I have a Son and his age at the moment is 13 years old and he is in his first year of High School a Daughter which is 11 years old and in grade six and they were leaving in the Philippines with my Mother and they ask me when I will travel in the early next year on the time of her graduation together with my Son they both ask a "Cellphone". Would you think it is good to give them what they need and on What age you allow your Children to have their first Cellphone/Mobile?
[question posted by iyah10]
responses and comments:
Why is this in the movies section?? My view, and it is a very short one, is cellphones are only used when you have friends, at 11 and 13 your only friend is your mom, lol, but seriously if their friends have a cellphone then they will want one and if their friends don't have cellphones, then there is no point them having one. hope this helps Rob :) [_Robert_]
I am 10,000 miles (Kuwait) away from them it is only their Grandmother who take good care of them at this time and they both told me that it is important for them to text me through "roaming line" and to be in touch with each of them because they are in separate School already.....and posting this discussion is a human error. [iyah10]
Eventhough I don't have kid, not even a wife, in this issue I think the appropriate time to give them cellphone will totally depend on the level of necessity. I don't like to raise up issue about all expenses bear by parent, but parents must discern themselves to ensure that the advantages listed more than the disadvantages for decision making before handing over the device to their kid. What I mean is the discipline of usage on that particular cellphone by your kid. It will be worst in future if that small device could be as a disputable issue due to your kid and you, argue on misuse/abuse/misapply/pervert. Once given make sure not to take it back, a harmonious gift. [EddieAzman]
I guess you are right that i have to check on how many things are the advantages rather than the disadvantages and money it is not an issue......because I only bring for them gift if I am in my vacation time and that was once in a year. [iyah10]
there is a very big question in front all of us parents. Does a child really need a cell phone? Only you can decide what's right for your family. But clearly cell phone makers see a growing market selling peace of mind to moms and dads.When I was a kid, I always wanted to play with the gadgets that grownups had--telephones, walkie-talkies, typewriters, you name it.Things are a little different in the cell phone world.The phones are aimed at kids between 8 and 12 years old (aka "tweens"), and they give parents control over handset's incoming and outgoing calls. I you ask my personal opinion n i would not let my children to have it as medically speaking their are lots of hazards with mobile phone and why to put my children in lots or urgency of stay connected as they will be when they grow to our age let them enjoy with their toys. [linuxtrap]
Thank you very much for your response and to your opinion......... [iyah10]
Hi iyah. My eldest son got his first cellphone last year on his 10th birthday. My husband gave it to him so he can contact my son even when he is at school. Because often times, they don't have the chance to chat on the net because of the time difference. But after 2 months it was stolen from him. So I told him, he will only have his cellphone again if he knows how to handle and take care of it. And if he is responsible enough to have a cellphone. [dhangski]
Thank you for sharing those bad incident regarding with your Son's mobile/cellphone. [iyah10]
just only when a need arises... it shouuld b need based and not age based. i think thats the only way we can check its misuse, otherwise anytime misuse can start in a big manner. also he/she must b educated(mature) enough for that and the responsibility for taht is always on you [sunil_goel007in]
Thank you for your response and you are absolutely right that I have to check first if they are responsible enough on this matter...... [iyah10]
Until they reach 18, I will not be exposing them to phones, lest they get very bad habits regarding phones-I think phones are not the best things for kids really [academic2]
Thank you for your response and to your opinion...... [iyah10]
I think to have your first cellphone, the right time is college. I think this is the perfect time for them to get the device. They are adults and thus are a little more responsible. Alongwith that, let the talktime be paid by their pocket money. Then I think they will have control on their usage and take note of whatever they use. [dropofrain]
Thank you for sharing your opinion in this matter...... [iyah10]
First we must ask ourselves why our child actually needs a cell phone. The answer would most likely be that you can communicate with your child. Of course this is a reasonable answer and I do agree there are times that I need togive our daughter our cell phone, when I do this it is only to be used in emergency. Personally I don't think that they need to have one of their own at all. [BunnyxD]
When your child is physically and mentally stable and can travel and think for themselves than your child should be ready for a cell phone.The age should be about 15 years old when your child begins their first year of high school. [Harmonie]
Thank you for your response and to your opinion...... [iyah10]
