What age should a 'kid' get a cell phone?

My son got a cell phone when he started working, it was pre-paid and he has to add the minutes to keep it going. My daughter wants a phone, I let her know when she starts working, she can get one. I will not let them get a plan, because I hear the horror stories of the $500.00 phone bill because of the down loads.
My son is almost 18 now, and after having a pre-paid phone for over two years he is ready for a regular phone plan, he has been looking for one that will be less than adding minutes to his phone.
Kids do not need cell phones, when the drive and go to work it is fine, but they do not need them in school or while out playing. I see kids as young as 7 with cell phons, and it is just a status symbol for them.

well, my dad and mom gave me one yesterday.although it goes against my protest.well, i hate to talk on the phone so i just use it for emergencies and to see what time it is.

Tamara24 wrote:

What did we all do before cell phones?
Before Internet?
Before Text Messaging?
Before Ipods?
Before Palm Pilots?
Before Balcberries?

played Monopoly and Risk,:D

When they can pay the bill!!!!!!!!!!

Make it simple...... indulge in only what you can afford.......... duh?

That is something for a parent to decide as each kid is different and has different needs.

YOUR 9 I agree with your mother im 12 and dont have one so do not complain Okay i should be the one complaining GET ONE WHEN YOU ARE 12

What age should a 'kid' get a cell phone?

When the kid can get a job to pay for it! Kid gets a job. Kid gets a cell phone. Got a job? Get a cell phone. No job. No cell phone. Job=cell phone.

Capn Greg wrote:

When they can pay the bill!!!!!!!!!!
Make it simple...... indulge in only what you can afford.......... duh?

Geez I am glad I can afford to indulge mine because they are worth it, and earn it.

i gave my child a cell phone when she turned 14. I found it very useful actually. She never abused the privelage of it, and never broke it. She would pay for her own texing, picture messaging, ect. Knowing where my daughter was all the time came in handy, and it made my life a little easier. I would say get one for your child when they are out and about and doing their own thing.

It all depends on how mature your child is as well as the feeling of trust you have with them. There is no "right" age, only a good parent can decide when the child and parent are ready. If the child abuses the privilige, then it must be taken away. Too many parents forget that parenting is a job and they must bestow consequences for their childs actions.

Harley-Honey wrote:

<quoted text>
Geez I am glad I can afford to indulge mine because they are worth it, and earn it.

congrats.........

My Dad isnt getting me one tillI grduate 8Th grade, but my mom says other wise

I was 9 when I got mine! I think that is a reasonable age!

Look I think in the age area of 9-15! If your kid does not have one a that time they need one!

Legions of kids got along just fine without cell phones for thousands of years. No kid "should" get a phone just like no kid "should" get a car. If they're working, fine, let them go buy it.

Jeezus, polls like this reiterate how much we have turned into a bunch of spoiled brats in this country.

meg345ti wrote:

i gave my child a cell phone when she turned 14. I found it very useful actually. She never abused the privelage of it, and never broke it. She would pay for her own texing, picture messaging, ect. Knowing where my daughter was all the time came in handy, and it made my life a little easier. I would say get one for your child when they are out and about and doing their own thing.

I hear this argument all the time "knowing where my kid is at at all time..."

How do you know where your kid is at with a cell phone?