I have 2 nephews who are a big part of our lives…matter of fact, they are like second children to us because we do spend a lot of time with them. My one nephew just turned 10 and my other nephew just turned 13. (they have Birthdays in the same month).
Well, both are demanding cell phones out of their parents (my brother and SIL) and my brother and SIL are going to take them both out this weekend to purchase them brand spanking new expensive cell phones.
My mom (their grandmother) is pitching a fit about this because she thinks the one who just turned 10 is way too young to have a cell phone. She isn’t against the 13 year old having one but is steadfast against the 10 year old having one.
I am not sure what I think about this as our daughter was 16 when she got her cell phone. So, I thought I would ask all of you for your opinions.
At what age should a parent let a child have a cell phone? Should the cell phone be just for emergency use or is it okay to give them one with all of the bells & whistles, including cameras and text messaging?
Your thoughts?
My son got his phone at 12 because he was walking home from school and since he was 12, mom was not allowed to meet him and walk home anymore. I felt a lot safer knowing that he could call me in a flash if something happened and several times he did.
I agree w. Lucy and Grace. It is such a different time and place now than when we were growing up. No payphones, kids don’t know the neighbors, etc. I definitely would require my kid to have a phone at 10-12 as long as they cared for it. thankfully, mine took good care of his and still does!
My son was walking home from school when he was 10 years old, I pretty much insisted that he have a phone so that he could get help if he needed it. Now that he’s older I need him to have it because in the event that I can’t get to his sister’s bus in time, I can catch him on his way home so that he knows to wait for her. When he was younger I also made him carry it when he was out in the neighborhood too…… our world is a much darker place than it was when we were kids, it gives me a small piece of comfort to know that he has a small life line if he needs it. However his phone is for me..period. When I call answer it or you lose personal use of it.
Bottom line, it’s a personal choice that depends on your circumstance. A cell phone is a big responsibility…..I guess if his parents think he’s ready for the responsibility then I would say that it’s their money, their kids, and their call 🙂
We have had this discussion many times in our house. I think it depends on the circumstances. I got my son a phone when he was around 10, because he plays sports and I wanted him to be able to contact me if ball got cancelled, if they got out early, and things like that. They did not have access to a phone otherwise or it would not have been a issue. I also think that every child is different and you have to take into consideration their maturity. Some children are just not ready for that kind of responsibility. Yet others are, so it really is a personal issue unique to each child. I hope that helps.