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

Firstly, I think, it depends a lot on the parenting. Children a have different behavioral patterns, different psyche and different level of comprehension. The maturity of a kid vary from one another. Some are mature and responsible even at a young age while others are not even when they grow up! Today's world is certainly more complex and difficult that previous generations. So, I think a cell phone is a good idea. The age would depend on the maturity of the child. That's for the parents or counselors to decide for in many cases the parents get biased and fail to understand the pros and cons. Thirteen to fifteen would be a good age if things are normal. And also, I feel, the children should be provided with a phone with minimum enhancements and applications. a phone should just serve the purpose of a phone - that's it! They can always play on when at home under adults' supervision on computer. I might sound harsh but the kids must be given proper cell phone etiquette before providing them with one. But in a world where we adults are not aware and responsible how will we make the children aware! I am not in favour of cell phones to children until they are responsible enough which may vary from one another. And if I can, I would refrain fro carrying one myself. We tend to use it so irrationally! Just a while ago, a patient was ringing the doctor from outside this chamber. What a waste!

I think the right age for them is fourteen.Especially the girls.It is the age when they are in their eighth grade and like to have their own gang and like to attend the Bday parties or gettogethers in their friend's homes by themselves.I prefer them to have the cell phone at this stage with proper patrolling over the usage as it is very useful in locating your child in case of an emergency.And at this age they become intelligent and responsible enough as in my experience.

I've also seen kids here with mobile phones at the age 12-14 and mostly boys and they seems to be capable of using it, not that I know how they really use it, but once I'm in the cinema with my Husband and we're sitting next to the six childrens and when their phone rang they would pick it up and go out. I am surprised to see them in the cinema without their parents actually, but maybe that's the reason why their phones kept ringing in every few minutes. I think these ages would be fine to have their own phone with their parents guidelines.

I think is a right time when they are in colleges or universities. I've seen many students in middle school or even primary school use cellphones,they use it to play games ,chatting ,listen music and take photos,and many of this ringed at the class,yes,I can't negate there's some children just use it as a relation tool with their parents ,but most of them can't use it the right way ,it do much distraction of their study.and some school ,teachers had to collect their cellphones and give back when the weekend or the school off to make sure they are not play with the cellphones at the study times.and the parents also worried about the kids ,you see,how bad the thing is ! but when they come into the unversity,they are old enough to control their behaviors,they can have a cellphone,and it's needed.

If it is very necessary then we should give cellphones to the children otherwise not because they will more concentrate on chat with friends on cellphone not on study. we should give cellphone after the age of 18 years, but if really necessary then then it is after 16 age.

children should use cell phones only after their schooling.In school teacher should conduct an awareness class about the merits and demerits of using mobile phones.They want to know the bad effects that had happened due to the using of mobile phones.Mobile phones should strictly avoided from school premises.Not only teachers but the parents also want to take a care towards their students.

Hi! Alok! It is a good question. I believe till the kids are out from their respective schools for higher education, they should not be allowed to have cell phones. Age wise if you as, I would say till a teenager is around 17-18 years of age, he/she should not be allowed to use cell phone and even if allowed, it should be on 'need basis'. Kids as young as 12 years old cannot understand the implications of using a cell phone. It affects their health and it works as a distraction for them. These younger teens may not understand the fact that cell phone meant for them are required to be used 'on need basis' or an emergency mode of communication. Those parents who just do no bother about these facts/implications and get cell phones for their younger teenagers to show off simply play with the fire. There is every possibility that teens would misuse the same and would get distracted from their prime goal of studies.

I think children should be allowed to use cellphone when they become eighteen.They should start using cellphones when they go to junior college.If we give it to them at small age they may loose the phone or they may get addicted to it by playing games.The radiation from the phone can also harm their bodies.

Its really hard to say.As you said,many little kids that are under 12 have already got mobile phones cuz their parents think its necessary or kids want them cuz they think its cool.Well,I think children under 18 should not own a mobile phone.They can use mobile phones sometimes if necessary.Mobile phones are strictly abandoned in schools but children still take them.Mobile phones are cheap nowadays,if one is taken away by teacher,they buy another one.

Congrats on starting a great discussion. I think children should be allowed to use mobile phone when they reach their teens that is 13. Before that they are too young to need to use mobile phone.

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!

children age 12, actually can be trusted to use the phone. but with a note not to misused. better for children age 12 be trusted to use a regular phone only. mobile phone which is a facility does not have any video player facilities. that is not used for things that are not appropriate for children age 12 years, like to watch xxx films. as parents we have to give understanding to the child before the trust using a mobile phone. would give the sanction if misused.

I think there's a company that makes cells phones for kids. It only allows the kids to call four telephone numbers that are programed in the phone by an adult and the phone allows all incoming calls. I think those are a excellent tool for kids once they start going to school. It allows the parents to have a way to locate their children and the kids have a way to contact their parents or a trused adult in a emergancy. As far as a "normal" cell phone, I don't think kids should have those until they can pay for the bill or the prepaid cost of the phone itself. Its a good way to teach respocibility and repect.

Neither of my boys have cell phones but many of there friends do. I have told my 14yr old that he is not getting one until he is 16. I think that that is the age when they really start to need them. He will be driving and working at a job by then. But I think that younger than that usually isn't right. Unless you let you kids run wild why would they need one? Some people say they have them because there parent work and the kids get home first. But if I am running late and my son gets home before me he knows to stay in the house and lock the doors till I get home. There is a house phone if her need to call me so why does he need a cell? Many of these kids think it is a toy not something you need. So adults are this way to I know but cant do nothing about that lol. My son says all his friends have one so what if all your friends had the swine flu would you want it to? I always know were my kids are, and what they are doing . I always have all the kids in my neighborhood at my house and I don't allow cell phones here. All there parents know this. they all have my number, know me, and were I live.so why need cell phone? My ex bought my 14 year old one about 2 years ago. I refuse to put min on it and it has been sitting on my fridge in its case brand new since then.Heck if he wants to throw away money he can start paying child support! not buying stupid crap that our son doesn't need and that he knows I will not let him have. He knows he can call here any time and talk to our son. and our son can call him anytime he wants to. Kids an cell phones get on my nerves bad. lol OK done ranting.

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=)

I had this discussion with my sister whose daughter has had a cell phone since she was five years old which I find it completely absurd! What on earth would a five year old do with a cell phone except play with it and she can use a toy one for that! My sister and I had our girls at the same time and they are both seven now, her daughter still has her phone and my daughter keeps asking me why she can't have one to which I reply that I may consider it when she gets to High School at age 13, big emphasis on the word may. Kids have no need for a phone unless they are away from their parents for extended periods and then it should only be used for emergency (yeah... right!)

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?

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

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.

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.