Should a 16 year old have a cell phone? Why or Why not?

Question

My sister is wanting a cell phone. She would be placed on my plan and would be trusted to not let friends borrow her phone or accidentally leave it somewhere. However, my concern is that she does not go many places to use it. She does not have service at her house and is not allowed to have cell phones at school. Is it a safety issue? What is your take on this?

Answer 1

I didn't get a cell phone until I was 18, but that was because I didn't want one.

If your sister has a job and/or drives, then it would probably be best for her to get one, just in case of an emergency.

Most schools don't allow cell phones because they can be used for cheating and they can interrupt class if left on and someone calls/texts.

Answer 2

yes. and this is why.

1. kids younger than her have them, my neice is 13 and got her first cell when she was 11.

2. you can track her if she is lost or (God forbid) gets kidnapped.

3. if she is out with friends and gets in a car accident and she is the only one conscious then she would need a phone.

4. don't worry about minutes or things like that because i have verizon wireless and with them you can limit the amount of minutes and text msgs that they can use and it wont let them go over. you can also put numbers in that she can call no matter if she is over her minutes. for example your cell number should be on that list just in case she needs help. that would eliminate huge phone bills.

Answer 3

Are you kdiing me wit his question

Even 12 year olds have phones now

Am 14 and I have a phone..A 16 year old should  

Answer 4

It doesn't hurt to have one at least in case of emergencies (calling an ambulance, police, stuck after the last bus, taxi etc).

Answer 5

If the teen is driving or is out with friends alot.. then a cell phone is a good idea..  I personally think that teens dont need more than a pre-paid tho so they can be reached in emergency, or have it for emergency use.

If she's mostly at home and school tho, the phone is just a novelty thing..  she doesnt really need it.. she just wants it because of the status symbol that a cell phone represents to most teens.

Answer 6

I think they're good for safety. If her school doesn't let her bring one then have her turn it off when she's there.  

Answer 7

I think she definitely should.

1. She should have it for emergencies

2. She is in high school, and it will be much easier for you to reach her after school

3. She is going to go out a lot at that age so you are going to want to be able to reach her

4. It is also important socially in this day and age for 16yr old's to have cell phones

5. She is going to need one if she gets a job

Texting is not necessary, you can get her a cheap phone and she how she does with it, sign her up on your plan for a few mths and if it does not work out take it away, but there is no harm in trying. In the end the decision is yours.

Answer 8

She's 16, she needs one. Like if you wants to stay after school for something or misses the bus.

What if she forgets the homework from one of the classes and needs to call her friends except someone is using the house phone.

I got my first phone when I was 11! I still have mine (actually I got a new one, but still) She's more than old enough for one

Answer 9

Well,I've had a cell phone since I was very young because my parents were divorced when I was young so I had a cell phone to call my mom,my dad,etc.I think it is a good idea for a child to have a phone if there is an emergency,but it can be a bad idea if the child is someone who you KNOW will just leave it in places and then hours later say when completely away from there and unable to go back and get it "Oh I forgot my phone!".

Answer 10

I have a cell and im not 16 i think that they should allow them to have a cell and like if they mis use take it away but still give them the freedom!!! :)

Answer 11

Of course. I think it really depends on the person. If she's irresponsible then maybe no.

Answer 12

She should have a cell phone for safety issues.

Answer 13

Totally unnecessary!!  

It's just another piece of technology for todays kids to consider a necessity for living.  We all got through our childhood with out cell phones... so can they.

Answer 14

I think she should have a cell phone. She is at that teenage age, where she's going to want to go place with friends, and be out late. Teenager's most always find trouble and when you need a cell phone to contact your parent's(or whoever) you have one and don't need to rely on friends. If she's driving and gets pulled over or hits another vehicle and needs to contact help she can. And school, forget the rules and have a phone on you, turned off or on silent, because you never know when your school is going to have a tragedy or something of that nature. Good luck!

Answer 15

I think it'd be a good idea for her to have a cell phone, it won't cost much if she only uses when she needs to get in touch with someone while she's out, and it will keep her safe.  

Answer 16

I think she should have a cell phone for a safety issue incase she decides to go to more places in the future.