What's your opinion about kids having cellphones?

[Xithras]

My 11 year old daughter caught me offguard earlier today when she hit me up for a cellphone. My first reaction was to say no because she's so young, but my wife has since pointed out to me that she has 5 year olds in her classroom with their own cellphones. My daughter then offered to pay for it herself out of her allowance and work wage (about $50 a month) meaning it wouldn't cost me anything...so I'm now finding myself a bit torn. Part of it is anti-cellphone bias (I own one myself, but its usually not on), part of it is the fear that my little girl is growing up too quick, and part of it is the loss of the ability to monitor what she's doing.

What's your opinion? If you don't want to make any suggestions about my daughter in particular, I'd be curious to know your opinion of kids having cell's in general. When you see an 8, 9, or 10 year old kid walking down the street while chatting on the phone, what goes through your head?

[tuvor]

1. I'm kidless, but I like the security aspect.

Plus, you can always check her phone bill to see who she's been speaking to, can't you?

[KitchenWitch]

2. methinks she is a little bit on the young side for one

I gave my son a cellphone when he was 13 (it is a pay as you go, no contract) and it has been very useful.

[Maddy McCall]

3. I was hesitant to get one for my son...

he's 11, too. But it has been wonderful to have it. He can call me when music lessons are over, or when he's ready to leave a friend's house, or when he is camping with a friend, etc. etc. etc.

It has been a good way to help my son gain independence. He gets a little more freedom, but he can stay in touch with me, or, more importantly, I can stay in touch with him.

I don't regret for a second buying my son's cellphone.

[Ariana Celeste]

4. Personally I think it's ridiculous.

When I was 16 or so I wanted one, and my mom bought me a phonecard. Lol.

The only thing I find those things useful for are long distance calls, checking in with parents (could borrow parents cell for that) and emergency situations. I can't think of many emergency situations a child that age would be in without some adult with them.

IMO once a kid starts driving and spending plenty of time away from parents then I could see a cell phone as being good for them to have.

Take my opinion with a grain of salt, though- not only do I screen my calls but our phone is used maybe 3 times a week. Lol. I can't help but wonder, why on earth people feel the need to talk on the phone 24/7. Is every little thing *that* important? Or maybe I'm just too old for this 20 yr old body. ;)

[XemaSab]

9. Like, when I'm at the mall,

I need to like, call all my friends who aren't there with me, and like, describe ALL the clothes to them and see which ones they think sound HOTT and like, it's saved me so much money!

Last week, I was at like, Hot Topic, and I saw this pink vinyl miniskirt with like, an overside black vinyl belt, and *I* thought it was cute, but I called my friend Heather and told her about it and she was like "That is SO gross" so I didn't get it.

I could not LIVE without my cellphone.

[Ariana Celeste]

12. LOL. You just completely described

a friend of mine, that is too funny. I love her to death but I hate going anywhere with her... our trips are always double the time needed because she has to consult with everybody on everything. Especially shopping.

[Xithras]

14. NOOOOOO! My daughter will NOT turn into one of those!

Nevernevernevernevernever! I would go insane :banghead:

[Kathleen04]

5. I think that a cellphone

for reaching you is a good idea, but she shouldn't be calling all of her friends with the cellphone. Tell her to save that for the home phone.

[bufffbison]

6. rather than telling her no, just tell her how important it is to save

money. I know it may be hard for her to understand why it is important, but give her examples why its important to save. An example you could do, is add up the monthly charges, including taxes, and possible txting and what not (since she is young, and may not have the sense of time, she may end up going over her minutues).. then multiply it by seven years (knowing the fact that shes 11, and probably continue to have that cell phone till shes 18) and tell her how much it'll be.. the average plan costs $40 a month, plus taxes and phone... lets consider $50 a month. $50 X 12 months = $600 X 7 years = $4200! and that estimate is on the low end! could almost consider it being $5000 or more for the seven years.

[Xithras]

13. She already has a good head for money

Right now she has several hundred bucks saved up just from pulling weeds, recycling, and babysitting...most 11 year olds have a hard time saving several dollars at the same time. I didn't think about making the argument that way, but I'll definitely give that a try.