hi friend, iam a child of my parents. My parents allow me to use cell phone at the age of 16. take care have a nice day. [vimaal]
Thank you fro sharing your experience and to your response as well........ [iyah10]
With todays society and all the bad things that are happening every precaution is best. They have those phones that are specifically for children I remember reading about them. Where the only numbers they can call are the few you program in them. I cant remember exactly what its called but it would be good so you could program your number and the police and a few more important numbers. To make them feel good you could program one or two of their best friends in there. To be honest My neice has a cell phone and she is only six I think that is way to young to have a cell phone. Your kids are older and they are old enough to understand that phones do cost money so if you were to get them one it would have to be for emergencies only [clntigger]
Thank you for your response and for sharing to me...... [iyah10]
Hi friend. I don't know how will I answer this if ever I'll have my own child. But as of now, my point of view is to not allow him/her to have a cellphone. Rather, I will encourage him/her to acquire his own cellphone from his/her own money. Through this, he/she will know that value of a thing and he/she will have a sense of responsibility. =) [pink_maven]
Thank you for your response and hope you would fine your Soulmate soon... [iyah10]
I believe that having a cell phone isn't necessary at young ages. As long as your kids have some loose change they can go and use a pay phone. I think that the right time for a kid to get their first cell phone is when they get a job and can pay for it every month. That'll give them some sort of responsibilites as well having to pay a bill. Slowly showing them what the real world is like. I think just giving it to them with them not at least helping with the bill is not helpful at all to the child. It might even be foolish. If you just keep on giving and not expect any help or anything in return they will expect it for the rest of their life...I know a 29 year old who is still always getting help from his mom and giving him money and whatever he wants. Preferably when I have a child I don't want to still be paying for his/her stuff at that age!! [mlhuff12]
Ah yes, with your situation it does kinda seem necessary. I guess different families have different needs. I don't have any children. But when I do I don't think that I will ever be all that far from them that'd be long distance. So if they still have pay phones by that time I might stick to what I said earlier. Though I have noticed that there are fewer and fewer pay phones around than there used to be. [mlhuff12]
I think 16 is a proper age to use cell phone. [lixiaos77]
Thank you for your response...... [iyah10]
when i was 16 nmy dad gave me a second hand cell phone then when i was in college my dad got me a brand new cel phone.. that he got me cell phone because i was in unreachable place so inorder to keep him informed regarding my safety he got me one [shana123]
Thank you for sharing shana123...... [iyah10]
I would only provide cellphone for my children if they are away from my care. An example would be if they are attending school in a far location from our home. As early as 7 Years old, they can get one provided they shoe they can use it properly.happyhappy [Muelitz]
Thank you for making me confident enough to lend a cellphone for my children for I am 10,000 miles away with my children........ [iyah10]
happyAs per indian culture I would prefer my child at age of 13 years and above, I think that is the perfect age of using mobiledrool. [twistershot]
Thank you for sharing and just now I know that it is also part of your culture to let the children at the age of 13 to have a mobile...... [iyah10]
I'm really looking forward to seeing all of the advice that this discussion will produce. I'm in a situation with my 12 year old. She so badly wants a cell phone and it all started with her friends that are given free reign to there own phones handed to them on a silver platter. From what I believe is that the kids need to prove to be responsible to handle the responsibility of having that phone. My daughter has been known to take my phone and download games...big no no no in my book. She at one point was trying to call a friend and could not remember her exact number so she was trying this one...I within 2 days got a call from a very angry woman threatening to call the police on me. Well as soon as I heard this message I called her back with sincere apologies and an explanation. She did settle down and no visits from the police. The moral of the story is the kid needs to demonstrate some sort of responsible behavior before being handed a cell phone. We did purchase walkie talkies for the girls when they are out with friends in the neighborhood. That is an alright solution. Not the best reception all of the time. [boppiedog]
Thank you for sharing your response and view in this matter...... [iyah10]
I have a son ( 12 years ) and a daughter ( 16 years ) ... My son keeps asking me , and I have promised him a cell phone when he is 14 + . I gave my daughter a cell phone when she was 14 +.. But , as you know , there are advantages and disadvantages of all inventions ...so be careful, and take care... [intimate36]
