There should be a need for them to have a cell phone, like going to and from school by themselves. There are too many ways to communicate for kids to walk around with cell phones just to chat. Not to mention the additional cost to parents.
My sister in law created our cell monsters several years ago. I don't have the answer to that ? I agree with Mr. Knowles. What I do know is that once it starts, it's a snowball effect. They both think they shoud be upgraded anually to the latest technology. Excuse me, you're both in high school. smh
I got my daughter a cell phone when she got her first job working for the Summer Youth program. Despite my instructions, she ran up a $600 bill. I took EVERY SINGLE CHECK SHE GOT that Summer to pay that bill. Needless to say, lesson learned. She learned how to work her cell phone where she has hundreds of calls, but no charges.
I grew up with no telephone at all much of the time and a 5 household party Line the rest of the time. So, I vote for "when they're old enough to pay the bill" or younger, if needed for the parents to relax (programmed to call only a few numbers.)
My coworker got her 8 year old a phone. I thought it was ridiculous and asked her why? She said in case he needs to call her. From where?!...his bedroom, the backseat of her car,or maybe across the dinner table! I don't get it.
When they can pay the bills: they can buy a pay-as-you-go plan but there still should be a limit to the gimmicks on the phone (data), so the kid learns to save something
My now 16 year old has had a cellphone since she was 7...She's in boarding school and to me it my direcct contact to here instead of having to have to go thru the doem system to get in touch with her.
We decided around grade 5, mostly for us. When they take the late, or late, late school bus home, they can call us to let us know when they´ll be dropped. Also helps with shopping in big places...i.e., they can look at stuff in toy game stores while we get other stuff done, and stay connected. I think it depends on where you live...but I can say in a city, it´s helpful once they are ready for some independent transport.
My 20 year old got one when she was 10 and now my 11 AND 10 year old have one a piece, my 11 year old got hers when she was 8 due to her being involved in competitive cheerleading, was out of town alot. I just feel if I need to reach them I can. Never have had any problems with overages etc.
Hmmm... not really sure. I'm all over the place on this one. My first thought is that they should get it when they can contribute to the bill, and have demonstrated that they are mature enough to handle the phone responsibly (appropriate ...usage, no overages, not using in school or a restaurant). Then there is the theory that they should have it in case of emergencies. To that I said, "How did we reach our parents?" Then I realized that we used pay phones which are virtually non-existent. Think about it... when was the last time you saw a pay phone? Does anyone know how much they even cost now? So, I'm back to being torn on this issue. I do know that I don't want them to grow up thinking that they have to be immediately available and responsive to everyone at all times. Whatever I decide, enstilling in them the importance of living in the moment and appropriate use is the key
I would say no sooner than high school. Jorie would more than likely have more activities to go to that I may or may not be able to take her to all the time. I would need to know where she is at all times. Of course, there will be limitations and lots of responsibility. Any sooner than that, she better be with me or another responsible adult that she will not need a phone.
I am open to having two lines on my phone and sharing the phone with her. That way I can monitor her phone usage more carefully. That might get on my nerves but prior to high school she does not need to be on the phone at every single moment. That is why I am against DVD/TVs in cars when you are just driving around town and not going long distances. Kids need to know how to utilize their time better and be without all the noises. Technology overload.
I grew up with no telephone at all much of the time and a 5 household party Line the rest of the time. So, I vote for "when they're old enough to pay the bill" or younger, if needed for the parents to relax (programmed to call only a few numbers.)
My sister in law created our cell monsters several years ago. I don't have the answer to that ? I agree with Mr. Knowles. What I do know is that once it starts, it's a snowball effect. They both think they shoud be upgraded anually to the latest technology. Excuse me, you're both in high school. smh
whenever they show responsibility.
ReplyDeleteThere should be a need for them to have a cell phone, like going to and from school by themselves. There are too many ways to communicate for kids to walk around with cell phones just to chat. Not to mention the additional cost to parents.
ReplyDeleteMy sister in law created our cell monsters several years ago. I don't have the answer to that ? I agree with Mr. Knowles. What I do know is that once it starts, it's a snowball effect. They both think they shoud be upgraded anually to the latest technology. Excuse me, you're both in high school. smh
ReplyDeleteI always felt that a person should get a cell phone when they can pay the bill.