[bufffbison]

16. thats good she has a sense of saving money

that is one thing i am thankful for my dad taught me. we were a poor family and my dad simply put it in a way that made sense, "if you waste your money, you'll continue to live like your parents. poor and without an education." so i have saved every penny fars back as i can remember.. now i have enough money to pay for my education and plently left over for rent, food, and whatnot..

[MalibuChloe]

7. There were times when I was a teenager that I could have used one...

when i was in trouble, like stranded in a broken down car by the side of the road!

maybe you should just limit the minutes or something...so she doesn't over-use it. (if that is possible)

[Swede]

8. I guess it's part of growing up these days.

And kids are getting older younger these days.

[fishnfla]

10. I wasn't using mine either, so I gave it to her

Our 12 year old started middle school today, she is a latch key kid for about a half hour a day, so I felt she should have one. I was glad to get rid of mine thats for damned sure.

She has ground rules, all that noise.

She was ultra nervous about the new school, new bus and all. When I gave her the phone this am, she relaxed quite a bit.

" Can I call you at work, Dad?"

" Sure Honey, I would really like that"

[jobycom]

11. As long as she pays for it, it could be a good lesson

on spending and saving and responsible restraint. Tell her the first time the phone costs you a cent you cancel it.

Also, you can limit when she can carry it, so you'd have some control, and you can use it as something else to take away from her when she misbehaves.

They have obvious advantaqes, too. You can track her with it (tell her if she fails to answer when you call you take it away), and she has it for emergencies.

[SW FL Dem]

15. My son had one at 11.

I liked the security of him being able to call and let me know that he got to school or a friend's house safely. It also was a godsend when he missed the bus after school. He's had it for over 3 years now and 90% or more of the calls are to/from home. I think the problem is when the kids use their cells for calls and texting to friends.

[Maddy McCall]

17. Texting can lead to T-R-O-U-B-L-E

One of my son's former friends gave his number to a girl at school. She started to harrass him on the phone. I had to call her parents to have them tell her to quit or I would press charges.

She texted my 11-year-old son and asked him if he wanted a "BJ."

:scared:

He no longer has text on his phone, because of that incident.

[trackfan]

18. Hell, I don't have one yet

so I don't want any kid to have one until I get one!

[uppityperson]

19. Mine got on since is now driving, nephew 17 has pay per use one

or whatever it is called when you buy one with minutes on it rather than a monthly payment one. He uses it to check incoming phone numbers, then call people back, and for an emergency use. He's in the city, friends are driving but he isn't. My child is driving so I got his added onto mine but have minutes limited.

[Catch22Dem]

20. Mine was 9 and I got it when she started leaving...

in the mornings by herself. I'd talk to her while she was waiting for the bus and then she'd call me when she'd get inside safely. I don't think she's ever carried on a conversation w/ a friend on it. I can check all her calls online and the only people she's talked to are her mom and I and her grandparents.

[NV Whino]

21. these days

being able to be in touch with your kid and vise versa is very important. But other than an emergency contact, I would nix it for kids. I think (although not sure) you can get a limited service phone, which would include just a few numbers. Ask a local provider.

[derby378]

22. Two words: MANUFACTURED CONSENT

How desperately do kids need cell phones, anyway? Try watching The Corporation (now available on DVD) to see how some of these companies use your own kids to convince you to buy all their junk whether you need it or not. This movie may very well change your life.

[u4ic]

23. I'm not a parent, fwiw

I don't have one either - for me it's a health issue. Studies have been inconclusive about their safety.

[borlis]

24. My son is 12 and has had his for a little over a year.

I decided that as he started middle school last year, that it would be wise. His school is a couple of miles away, across 2 busy streets. This way if he misses the bus he can call me. He also calls me if he is walking home with friends, or if he goes to a friend's house right from school. Same with sports practices. He can call me when it's over or if it ends early for some reason. I also like being able to track him down when he is with his friends on their bikes, etc. He has never gone over on his minutes once.

[hibbing]

25. I don't care the age..how about consideration of others?

I am sure this has been brought up many times, but I do not
enjoy listening to other peoples inane conversations while
they talk with their phone voice two feet away from me.
Sorry, had to vent.

