At what age should children be allowed to have and use cellphones?

That’s a tough question…kids lives could be saved just by having their own cell you know? Also, it’s expensive and what does a nine year old need with a cell phone so badly anyway? What’s the worst that could happen though…times are changing and they are going to have to adapt sooner than we are had to just because they will be exposed to it. So what if they talk to their friends on it too much. Now parents have one more thing to use to ground them with ha. It is more responsibility for them so maybe it will teach them to use their tie more wisely and maybe keep up with minutes and texts if they have to…maybe it will be crazy trying to remind them not to mess with them in school and having cello phone ringing in class all the time. My goodness, I wasn’t even allowed to chew gum until junior high haha what is happening here?

I like the idea of children having cell phones with restrictions. There are many families that are getting rid of their landline phones in order to save money and just keep their cell phone plans. In this instance I think I child should have a cell phone at the age they can use them correctly. I dont agree with them having a text message plan or unlimited acces to the internet or ringtone downloads. I am 24 and I got my first cell phone when I was 18. Tha tis when they were first getting popular and the reason I got one was becuse I was going off to college. With the way that the world relies on technology I think it is a good thing for children to have cell phones and computers and technology young so that they understand it. But Even if my kids were in high school, they would need to leave their phones in a family area at night when they go to bed, so then that way I knew they weren't up there talkin or texting or anything like that all day. They are important for development and think its good for them to have at any age as long as their are restrictions on them.

as long as the children knows how to use the cellphone its ok. just always remind them not to reply or give message to anyone they dont know or to any strangers to avoid kidnapping or whatever bad things that could happen because of text

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Hi,Well I'm only sixteen but I know that most kids that are 12 years old just use their phone to show of.They are not responsible with it, they will give their number to everybody.Even now, during class i know people who send me a message when we are in the same class room! Lol So really I think it depends of the person some kids only use their phone for emergency use, or to keep in touche with parents and family if something happens (late bus,...).
I think that part of it is up to the parents to teach their children about all this .
Jess=)

When they show me they can be trusted with it and not to make millions of texts, phone calls, ect. but no I don't think it will be at 12. I'm 25 and I only recently got a cell phone. I think children these days are far too spoiled. I didn't get anything growing up, least of all a cell phone. I was lucky to talk to my friends on the regular land line!! Did you hear about the girl that her parents bought her a cell phone and they did not have text messaging, and she texted anyway? the bill was over $5,000. The father smashed the phone with a hammer. That would be me. So I guess it depends on the maturity of the child, the parents beliefs, values, ect. There is alot to consider.

I am not sure. But, I do know that I think elementary kids should not have a cell phone. I think that is entirely too young. My girls didn't get a cell phone until they were 20 and my son was 17.

Hi Alok, what is 99 doing with your username, sorry asked because I was just curious if 1999 is your birth year.

I will not give them a cellphone unless they are 15 years old. At this age they can understand the value of having cellphone. The most important thing for them is to understand that this is not a toy but an electronic gadget!

I think it depends on the kid, himself. As long as he will use the cellphone, for what it's purpose, then, there's no problem with that, no matter what age he is.

I never had a cellphone till the age of 15.I think 10th or 12th grade is ideal to have a cellphone.