ReplyDeleteI got my daughter a cell phone when she got her first job working for the Summer Youth program. Despite my instructions, she ran up a $600 bill. I took EVERY SINGLE CHECK SHE GOT that Summer to pay that bill. Needless to say, lesson learned. She learned how to work her cell phone where she has hundreds of calls, but no charges.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with no telephone at all much of the time and a 5 household party Line the rest of the time. So, I vote for "when they're old enough to pay the bill" or younger, if needed for the parents to relax (programmed to call only a few numbers.)
ReplyDeleteMy coworker got her 8 year old a phone. I thought it was ridiculous and asked her why? She said in case he needs to call her. From where?!...his bedroom, the backseat of her car,or maybe across the dinner table! I don't get it.
ReplyDeleteWhen they can drive they can talk.
ReplyDeleteWhen they can pay the bills: they can buy a pay-as-you-go plan but there still should be a limit to the gimmicks on the phone (data), so the kid learns to save something
ReplyDeleteKids should get them when they turn sixteen.
ReplyDeleteWhen they get a job!!!
ReplyDeleteMy now 16 year old has had a cellphone since she was 7...She's in boarding school and to me it my direcct contact to here instead of having to have to go thru the doem system to get in touch with her.
ReplyDeleteIt's complicated
ReplyDeleteYes, very complicated...
ReplyDeleteWe decided around grade 5, mostly for us. When they take the late, or late, late school bus home, they can call us to let us know when they´ll be dropped. Also helps with shopping in big places...i.e., they can look at stuff in toy game stores while we get other stuff done, and stay connected. I think it depends on where you live...but I can say in a city, it´s helpful once they are ready for some independent transport.
ReplyDeleteWhen they can pay for it…just kidding! I think around 12 is good. By that time, they are home alone kids so a cell phone is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteHarris, you have hit on something big....Great topic, bro.
ReplyDeleteMy 20 year old got one when she was 10 and now my 11 AND 10 year old have one a piece, my 11 year old got hers when she was 8 due to her being involved in competitive cheerleading, was out of town alot. I just feel if I need to reach them I can. Never have had any problems with overages etc.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... not really sure. I'm all over the place on this one. My first thought is that they should get it when they can contribute to the bill, and have demonstrated that they are mature enough to handle the phone responsibly (appropriate ...usage, no overages, not using in school or a restaurant). Then there is the theory that they should have it in case of emergencies. To that I said, "How did we reach our parents?" Then I realized that we used pay phones which are virtually non-existent. Think about it... when was the last time you saw a pay phone? Does anyone know how much they even cost now? So, I'm back to being torn on this issue. I do know that I don't want them to grow up thinking that they have to be immediately available and responsive to everyone at all times. Whatever I decide, enstilling in them the importance of living in the moment and appropriate use is the key
ReplyDelete@ YuKima-- Welcome to the club, good luck on that one
ReplyDeleteI would say no sooner than high school. Jorie would more than likely have more activities to go to that I may or may not be able to take her to all the time. I would need to know where she is at all times. Of course, there will be limitations and lots of responsibility. Any sooner than that, she better be with me or another responsible adult that she will not need a phone.
ReplyDeleteI am open to having two lines on my phone and sharing the phone with her. That way I can monitor her phone usage more carefully. That might get on my nerves but prior to high school she does not need to be on the phone at every single moment. That is why I am against DVD/TVs in cars when you are just driving around town and not going long distances. Kids need to know how to utilize their time better and be without all the noises. Technology overload.
@ YuKima-- Welcome to the club, good luck on that one
ReplyDeleteWhen they get a job!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen they can drive they can talk.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with no telephone at all much of the time and a 5 household party Line the rest of the time. So, I vote for "when they're old enough to pay the bill" or younger, if needed for the parents to relax (programmed to call only a few numbers.)
ReplyDeleteMy sister in law created our cell monsters several years ago. I don't have the answer to that ? I agree with Mr. Knowles. What I do know is that once it starts, it's a snowball effect. They both think they shoud be upgraded anually to the latest technology. Excuse me, you're both in high school. smh
ReplyDelete