[friesianrider]

26. I think it's ridiculous.

Many parents here say that the "main reason" they have it if "their kids miss their bus." Umm...I missed the bus plenty of times and I never had a cell phone - I used the school's phone like every other kid who missed the bus. The school won't refuse to let your kid call home for heaven's sake nad tell them to start walking. Plus, I think it taught me to always go to an adult when I needed help, and I always did so when I was younger.

I would ask why your daughter wants the phone. Is it to call her friends or is it to call you? Either way, it is nothing that a phone card couldn't solve. When a kid starts driving or starts going out with friends who drive, then I would definitely allow it (or even give them one myself). But until then it simply isn't necessary for an 11 or 12 year old to have their own cell phone - it's just silly. A phone card would be more than sufficient. I think it prematurely gives them a sense of independence and maturity and I personally do not feel most 11 or even 12 or 13 year olds are capable of handling, and even if they do - like I said, it isn't anything a phone card or home phone couldn't accomplish.

Personally, particularly for a girl, I think it is extremely problamatic and unwise, but that's JMHO as a 22-year-old girl who got her first cellphone when she started driving.

[Xithras]

34. Phone cards don't really work around here...no payphones.

For about 10 years now, payphones have been gradually vanishing around here, and today it's reached the point where they're actually hard to find. If you're out and need to make a call without a cell, you usually have to borrow someone elses.

Oh, and she primarily wants a cell to talk to her friends. She's getting to the age where she's getting chatty with her friends and she's trying to find a way around my 20 minute limit on the phone. She's even specific about the service she wants...several of her friends have Verizon phones, so she wants one as well (unlimited free in-network calling means that she can chat all she wants for no additional charge).

As of right now, I think my answer will stay at no. I'll reconsider when she hits high school, but she's just entering middle school and really couldn't justify having one when I cornered her on it.

[necso]

27. I am personally opposed to cellphones,

and I would not (and do not) own one (although true emergency use is a tempting potential benefit); it just ain't worth it. First, I need (and want) nothing else that I have to schlep around everywhere like I'm some (and it's) lackey. Keys and wallet (with various minor deities tucked away within) are quite enough for me, thanks. I need no other object that I am forced to treat like it was some form of higher being (especially a higher being that can cause me problems if I neglect it.) Second, a cellphone is the kind of thing that people tend to overuse -- and grow dependent on. I don't need any more crap like that in my life. Third, the concept behind a cellphone is that you can (should be able to) take it almost anywhere, call out with it from almost anywhere -- and be called on it almost anywhere. Simply put, screw that. -- It's a flawed concept.

And yeah, you can turn it off, and you can filter calls and all that. But why take on making these decisions when you otherwise wouldn't have to? And if you have a cellphone, people (some anyway, and perhaps only eventually) will expect to be able to reach you anywhere and anytime (or at least in many places and at many times they otherwise would not). I find this a disturbing concept and more so since the superficiality of this kind of communication could (frequently) hardly be any greater, while it tends to isolate and distract one from the world around him.

Cellphones are slavery, and I am opposed to them, except for the grimmest necessity.


........./insanerant

Go with what the wife says... it's lots easier that way.

...But don't be too transparent about it. (And planning to lay any blame solely on the SO is generally bad planning.)

[NMMNG]

28. I find the idea silly for most kids

Unless there is a distinct safety need, the average child has no need for a cell-phone.

Most schools don't allow them in class, and there is so little time between classes that the kids wouldn't have time to make calls then. Furthermore, most of the people kids would be calling are in the location the kids are at during school hours so why would they need a cell phone then? It would only be one more thing for them to get in trouble with, break or lose/have stolen. As for needing to "call home", I went through 13 years of school and had to call home less than 10 times (not including times school personell, such as the nurse, called on my behalf).

For after school and weekends, kids typically hang out in areas where there is a home phone or a pay phone immediately available or within reasonable distance. Pay phones can be a hassle but if there is an emergency they can always call collect. A few collect calls are certainly cheaper than a monthly cell-phone bill.

I'm going to be 37 in a few weeks and I have never had a cell-phone. There have been a numerous instances where I've thought how convenient it would be if I had one, and a few where it would have been quite helpful. However none of them justify the $40 or so a month I'd have to pay for one. Perhaps if I ever get stranded on a remote road I'll change my mind but that has yet to happen.