he is 12 , and he knows , that he should wait. I have given him a NOKIA set , which is in spare , and without sim card.. he play games on it..and never take it with him when , he goes out.. [intimate36]
i would let my child use a cellphone at the age of 18 to 20. cause at young age or when they are teenagers, they are just wasting money on calling their friends and sending them emails, like what a waste of good money. when they turn 18, they become more responsible. [theprince162]
Thank you for your response and sharing it with me....... [iyah10]
Hello Iyah. I understand that it is a kind of dilemma to decide when the right time or what the right age is for a child to get his or her first cellphone. But to me, it is not the time or the age that matters. It is the reason why we need to provide our child with such a stuff. As today parents are always busy and even getting busier with their work, keeping in touch with their child is a necessity. To do so, cellphone is a reliable stuff. So, for your 11 and 13 year-old kids, a cellphone is already needed for the sake of communication. [mcdamas]
Thank you for your response and sharing your thoughts....... [iyah10]
I think that you should get your children cell phones. It seems that they are reaching out to you, and both want to be able to talk with you more. I had my first cell phone at 13. I think you just need to tell them what you expect from them, and lay down the usage and rules you want to set. I think that there isn't really an age to set on getting your child a cell phone, i think that if you feel they are responsible enough then they should have one. [tlb0822]
Thank you for your response and the shared thoughts........ [iyah10]
i personally told my daughter i will get her a cell phone when shes 16. it will be a pay as you go and shes got to help keep time on it but i will buy the phone for her. in your case with your kids being so far away if you want to get them cell phones to keep in contact with you then you could always get ones that be able to contact a few people. like if you are paying for it, then you could tell them you will only pay for calls and texts sent to you and a few other that you approve of and if theres other calls on there then they will either have to pay for them calls or something like that. then at least you would still be able to have contact with them. [wolfewatcher]
you're quite welcome [wolfewatcher]
Hi Iyah,, My parents gave me a cellphone when I was at the first year of high school like your son. But I didn't find it useful. I just wasted m parents money for its balance. I think it would be better for you not to give them cellphone yet. [lizardus]
Thank you for your response..... [iyah10]
Hello iyah10, My daughter who is 13 year old also wanted a cellphone, but her mom won't let her have a cellphone yet. I think it's very early for my children to have a cellphone of their own. Aside from that, their school confiscate their cellphone and return it later after school. I see that it gives more disadvantage than advantange if my children have cellphone at early age. They might study less and text more. It's painful to the pocket if you give them load. They are more prone target for snatcher or holdapper because of their cellphone. What we do is we have an extra cellphone in the house and we just give it to them when they go out with they work on a project. The cellphone should be cheap and not high tech. I think it's good to give them a cellphone when they moved out of the house, usually in there college days. Regards. ninjaninjaninja [robert19ph]
Absolutely you were right in this matter that it is not safe for the children to have a cellphone due to those people who would snatch it from them........ [iyah10]
My little sister was the first of her friends to get a cell phone she was 13 & in Middle School (she just graduated from High School). She use to walk to school with her friends & call my mom so my mom knew she made it. Our moms a worry wart. I live in Orange County, CA and you see kids with cell phones. I think i will get my girls a phone when they are 12/13 depending on if they walk to school or are involved in sports. [hllywdprncss76]
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me for it really worry me on maybe if I would give it to them at their age it would cause harm in their School.......grade. [iyah10]
My daughter is only 11 and my mom got her a cell phone about 6 months ago.i wasn't real thrilled with her having one but I guess it does come in handy. [eachen2002]
Thank you for sharing and to your response........ [iyah10]
My wife and I have 4 kids, and at this point in time my oldest being 15 and my youngest being 10 years old, they have yet to have their own cell phone, we were considering a share phone, but my wife and I have been reconsidering it with them and who can have it. I think a level of maturity and responsibilty needs to be there, DM [damucci]
Thank you for being so honest and to your response as well...... [iyah10]
Hello iyah10, I think a cell phone is no longer a luxurious item for most people. When I was at the age of your daughter, I never dreamed of a cell phone. Not even once, I think of having it and asked my father for it. But nowadays, even a seven years old kid will have one..not only one, they sometimes have the best in town *smiles* I got my first cell phone when I was 23, using my own first salary *smiles* I think nowadays, a kid needs a cell phone, not for them to show off, but it is a necessity item. If my son knows how to use a cell phone, I will definitely buy one for him but I will make sure that I will be able to control the usage of his cell phone. I need him to have one so that I can track his daily activities *smiles* [gr8life]
