have adult supervision, therefore, should not require a cell phone. If there is an emergency or a problem the adult (who obviously you trust otherwise you would find someone who you do trust) would call you in case of a problem or emergency...priorities are not what they used to be. Of course this is just my opinion!

Lainy - posted on 05/24/2010

You are not the only one that feels that way! My daughter is turning 10 soon and still does not have a cell phone. We too think it is absolutely ridiculous. When we were at school we were taught to go to the office should there be an emergency and the staff will then get hold of the parents. Should I need to let my daughter know I will be a bit late for picking her up at school, I phone the office to let my daughter know. With regards to her activities after school twice a week, I take her to those activities myself and wait for her until she is done. In that way I ensure her safety. Cell phones for children just open the flood gates to bullying and all sorts of headaches for the parents. However, should I be driving, I do allow my daughter to answer the phone on my behalf. When she is older and demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility, we will then provide her with her phone with the understanding she needs to work for pocket money to top it up. Respect achieved on both sides.

Lucille - posted on 05/24/2010

My kids are 17 and 15, they are old enough to be left alone and pay for their own phones

Shelley - posted on 05/24/2010

I know some kids who have a cell phone and it honestly gets me fired up! There is NO reason for a child to own his/her cell phone, until he or she is old enough to be able to be left alone. As far as cancer or other medical issues, I'm not sold. But for a child who should not be alone in the first place, there is no reason to have one, that is why there should be adult supervision. Wow, how did we manage to grow up without a cell...hmmmm. So sad.

Lucille - posted on 05/24/2010

that's my whole point, so why waste the money on talk time, just get the text

Kathy - posted on 05/24/2010

I used to be totally against my 10yr old daughter getting a cell phone then my sister wanting to be the "favorite"aunt got her one for christmas. Just a pay as you go one. So far she ahs used it appropriately and has managed to keep it safe she takes out of the house only when she is going to the park or to a friends ect so she can call us to let us know where she is and if she is ok. Also she has learned a little more responsiblitiy because she has to use her allowance to top it up. So she is more consistant with her chores so she can get money for it . I also like it because when I work nights or my husband is out of town she can text us anytime to say good night or whatever because we both have jobs that where she can't call us directly. I think that it all depends on the kid.I still wouldn't have gotten her one till she was older but it is here now so maight as well teach her to use it wisely.

Stephanie - posted on 05/24/2010

I can't say that I agree - my child has had her own cell since she was 9 and it was the perfect age to test her responsibility and she passed all the tests with flying colors so I let her keep it. She is now almost 16 and even at that age does not abuse her privilege. She uses headphones most of the time to talk or listen to music on it so I rarely am concerned about unproven health issues.
I cannot tell you how many times I have thanked God for the phone - late school pickups, changes in plan, other little emergencies that I wanted to speak to her about during the school day. In elementary school she could only use it after school but she knew to check it immediately when she could for messages from me. Perhaps you could give it a limited try when your child is old enough to handle it and insist that headphones be used. I bet you will be amazed at the relief you will feel when you need to reach out & speak to him/her. I can't be tethered ENOUGH so it's a miracle tool in my eyes!

Leanne - posted on 05/24/2010

My kids rarely--and I mean rarely--TALK on their phones. The three of them can have 100 minutes between them in one month. They text. I'm no scientist, but maybe that would make you feel better about it.

Lucille - posted on 05/24/2010

My kids use their cells for texting only, they don't even have talk time on their phones. This way I can get them when I need to, and don't have to worry about the radiation.

Briana - posted on 05/24/2010

I would normally agree with the opinions of children and cell phones are a ridiculous combination, but, as with most things, there are exceptions. Last year I encountered one of those exceptions myself with my 6 year old son.He now can boast to his friends that he has a cell phone, but have they seen it? can he tote it around with him where ever he goes? Can he call whomever he desires? No. After a lot of discussion and deliberation, my son was granted a cell phone to take with him when he visited his father. The phone was pre-programmed so he could only call 911 and numbers in his contact list. The numbers in his contact list were limited to mine, and his grandparents. When my son is not with his father the phone is returned to its box and placed in the cabinet. Letting my son have a cell phone also enabled me to have peace of mind and the knowledge that my son could get in touch with me anytime he needed.

Jennifer - posted on 05/24/2010

I totally agree!

Jasmine - posted on 05/24/2010

Well I wouldn't say insane but I don't think my kids aged 9 and 3 need cell phones. They're not running the street so I know where they are and where they are there is a phone =) But I know a lot of other kids aged 9 with phones and my son keeps bugging me for one. I just say no. I don't see the point really. Maybe I tell him when he is older....

Jacquetta - posted on 05/24/2010

I disagree. My son is ten and he has a cell phone, in fact he got his first one when he was seven. I feel it is important to be able for us to communicate when he is out of my care, and he and I both have health issues and never know when one of us is going to need to call for help. I did purchase him one of the nicer phones because I put him on my plan so that I can monitor his usage, however, I did not get the extras like internet and texting for his phone. I don't feel that it is necessary for him to text and he can use the internet on his computer at home. I think if a child can properly utilize and take care of a phone then its o.k. as long as the parents agree.

Kristina (Tina) - posted on 05/24/2010

I have cell phones for my 9 yr old and 12 yr old, because, like it or not these are the times. It is nice being able to track my children down when they are out and about in the neighborhood. Whatever the health risks may be, face it, everything gives you cancer and we as a human race are adapting.

JAIME - posted on 05/24/2010

Using a cell phone for a few minuets is one thing... but actually being the owner of a cell phone? Absolutely not. It's not only the health risks, it's also the responsibility involved. My god-son has had, and lost countless phones. He's 13 now, but he got his first phone at 7. THAT'S ridiculous and unnecessary.