[Heddi]

29. A 16 year old who drives--yes. An 11 year old--no

There's no feasable reason for it. Yeah, I know about the "Get in touch with mom or dad" reason, but at 11, shouldn't they kind of be under mom or dad's control for the most part anyways?

I know I was 12 before I could go to the mall BY MYSELF (oh my god!) and even that was regulated to an hour with mom sitting in the parking lot the whole time.

I can honestly say that I've never seen an 8, 9, or 10 year old with a cellphone unless it was OBVIOUSLY mom or dad's that they were using to talk while mom and/or dad were nearby.

I just don't see it as necessary for that age.

Wehn she's older, more independent, driving, doing shit like that, then yeah, I think it's necessary. At 11, though, I can't see any reason why she'd need one

[AnnitaR]

30. Check out the Firefly Mobile Phone for Kids site

http://www.fireflymobile.com/

My sister bought my niece one and they are very happy with it so far.

They weren't comfortable with her having a "real" cell phone but wanted her to have a way to reach them in an emergency situation.

[Xithras]

35. That's COOL!

I was going to say no until I saw that, but the Firefly phones are an incredibly cool idea. They can only call and recieve calls from "approved" numbers (entered by the parents with a security PIN), they have a "Mom" and "Dad" speed dial button, it's prepaid so she can cover her own bill, and I don't have to worry about inappropriate text messaging or email. I'll have to find out if the service is available here...that has all of the convenience of a cellphone without the hassles.

[sbj405]

31. I saw this one at Target the other day

The size and lack of a keypad in favor of pictures makes me think the cell phone craze is getting real young, like preschool young.

[sendero]

32. I have 3 teenaged sons..

... between the ages 12-15 (ok, the youngest is not quite a teen yet :)) They all have phones. I make them help pay for them from their allowance, and I encourage them to only use them when really needed.

These phones are for MY convenience. When I let them visit friends, go to a party, whatever - they are at my beck and call. My rule is - "if you are away from home and your cell phone is not on or you don't answer, you will lose priveleges".

I love these phones. Sure, they are too expensive to use for chatting, but as a way to be able to find out where your kid is, or for him to call home and get a ride, or whatever, they are great.

[Debbi801]

33. We just bought one for our kids to use...

Although we were against it for a long time. My kids are 10 & 12.

However, with them both playing sports and me unable to be in two places at the same time... And the fact that they'll be coming home to an empty house this school year for the first time, we figured it was time.

But, we were very cautious how we set the phone up. I did not want them to be able to make tons of phone calls each month. The way it is set up, they can call me or my husband at work, both of our cell phones, home, and their grandparents. And 911, of course. Those are the only phone numbers that can call into the phone as well.

:hi:

[terrya]

36. They shouldn't have cellphones. What the fuck for? n/t

[Debi]

37. We held out until our son was 15 and going in to high school

His school day was about to end earlier (no after school programs)and we were worried about him getting rides home and not being able to use the school phone. Also, social and sporting events were starting to get less 'mom and dad' friendly - we could still go, but our son didn't really want to be sitting with us (he could call and check in while still sitting with his friends at the game or dance or mall - you get the picture).

We knew we made the right decision when, on the way to school, my men ran out of gas. They called home on my son's cell phone and I was able to get him to school on time and get a gallon of gas for the car. Imagine what it would have been like if they hadn't had his phone with them.

He doesn't abuse it (since I get the bill I know how many calls he makes) and likes to get calls in his room instead of using the home phone (which is a bonus as now our phone line isn't tied up with teenage talking) and , again, I know what numbers are calling in and what numbers he's calling.

Now that he's a work during the summer and off with friends I know that I can call and find out where he is at all times - that's worth the extra $15.00 a month!

If your daughter is in extra curricular activities that you don't stay at or walks home from school or goes places with friends without an adult - I say a cell phone is 100% the thing to do. And if it's a problem you can always take it away (the plan we have for our son is month-to-month without a contract, he's just on our existing plan and uses our minutes. If he abuses the phone we can yank it at any time with no extra cost).

[Mutley]

38. I don't think kids really need one until they start driving.