You are absolutely right my friend that it is no longer a luxury but it is in needs in all of us and I am so glad to hear it from you and even to the news this morning I watched it in "Good Morning America" they even include this kind of questions and the good news is that there is mobile/cellphone already that it is safe for both ways for parents and to the child and it is not so expensive either I do hope that I could find it in here (Kuwait) so that I could buy it for my children, I want to bring it with me on my vacation time early next year possible March.......for my daughter's graduation in Elementary..... [iyah10]
Honestly I do not think there's a "right age" to allow a child to have their own cellphones. Here in the philippines, the cellular phone has become a way of life for most of us, it is difficult to find one who doesn't have a phone. I suggest you ask your mother if she thinks its ok to give cp's to your kids, since she's the one who generally takes care of them while you work she's the best one to gauge your children's maturity so to speak, if they are responsible enough to own a phone, given that there are many scammers and 'bad people' out there that is out to fool our children. Given that there are also advantages to owning a cellphone. One is that you can be sure to reach your children anytime and anywhere, and they can call/text for help if they get stranded or what have you's specially during a typhoon or something. [chaime]
Thank you for your opinion chaime and to your response as well....... [iyah10]
My daughter was 9 when she got her cellphone. It was in the summer and she was going to summer sports camp. I left her at the day camp and she used it to call and check in with me while I was at work. She has her cellphone for 2 years now and hardly used it. She does not abuse her privilege and she has been verey responsible with it. I think it is a good idea for the safety reasons. [myconos]
Thank you very much and to your opinion as well........ [iyah10]
My 10 year old son has a cellphone and so does my 11 year old step-daughter. My son rarely uses it. He calls me on it but other than that, it hardly gets used. His dad got it for him for his birthday. My step-daughter uses hers to talk to her friends and my husband. She is always texting on that thing. [moneyandgc]
Thank you very much on your response and to your opinion as well. [iyah10]
I think they should be given a cellphone when they are mature enough to understand whats the ramifications of having one. When you gave a teenager a cellphone, it may be a distraction to them and cause them to lose their focus on their studies. Am a filipino BTW, and I don't like what I am seeing, children nowadays focus too much on cellphones. They tend to use it as a device to engage in unneeded relationships with their peers. With the onset of adolescence and peer pressure giving a child a cellphone is not a good idea specially if one parent is working abroad. [thundero14]
Thank you for sharing your opinion....... [iyah10]
I bought my first cell phone myself so I was 16 years old (that's the age we can have our first student job). I think my kids can have a cell phone when they are old enough to work for it, so it will be 16. That's also the age they really can start to go out, so they can use it when it's needed. Off course my boys are almost 4 and 2,5 right now, so maybe I change my point of view over the years. have a nice day [bieke81]
Thank you for sharing and view of this matter I really appreciate with your opinion....... [iyah10]
If you feel it is something your child needs then it doesn't matter what age they are. As long as a child is ready for the responsibility of looking after a cell phone then there is no reason why age should matter. My son had a phone aged 6 but that was because he had an old one of mine as I got a new one anyway. Of course, he didn't really need one then but it began to teach him responsibility so that once I got him one of his own for his 7th birthday, he knew how to look after it and how to use it. He is only allowed to take it to his dad's or bring it out if I'm with him but these responsibilities will increase gradually until he is older. I wouldn't have done that for most 7 year olds but he has always been mature and, to be fair, I would have trusted him with a phone when he was 4. Anyway, your children are 11 and 13. They are old enough to understand the responsibilities that come with a phone. As there are so many types of phone, there is probably going to be a suitable one for your kids. All you need to do is be sure they can be trusted to look after it and find the right one for them. [pumpkinjam]
Thank you for sharing with your opinion and I am so glad that there is still a parents that has an open mind.....unto technology ...... [iyah10]
I was having this conversation with my hubby yesterday, someone he knows has a daughter of 8 and she has a mobile phone. I personally think that there is not much call for an 8 year old to have a mobile phone. My son is 8 and he asked me when he could have one and I said when you are older and you are going out with friends or to places on your own. My eldest is 16 and I think that he had his first phone when he was about 14 and he was going places with his friends. He had it so that I could keep in touch with him and know where he was. [gemini_rose]
