At What Age Did You Get A Cell Phone For You Child?

Question

One that is intended for emergencys only. Such as a Firefly.

Answer 1

My children haven't reached this age by far yet, but I have been my sister's guardian since I was thirteen and her legal guardian since I was eighteen. I bought her her first phone for emergencies when she turned 10, because this was the age where she started going out a bit more like to the shop or friends houses. She became more independent and was mature enough, but she didn't get a more expensive phone until she was 13.

It depends on the maturity, usually.

Answer 2

When she can pay for it herself!

Answer 3

I think 12 is a good age. My two oldest kids (14 and 13) have had one since that age.

Answer 4

If its for emergency's and your child could only phone emergency numbers then maybe 10 but you would have to trust them to take care of it properly. If its for emergency's but they could phone other numbers then 11 or 12. There are allot of kids that age that have them and it makes other kid want them too so when they are about 12 I would get them a better cell that they could use for emergency's and call their friends.

Answer 5

We let our daughter have one at 10 5th grade. She was very responsible and we did not let her give out her number to friends....she is now 12 and we allow her to give the number out to select friends and text.

Answer 6

I think if it's only for emergencies, I'd say around 12.

Answer 7

When you feel they are able to handle such a responsibility.  It really depends on the child and their maturity.

Answer 8

Children should not have cell phones until they can buy one on there own, I never had one as a kid and guess what.... I turned out fine!

Answer 9

i got one at the age of ten because i was never home.. i was at cheer or soccer practice and we lived on a bad side of town..

but if i hadnt been doing those things i wouldnt have gotten one until my freshman year

Answer 10

The should only need them in emergency cases. Kids now a days are too reliant on cell phones because everyone has them. The should only get them when they show the are mature and responsible enough to carry one. They should have to work for such a privilege to be earned.   I got a cell phone when i was 14 and when i got a job and could pay for it myself. I am now 19 and happy that my parents didnt just hand me one and say here you go.

Answer 11

i think 12 0r 13 is a good age. especially if they start to babysit or are latchkey children. its good to know you have your child right at ur fingertips.

Answer 12

I got mine in 6th grade.

Answer 13

I think 11 years old they can get a cell phone for emergecys only.

Answer 14

12 yrs old.

Answer 15

My brother got me a cell phone when i was 7 and my dad bought me a cell phone when i graduated from the 8th grade.

My little friends got those cell phone that have four numbers on them and have 4 numbers automatically programmed into it and and emergency button they youngest was 6

Answer 16

i had one when i was 8 so i could ring my mom wen i went to my dads x

Answer 17

until they are 15 they are not responsible enough...

Answer 18

My oldest daughter got her first phone when she was entering middle school (she is in high school now) so I guess she was about 11.  The school is big and I wanted to know that she could get in touch with me if she had to.  Also, she was starting to go out with her friends.  You can't even find a pay phone at the mall anymore.  My younger one (she is 10) has a phone that she only uses if she is out (practices) so that she can get in touch with me.  I have a 6 year old that will get a phone when he starts going places without me.  It is comforting to know that they can reach you in an emergancy.

Answer 19

Let's see.  My kids aren't this old yet, but I definitely have opinions on this.  First of all, I won't be letting my kids "hang out" at the mall until they are at least 14.  They won't even be allowed to go to boy-girl parties until then.  They won't date until they're 16.  They can spend time with friends at younger ages, but only friends that I approve of and have met the parents of.  This is how my parents did it, and I have every intention of raising my kids the same way.  So, I don't think a child of mine would need a cell phone for emergency use until AT LEAST 12, if not 14.  That's my opinion.

Answer 20

My child's not old enough to be thinking about a cell phone, but my parents got me a cell phone when I started driving. They got it for safety purposes (if I broke down, I'd have a way to get in touch with them, for example).

I think all these kids and teenagers running around with cell phones are ridiculous. If it's for safety reasons, I can understand, but just to have one because it's a "status symbol" is stupid. I'm a teacher and one of my students has not one, but TWO top-of-the-line, latest-thing-out cell phones. Some parents don't have their priorities in order.

Answer 21

My parents only got me one after I got involved with sports every day after school and it was hard to track me down. If it's for emergenciea, i gueass at whatever age they start being on their own the most without you. A good age is about 13-14 if you feel they're responsible enough for it.