How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

Just a general question, Say your nephew got a i phone for his 12th birthday.. Do you think that is to young to pay for your own phone at that age, Like doing chores around the house, Or helping other family members with chores??? Like i said this is a general question.Thanks

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

IMO if the child is old enough to have a phone, then they are old enough to pay for it.

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

i know some parents want kids to have a cell phone so they could reach them. they don't need a fancy phone. payment should be good grades and helping around the house

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

It depends. I will buy my kids phones and things, but if it is for something, like birthday, holiday, honor roll. They pay if they are careless and break it or they randomly want something.

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

I think kids today get phones, laptops, etc at entirely too young of ages. So IMO they need to be responsible in order to deserve something like that. I get that it's easier to keep track of your kid when they have a cell phone, but our parents did without them. A pre-paid or the basic of basic can fulfill this need - no need for kids to have expensive fancy phones. So my kids will not necessarily have to pay for their phone, but they will have to earn it and demonstrate responsibility. If they lose or break it, tough luck.

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

I think it entirely depends on the child and the situation. I mean, if Ava turns 14, let's say, and I want her to have a cell phone so I can get in touch with her, then I would pay for that. But if she abuses it and jacks up the bill, she'll have to pay for that. I plan to give her an allowance and teach her to save her money for things she wants at a fairly young age.

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Message edited 3/4/2010 7:28:55 PM.

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

IMO 12 is too young for a phone. Then again, I think 22 is too young for something as snazzy as an iphone. I think a person should work for such luxuries... I don't mean do chores, I mean get a paycheck and pay the entire monthly bill.

that being said, when a teen is old enough for a simple cell (with texting disabled!!!), they should contribute towards the bill... with actual currency... baby sitting money, allowance they earned for doing yardwork....

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

Message edited 11/29/2011 7:05:58 PM.

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

Pay for their phone...Im not sure really. My girls are only 10...and my 15 year old doesnt have a phone.

BUT...I do plan on taking their phone bills into account when it comes time to give them a set allowance etc...

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

I do not think that children should have phones till at least 16 and then for emergencies only. I surived without a cellphone. I know there are not that many pay phones anymore so that is why I would probably let my children use my cell when they go out and then they can call me if they need to but there is no way they would have their own.

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

If my kid wants a cell phone - at whatever age - he's going to have to pay for it. I might cover the initial investment but he'd have to pay for the service/plan.

But.. *I* don't have a cell phone for myself so my ideas may be a little skewed!

I think - at 12 - he should be doing chores around the house ANYWAY - phone or not. My guys have been chipping in doing what they were able since they were toddlers.

ETA: I reserve the right to change my mind on this topic when my kids actually get to 12!
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Message edited 6/17/2009 5:58:36 AM.

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

I think they should be for their phone when they get it.

Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

Posted by rojerono


ETA: I reserve the right to change my mind on this topic when my kids actually get to 12!
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Re: How old do you think kids should start paying for their phone, toys,etc

i am confused - you said this was a birthday gift? then why should he have to pay for it?

if the child wants a phone, and the parents says okay but you have to do chores to pay for it, or save your $$, then fine (i don't know what age i feel that is appropriate for, i'll wait until i've come to that bridge before driving off )

however if the parents decide to give it as a gift, then i don't see why the child should be expected to pay for it, unless it was a prior agreement between the kid and parents (ie. we'll buy you the phone for your birthday but you have to contribute to the plan).