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

I think you need to question why you son would need a cell phone. Is there really a call that he couldn't make at home? I really don't think that cell phones should be used for anything more than emergency use. Cell phones are really getting out of hand now. They have music, pictures, and even video. A bit too much I think.

I think as long as it's a phone they use to only call parents and 911 when needed that's fine. It helps teach responsibilities. But when I see kids with one of those new razor phones and what not I think they aren't old enough for them. I didn't get my first cell until I graduated high school, and then I helped pay the phone bill.

I don't think there is anything wrong with that. We're planning on getting our daughter a cell phone when she starts pre-school. You never know when they're going to need help and that cell phone will come in handy if you ask me. I think any age would be appropriate to get your child a cell phone for safety reasons.

I have seen those phones!!! I think those phones are great if you are using it for your kids but want to control who they are calling. I think the only bad thing is, anyone can call them. My kids share a cell phone. Which is important to us because if they have a game to go to or if they are going to a friend's house, I want them to be able to call me anytime and vice versa. Their not home...you know they have no excuse saying that they could call!

I think the age where you start to leave them alone some, like going to the movie with other kids or sports events and you go back to pick them up later. If you can afford one, I have bought my son a cheap prepaid phone that all you have to buy is $20.00 every 90 days. This way it doesn't get out of hand.

i think 11 y/o is fine. if you can get a prepaid cellphone (use of cards to load credits), that'll be economical. tell your son to be very careful in using up credits. use the phone for important calls and text messages only. it also helps your son to develop good sense of responsibility. my sister gave her son a cellphone when he was 11 y/o (he's now 13.) and no problems arose so far about it.

cell phones are made for adults not children unless you are talking about the toy cell phone

I don't see anything wrong with that. Especially if its made for a child and he cn't run up the bill. It could come in handy in case of an emergency.

I feel that it's way too early for an 11 year old to have a cellphone because he's still studying right,it may cause distractions sometimes.I had my first cellphone when I was 17 and its on prepaid plan.But what you've posted, the phone he has is for emergency use, well it's fine in case he has someone to call when he badly needs it.

I think the phone he has sounds perfect. I wouldn't want my kid talking all night/day on the cellphone. It sounds like you have it set up for emergencies - I think that's a great idea. Especially if you have a kid involved in activities where they have to call you to pick them up.

17 is the appropriate age for a child to have a cell phone. that is the child should have finish schooling,perhaps u can present a phone on thier first day of coll.

My 6 and 7 year old step daughters both have cell phones

cell does not have any age bar..it should be used when it is really necessary..

This type of phone is fine but the actual phones shouldnt be given before 16 years of age as it affects studies a lot and helps him/her getting involved in time wasting activity.!!

From one point of view cell phones are necessary toa child as with one they are readyu to avoid danger or warn the parents for immediate danger. But I would prefer special call button that doctors have or the securities are giving. The damage made by a cellphone to child's brain is HUGE. Don't even dream to give your child a cellphone again.

after 18

my nephew has one of those cell phones that has like 6 buttons. one is 911 and one is home. the other 4 keys, he can program a number, like his mother's cell number, dad's work number. the nice thing about it, he can't call someone that isn't programed on his buttons, but people can call him. he is 7 years old. that type of phone is a good idea for younger kids.

I think 16 is a good age

come on now!!!!who are the ppl who are saying that an 11 years old kid can not have a cell?the cell's are for everyone.my lil gf was 9 years old when he had cell phone.the cell wore not made only for the adults.the cell's are for anyone so they can use them for what they need and for the kids to call theyr parents for emergencyes...its strange that are ppl how are thinking that cells are bad for the kids.so..i understand that your son's cell phone has been changed so he can not add in it phone numebrs and stuff..you shouldent do that...its not bad for him to have a cell...think about it...cells are ok.you just have to make him understand that he wont be able to use it when he is in the class....this is my oppinion

i think teenagers must have mobiles with them this is the rite age for them and before tht its use less for them