Old Enough for a Cell Phone?
This morning, Jeff and I sat down to a “slide” presentation of why our eleven/almost twelve year old needs a phone. She shared with us a plethora of information (she did her research) about why it is time for her to have a phone. Most of her friends have a cell phone, and she uses the classic argument, “But my friends all have one,” to which I tend to reply, “But I’m not their mom.”
So, once again I am at a crossroads. While there are many good reasons for getting her a phone, I have some hesitations. Most of the research suggests that most parents think kids should have a phone between the ages of 10 and 12. I’m curious. At what age do you think it is appropriate for a child to have a phone and what led you to that decision? What safeguards do you recommend to help a tween practice cell phone safety?
I must say, Jorjanne’s morning presentation was pretty convincing…we’ve got some serious thinking to do!
Okay….first, it's hard to believe she's old enough to be having this discussion but she's only a year older than our own Payton! I think when the kids are away from you a great deal at events like sleep overs, parties, social gatherings, etc., then maybe it's time. But if the only time they're away from you is at church, with the youth minister, on trips with grandparents, etc., then I just don't see that it's necessary. We considered getting one for Payton (a burn-phone type deal) for while he's at Space Camp this summer but we realized that Space Camp regulations won't even let him have one….so yay for them. Keeps us from having to do that! Just my two cents!
Partly due to budget restrictions and partly due to parental indifference, none of my boys had a phone prior to age 15. The first two caused some billing surprises and so with lucky number 3, he got a pay as you go phone. The only time that I feel like they really need one is when they're going to be involved in things where there is not an easily accessible phone or when they will impose on others by not having one. Perhaps you could start with only using one for certain events or occasions, or maybe having a time of day when the phone is not in her possession (like bedtime). I would definitely enter into it with a contract of sorts and clear rules of use. *hugs*
Heather
We're currently having this debate as well, with many phones on shelves being cleared out for $1. Of course, there's the additional expense that is added to our plan which will be the argument most closely making sense to a 10-year-old girl. My you're-too-young position doesn't hold water with her.
Seriously can't believe she's old enough for a phone…even if I did see her in that beautiful grown up dress at your wedding. So what did you decide?
Seriously can't believe she's old enough for a phone, even if I did see her all dressed up at the wedding! So what did you decide?