Comments on: Cell Phones for Kids – How Young is Too Young?

By: toothpickgurl

toothpickgurl — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:32:59 +0000

I got a cell phone when I turned 15, and that was because I was learning to drive and would be getting my license soon. The main reason I got my phone was to keep in touch with my parents when I needed a ride home or to let them know where I was. Once I got my license, it was to be used in case of emergencies and to let my parents know I got to my destination. I really see no reason for children younger than 14 to have cell phones. As far as students calling parents after games and school activities to be picked up, the schools around here will let them use the school phone to call home. There is no need for younger children to have cell phones. There is too much of a chance for them to get in trouble, let their friends use it, access expensive things such as the internet, and texting too much.
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By: Calimecita

Calimecita — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:30:59 +0000

In general, I’d say that for any child less than 10 years old (or in general, the age when they start to go out by themselves or with child friends) a cell phone is not necessary.
The only reason a child (less than 13-14 yo) should use a cell phone is to stay in touch with his/her parents, if there are no other means of communication, and the parents should really monitor how the phone is used.
I’ve seen the kind of messages that kids read and pass on, and I don’t think it’s safe for them – the younger kids are not aware of possible dangers, and the preadolescents, who know a bit more, think that the "bad things" will never happen to them.

Of course in the case of teenagers who go out on their own, cell phones are really useful, but 4 years old? I wonder if that baby goes out shopping by herself, LOL.

Also, there’s another aspect to the whole cell phone market that I dislike: at least where I live, the kids compete to see who has the coolest/newest cell phone, with the most features – things they don’t need at all. Some parents spend lots of money on equipment that is not designed for the kids to play, and which ends up broken or lost, only for them to ask for a new/better one. All they are doing is fostering their children’s consumerism from a very young age.
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By: ▒Яenée▒

▒Яenée▒ — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:28:59 +0000

I got my kids one around 10ish. When my son went outside and I couldn't find him all I had to do was call him. It was me wanting them to have one cause it made my life easier in ways. Really they don't use them for anything other then getting touch with family. They aren't into texting and all that yet..
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By: Fanny

Fanny — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:26:59 +0000

I think they have to be old enough keep up with it and not let it lost or broken, and I think they have to be able to pay for it them self.
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By: Bird is the word♥

Bird is the word♥ — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:24:59 +0000

My sister got her cell phone when she was 9 and now shes 10. I got my first cell phone when I was 13. I think under age 12 is too young. My sister gets texts like, "Emily was raped if you dont pass this on....." She dosent even know what raped means.
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By: tayshay

tayshay — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:22:59 +0000

I think anything under 13 is too young
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By: Daniella

Daniella — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:20:59 +0000

Until you are sophomore in high school, you don't need a cell
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By: bizzle

bizzle — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:18:59 +0000

anything age below 10 is bad. the right age should be 12+ i didn't get one tell 14
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By: 【яαvεя's ƒαŋтαsy✲】Yαп 大王 fan

【яαvεя's ƒαŋтαsy✲】Yαп 大王 fan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:16:59 +0000

12 or under is too young.
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By: Vanilla Chai Tea

Vanilla Chai Tea — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:14:59 +0000

I don’t believe kids under high school age need cell phones.

I don’t really see why ANYONE really needs one; we all existed fine without them, but I wouldn’t get one for a kid under high school age. [14 or 15]
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