Thank you for sharing and giving a cellphone for your 14 year old child, do u encounter some problem in the situation....... [iyah10]
Well i got my first phone when i started high school, which i think was a good idea, i think it helps you socially because your other friends will have them, and also i think when children start high school they start going out with friends more outside school so its important for that reason that you can get hold of them or vice versa if you needed to. I think when i have kids i will give them a phone when they start high school too but only on pay as you go, dont want to have a big bill each month to pay. [OConnell87]
You are absolutely right when the child would go and in into High School they will have a lot of activities as well......so having a cellphone is more helpful for better communication. [iyah10]
in my opinion, ages doesn't matter in giving our children a chance to experience owning a cell phone. we only have to consider the situation, if they will be needing it as our communication tool or it is just their way to ride on with their friends and classmates. we gave our children their cell phone to keep us connected during the time they are out of the house say in school, malls, etc. i guess for security reasons as well. happy (neildc @ red/88/1541) [neildc]
Though, in my view, it is not advisable to give cellphone to the children below at least 16-18 years age. However, in your case, as you have mentioned that you are in faraway Kuwait, you may consider giving one cellphone to your elder child, with a condition that this phone is common to both of your children and he will not bar his younger sister to use it, in case she want to be in touch with her mother, that is you. [suruchi86]
Sure, get them the cell phone but they should be able to pay the phone bills they incure. If they are unable to pay the bill then they are not old enough to have a cell phone. My daughter didn't get a cell phone until she had a job and was able to pay here share of the phone bill. [mlh8087]
Hello iyah10, this is a great question as it deals with the safety of our children and the consumer society. Firstly, I would not like my child to have a mobile phone below 10 years of age, as I do not believe that they are safe and not enough long-term studies have been done to test if they cause cancer. Children can telephone for ages and are also twice as sensitive to magnetic waves as adults, so I would therefore be wary. However, there is one benefit of the mobile as it can be used as a tracking device, so you know exactly where your child is. My second point relates to the consumer society and giving a child a mobile because everybody else has one. I am against this on principle and I would prefer if children remain children as long as possible, as I fear that the mobile or cellular phone takes them away from the home nest too soon. All the best. UMart [umart13]
I think a cell phone is a big responsability, and should be earned. So if the child does chores or is working and can help pay for the cell phone in some way then thereare many plans out there that let you controle the usage of the cell phone. So say the child mows the yard, and instead of giving the child 5.00 you add usages min. to their phone. Hope that help, lol the final decition is yours but thats my opinion. Jewel http://footwork-reviews.com [dimondj2]
I used to sell Verizon phones. Now they have phones just for kids called MIGOs the phone has four pre-programed numbers and the middle button is for an emergancy. They are really cute phones they kinda look like the head of shrek....lol Anyways so that you can control who they call and who calls them! Have fun! [phisha84]
If an adult cannot have a cell phone, then the child should not have one. I would say sixteen at the earliest, and when they have a job and can afford to pay for it each month. An eleven and thirteen year old is not responsible enough. Preferably they should wait until they are eighteen and does not matter if their friends have one. There are a lot of adults, women mostly whose husbands say no cellphones because it is a luxury and the only way they can get one behind their husband's backs. If a wife cannot get one up front and has to sneak one in the house, then a child should not get one until he or she has a part time job. [suspenseful]
My daughter is very young so I have awhile before I need to worry about this. I would imagine sometime in late middle school to early high school. I don't think she'll have her own plan, but they do sell specific phones that allow them to call 4 or 5 numbers that you choose. 911 Mom Dad.... etc The phone also allows all incoming calls. [jmarquis]
my view is that can give children mobile phones,after all.are fast approaching the adults,they also have their own ideas,to facilitate communocation,on the other hand it is the internet age,children should be early exposure to these things! [seety2008]
When they are mentally mature then you should give them a cell phone.They should definitely be in their teenage years. [Harmonie]
I got my first cellphone when I was 12 years old,the effect is not bad. [Kirschwarm]
