Should YOUNG CHILDREN have IPOD'S or other MP3 Players??

I personally think that children should not have ipods or cell phones or things like that - since when is it acceptable to purchase such expensive items for children? Do children suddenly magicly become responsible persons at age 5 now - and if so, why didn't they come out with that magic pill when I was a kid? Because there is no magic responsibility pill, that only comes with age - so yes, I think 8 years old is way too young to have an Ipod. Sorry if I offended anyone, but I feel very strongly on this issue - my 12 year old daughter and I have been going round about her wanting a cell phone. She tried pulling the 'in case of emergency' routine and it just doesn't fly - WHERE would she ever be at 12 years old, that there wouldnt be a responsible adult AND a telephone 'in case of emergency'?

I don't think this is advisable for the children to use specially that age.they can be oriented in such matters without letting them use continually,(once in a while is ok)it has so many side effects,this a fact that nOt everybody notice nowadays; the child's sense of hearing and it's possible damages.even to the older ones it's not good to use this at all time.

I have my reservations. Do teach her how to use them sensibly and make sure she coesn't use them in the street, safety is at stake. Teach her a few manners about useage, and if she doesn't keep them TAKE IT AWAY!

In this day and age of waiting for everything and then the hustle and bustle of life the need something to relax them and take their minds off of the crazy stuff in life. I know that my son gets antsy while in the car or at the dr office and he is only 4.

It depends on if she is responsible and making good grades in school. If she does well in school and she is reponsible, then she should be able to have an Ipod. I let my daughter finally get one. She is 12. When her grades slip. I take the Ipod away. I feel it is a privilege to have it, so she should be doing her best at home and at school to be allowed to have it. If she breaks it or loses it, then she will be replacing it herself. She purchased the Ipod with money she got for Christmas. I felt soing it that way would make her appreciate it more. So far she treats it better than anything she has ever received, so I feel my decision was a goos one. I think it depends on the individual child. Not every child is ready or responsible at the same age. If your daughter is ready, then you will know that and you can decide yourself.

If you expect a child to take the same care as an adult of his or her electronics, don't. My roomie works at dispatch for repairs for Apple. Damage is not covered by the warrenty. If someone drops, falls on, washs, or otherwise damages an Ipod, it is not covered. You might want to consider getting a referbished shuffle, that way you are spending less in the first place and will then be less upset when it is broken.

I don't think it's that bad for them to have one that young. It could help them with school too or something, especially if they'd listen to audiobooks on it and study guides.

hey , lemme tell you, buying an ipod is really a nice thought! i dont have one rite now, but m also planning to buy soon..it is perfectly fine for children to be gadjet savvy! i guess the world is changing for the better..music is simply awesome for all age groups. i m young at 19 but feel it is perfectly fine to gift tht..infact i very nice gift i must say...

If the use of Ipods are monitored properly and the child understands that there is a time and place where they should use them, it is fine for them to have Ipods.

the youngers r all accostummed to ipods so no age is young for them