Children and Cell Phones

Does Your Child Carry a Cell Phone?

August 1, 2008

When I taught elementary aged girls, I was surprised by how many of them carried a cell phone. They usually fit into one of two categories — financially well off or latch key kids. The majority of the former group had them for social reasons while the latter kept them for security purposes.

As concerns continue to pop up about the safety of such gadgets, I have to wonder how many parents are arming their tots with the handy devices. Does your tot have her or his own cell?
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21 Comments

3 years 31 weeks

I got my cellphone when I was 15. My parents paid for the first 3 months (it was my "graduation" present) and I've paid the bill ever since. My parents are now considering getting one for the older of my 2 younger brothers (he's 12) to keep in contact after school. He buses or walks home every day and they would feel more secure knowing he could call them if something happened.

rodaniel 4 years 30 weeks

I'm with nonny mouse - Cell phones steal the independence & rationale from kids who carry them. They no longer have to mentally map out what they'll be doing for the remainder of the day or if they'll need something from someone else at some point in the day. Instead, they just wander off aimlessly into the day, knowing that they're always a button-press away from their parents who'll swoop in and rescue them at the last minute.

rodaniel 4 years 30 weeks

a nonny mouse 4 years 42 weeks

Nope. When they want a cell phone, they can work to pay for one. Until then, they can communicate with us just as I did with my parents as a child. Ultimately, they are with me (or some other adult) virtually always. They simply have no need for a cell phone.

a nonny mouse 4 years 42 weeks

Nope.When they want a cell phone, they can work to pay for one. Until then, they can communicate with us just as I did with my parents as a child.Ultimately, they are with me (or some other adult) virtually always. They simply have no need for a cell phone.

justanerd1975 4 years 42 weeks

I could see a child having one with preprogrammed 9-1-1 & family members numbers if they are away from their parents often... but wow twinkle, that is kinda scary...

justanerd1975 4 years 42 weeks

I could see a child having one with preprogrammed 9-1-1 & family members numbers if they are away from their parents often...but wow twinkle, that is kinda scary...

Frank y Ava 4 years 42 weeks

I got one when I was in 7th grade for Christmas and even then they didn't want me to get me one.

lickety split 4 years 42 weeks

no. they have no need for one. they are either with me or a responsible adult like a teacher at all times. we don't live where i could let them walk to a friends house or the park. last year in 3rd grade a few of the girls in my middle daughter's class got them, just for show. the school ended up telling people that the cell phones could be checked at the front desk in the morning and picked up after school. after awhile it wasn't enough that the kid had a phone it was WHICH phone. give me a break, in 3rd grade?

lickety split 4 years 42 weeks

no. they have no need for one. they are either with me or a responsible adult like a teacher at all times. we don't live where i could let them walk to a friends house or the park.last year in 3rd grade a few of the girls in my middle daughter's class got them, just for show. the school ended up telling people that the cell phones could be checked at the front desk in the morning and picked up after school. after awhile it wasn't enough that the kid had a phone it was WHICH phone. give me a break, in 3rd grade?

macgirl 4 years 42 weeks

My 9 year old son just got one this summer. He was signed up for quite a few summer camps and his father wanted to be sure he could get a hold of him. So far it hasn't been a problem, I hope it continues to not be.

kikidawn 4 years 42 weeks

My niece is 13 and she has one. My nephews are 11, 8, 6, & 6 ... I think the 11 year old *might* have one, but I am not totally sure.

kikidawn 4 years 42 weeks

My niece is 13 and she has one.My nephews are 11, 8, 6, & 6 ... I think the 11 year old *might* have one, but I am not totally sure.

Pallas Athena 4 years 42 weeks

My nephews used to go to school 2 blocks away from their house, the other one went to school about 20 or 30 minutes away and my niece went to pre school in the afternoon a few blocks away. None of them had cell phones. The eldest who just turned nine knows how to use a cell phone and the others know how to play games on one. They are moving about 4 or 5 blocks away and only the youngest will be going the furthest. When my nephew is 10 and going to a public school for 6-8 grade he will receive a disney phone so his mom can control his minutes and know where he is and stuff. Other than that, there is no reason for a kid to have a cell phone seeing as how it gives off radiation and it also makes them more likely to get bullied for their phone.

jessie 4 years 42 weeks

when i'm ready to get my son one, i think i'll get him the one where i can put certain numbers in and thats all he can dial, and the one with a gps? and i won't tell him about that one though. that way i know where he is at all times. and when he gets older (high school) i'll start him with a regular cell but limited pkg.

crystalvillage06 4 years 42 weeks

My son is only 4 so no. When he is a little bit older I will get him one though. I believe they make phones that you can only program certain numbers in and I will look into those.

pinkprincess1101 4 years 42 weeks

my nephew has one he is 10 i think he got it at 9, his phone is only allowed to call out to the numbers programed which is only mom dad me and grand parents

albeli 4 years 42 weeks

My older two (ages 13 and 15) just got cells this week. The 2 year old wants one already. LOL

albeli 4 years 42 weeks

My older two (ages 13 and 15) just got cells this week.The 2 year old wants one already. LOL

RosaDilia 4 years 42 weeks

My 10 year old has a cell phone and he turns it on when he gets to afterschool and I call him when I'm on my way to pick him up. I've warned him that if he's caught using it in during regular classroom hours and the phone is confiscated I will not retrieve it for him. So far he's been following the rules and i'm thinking he deserves and upgrade for the new school year.

Twinkle 4 years 42 weeks

My 8 year old has had a cell phone for a couple of years now. She gets herself to and from school (bus and taxi) and I like knowing she can call if there's a problem.

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