My daughter is ten and she is wanting a cell phone. I told her no because she is just not responsible enough. I really dont know what age would be suitable because for me its maturity. My kids have to be mature enough to have one and I think its varies in each child. [snoopy04]
When by children where young there was no cell phones. But now my grandkids have cell phones. the youngest one that has one is 8 years old.Her brother that is 10 also has one. [babystar1]
Cellphones can be problems. Here in the USA they have a special kind for kids that calls Mom or Dad and receives calls, that's it. That is where I would start. I would like to give my daughter such a phone and she's only 5. [DaddyOfTheRose]
Well, I got my cell phone when i was 12. Though, it's not a need at this age but it becomes necessity if most of our friends get the same thing at the same age. My friends used to tease me, So my parents got me one. So I don't think if there is any harm to let your wards operating cell at the age of 11-12. :P It will make 'em happier infact. [vampiria]
Hello my dear iyah10 Ji, It is very much harmful to all, children under no circusatnces be given have a nice time. [chintoo07]
Hi iyah, I guess 13 and 11 years old are fine to have cellphones...It helps them too in communicating with their classmates for school stuff and all as long as you will also set limitations as to how much load they will only consume in a week or month! I have seen even 7 or 8 years old having phone and I don't see any problem! As long as parents are there always to guide and monitor them! [checapricorn]
It seems that everyone is getting cellphones earlier and earlier. I do think it is good for them to have if their ride doesn't come or something happens they can always be able to get in touch with someone as long as they know that on some plans text messages cost more then on others. My cousin charged up his parents cellphone bill b/c he didn't know that text messages cost more. [mflower2053]
Cellphone is very necessary now adays.But it all depend on the parents if they will allow their children to have one.I have only one child.She is 13 years old now.But she already have a cellphone when she was 9 years old.Well, i don't know but i just feel she needed it so that i could get in contact with her.Sometimes i miss her even shes in school so i told her to call me or send me a text message if they are on break.And sometimes also, she left something that she needed in school so its just easy for her to call me and bring the stuff to her school.I really think it is very advantageous for her. [msedge]
I think both of their ages are too young to have a cell phone. I wouldn't get them one. My advice since I used to work for a cell phone company many parents called in about high cell phone usage from giving their young teen ager a cell phone. I'd advise to maybe give them a prepaid phone. So that they only have a certain amount of mins and after they have run out then they will no longer be able to use the cell phone. [trisha_nava82]
I use one word and that is responsibility to determine when a child can have certain things. My daughter got hr first cellphone at age 9 - yep. Why? Because she showed she was responsible enough to have one. She is age 11 now and stil got that cell phone, she never once ran up the bill but always was responsible as to the cost. [gtdonna]
I myself was shocked to hear my fellow high school class mate of THEN had received a cell phone for her birthday, she had turned 15 at the time. And what was she doing with this responsible learning device? surfing the radio stations during class, loud and clear for all to hear, not giving a crap, but thinking she was the shizniz, granted back then she was, but looking back I have to shake my head. Cellphones? not until they can afford it theirselves and pay the bills theirselves all by theirself, OR....what I think she be the prime alternative, a pager, and make sure they either have a quarter on them always, or tell them to use call collect. [candymarie]
Most of the school going children in our country are having the mobiles.. now that it had become a part of the life.. and even parents find no problems in offering one for their children..as there are lots of cheap and low cost mobile available. As you know, every thing has the good and bad utility and so the mobile also.. and hence it all depends on how economically we use.. and to what purpose we use for. [saivenkaat802003]
I made both of my children wait until they were 13 to get a cell phone of their own. My daughter was easiest because she wasn't even thinking about cell phones when she got hers. My son, on the other hand, starting begging for a cell phone once she got hers. He had my father talked into getting him a cell phone, but then I put a stop to that. He waited until he was 13 even though he thought he would die first. It was the best age choice for my children, but developmentally, it might not be the same for other children. [michelyn]
I don't think kids should have a cellphone unless they are at the age where they are responsible enough to use it and take care of it. I know my nephew is 11, and he has one, he even takes it to school, he said all his friends at school have one, and even younger kids do, his little brother has one and he's only 8. I would say it is good to give them what they need, as long as they can be responsible, not run the bill up real high, things like that. [walijo2008]