At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I just recently started working part time as a kindergarten aide. While the teacher was teaching a lesson this morning, a cell phone started to ring. One of the students (5 years old) apparently has a cell phone and has been bringing it to school everyday. The phone happened to be ringing because somebody dialed this child's number as a wrong number.

The teacher (and I) were shocked. A meeting has already been set up with this child's mother.

I can't understand a parent giving a kindergartener a cell phone. My oldest child is in 5th grade and I still will not get her one. I really don't see the need while she is still in elementary school . This is to her dismay because I guess it is "cool" to have one and be seen with one. Some of her friends have had them as early as 2nd grade. Next year when she is in middle school I will consider it.

At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have one?

Message edited 11/8/2007 3:11:24 PM.

Re: What is the appropriate age a child could have a cell phone?

when their pay can cover the bill

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I think High School age is ok. I would love to know who a child in is Kindergarten is calling.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

We told the twins that we would entertain cell phones when they go into middle school..which is grade 6.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

My kids will have cell phones when they start doing things after school (sports etc) and such on their own... however the phone is ONLY going to be for calling home

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

When they are in HS or have a PT job to help pay the bill.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Message edited 5/22/2010 10:13:21 AM.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I think that when they start driving is a good time. It would have been nice to have a cell when I ran out of gas at 17 in the middle of the backwoods of TN.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I think it depends. As other posters have pointed out, for a child with a medical condition a cell phone could be a lifeline. For a child without any special needs however, when they can pay for it seems appropriate.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

It depends on the maturity level for me. I think the only phone I'd get is one that can only a few numbers.

I do like the idea of the GPS tracking but I'm not sure if I want to be that overbearing yet.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

5 years old??? I dont think anyone should need a phone until they start driving, and even then they can be misused, causing an accident. But in case of emergency, I think that would be a good age!

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I personally think it all depends on child. My dh bought his dd a cell phone and she is 11 (he bought it when she was 10 but it was an early b-day present). I do not see a problem with it, she is in jr. high, her mom allows her to go down the block to her friends house therefore she is always reachable and her dad can call her when he wants. Also my ds has one he's turing 10 at first I wanted to wait until he went to jr. high but things change and I like that he has one because I also let him go around the block to his friends and when he's at his dads I can call him with out always calling his dad or he can call me when ever he needs to. But I do NOT let him bring it to school.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I am out of the norm on this I guess. While I think 5 is too young for a phone, I will probably be getting my daughter one at 7 or 8. I want her to always be able to get me or DH at any given moment, no matter where we are. There are so many bad things happening these days in schools, even in elementary schools, that I would want her to be able to get us if she needs us and can't get to the office for some reason.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I think 5 is way too young. I also think it depends on the child. I'll probably get DC something like

http://www.wherify.com/wherifone/kids.html?page=kids


GPS locator to see where DC is, and where they've been, plus a parental controlled list of phone numbers.

or

http://www.fireflymobile.com/glowphone/



It has a PIN protected phone list. Parental control of incoming and outgoing calls. With something like this, they can't call any random kid (or adult) they want.

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I understand times are different now, but schools still have landline phones...if they have to call home then do like we did back then before cell phone existed..
I think we are becoming way too dependant on cell phones and for a child at any age still in school to need to have one is crazy..JMHO

Re: At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone?

I agree with alot of the above points! I will most likely take all of them in to account when DS asks for one! I was a latch key kid with no cell phone, but I had to call my parents the minute I got in the door, if they hadn't called me before that! I was fine, but the world has changed a bit sinced I was in middle school. But kindergarden is to young. Right now, I'd go with 7 th or 8th grade for me to entertain the idea!