How young is too young to give a child a cellphone?

tickle · Nov 30, 2011, 05:22 AM

When they are old enough to be taught the value of a dollar and understand how fast it can go when spent unwisely.

Fr_Chuck · Nov 30, 2011, 06:17 AM

With so many choices of unlimited minutes for 30 to 40 dollars a month, I don't understand why anyone is still paying for minutes personally.

I gave my son one at 10 for various reasons.

J_9 · Nov 30, 2011, 06:24 AM

I don't think there is an appropriate or inappropriate age, personally. I think it is the parent's choice depending on familial circumstances and the maturity level of the child in question.

Aurora_Bell · Nov 30, 2011, 08:17 AM

I worked for a large American cell phone company, you would not believe the phone calls I would get requesting their phones be marked lost or stollen due to their 7 year old losing the phone. A lot of parents didn't realize, 2 year contract, is just that...a 2 year contract. Just because your 7 year old lost the phone, doesn't mean the contract goes away. I think it really depends on each individual. Kids are maturing at a way faster rate than the kids my age when I was 7-12. I think now a days, having a cell phone might be the only way you can keep contact with your kids.

gallowraven · Dec 4, 2011, 05:05 AM

I don't think there is a specific age for this. when deciding whether or not to give your kid a cell phone, you should take some things into consideration. when the child is in school there is no need for it, since you can get a hold of them through the schools phones, and they can get a hold of you. you have to determine whether or not there is a legitimate need for a cell phone. such as a first time driver, a cell phone for emergencies would be a good thing. as a parent, it might be wise to give a cellphone to your kid, if you are away a lot. but the child in question also needs to understand the purpose of the cell phone, and be mature enough not to abuse it.

DaniCalifornia · Dec 9, 2011, 09:16 AM

I got mine at 12. I feel that's fair. It meant I had already been in senior school for a few months and seen everyone else with phones so had something to look forward to getting, but was also old enough to deserve/need one.

X Dani

DoulaLC · Dec 9, 2011, 02:41 PM

Hmmm, I just confiscated an iPhone off a six year old in my class yesterday.

Dani....UK is usually far and above the US in cell phones that are available. US generally tends to see the same ones a bit later, although the gap is somewhat shrinking. Some really nice package deals over the years too! Hubby received a free little tv with one of his years back.

DaniCalifornia · Dec 9, 2011, 03:32 PM

Oooh, I didn't know that! Thought the USA were miles ahead. You get movies first, after all! xD

X Dani

nygypsy1 · Jan 17, 2012, 04:32 PM

10 and is to yong

How young is too young to give a child a cellphone?

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