Should a teen be given cell phones even if she doesnt go out much?

Question

hi i have a daughter who doesnt go out much but wants a cell phone should i let her have one?

Answer 1

You didn't say how old your daughter is.  We gave our kids cell phones when they started driving so they had a way to call for help in case of an emergency.  Some companies have family share plans that let you add phones for very little extra cost.  You can monitor their use online (# of minutes and texts used, etc.).  You could establish some ground rules, for instance, take away the phone for a while if she uses it during school or exceeds the number of minutes or texts you give her.

Answer 2

Yes, so she can talk to her girlfriends!

Answer 3

all kids want cell phones!  any way i think if your daughter doesn't go out to much than you shouldn't just give her one for no reason... but In my opinion a great idea would be to give her one on Christmas or her birthday or some special occasion for 1 thing she will be super excited! AND you will spend money that you would have spent on something else anyway. Plus it really wont be a waist of money because soon enough she will be going out and believe me you will be glad she has a cell so you don't have to worry as much! :)

Answer 4

Get her a pre-paid phone like virgin mobile

Answer 5

No.

Why get her into the habit of spending money she doesn't need to? If she's at home and wants to talk to her friends a landline phone is much cheaper.

Answer 6

no. It is a waste of money and shows them that they can have things even if it isn't a necessity which teaches them to eventually be unwise spenders. children need to learn the value of necessity vs. 'i wannnnnt'.  Once they do then it is ok to spoil them a little. However, if your daughter isn't spoiled and works hard and is responsible, then i dont see nothing wrong in rewarding her with a cell phone so she can manage her minutes etc and learn responsibilty.

It would be good if you do get it for her to tell her okay, but you have to watch your minutes, etc. and if you go over then it will be removed so you can see what it is like to be an adult.  That way you are teaching her something with it as opposed to just giving in to her 'i wanttt' but don't 'need'...that is only if you do decide you want to give her one and she deserves it though :)

Answer 7

A prepaid one for when she goes out would be fine. But if you have a phone at home, she doesn't really need one for use at home. My 14 year old brother has been whining to my dad about a cell phone. But for what? So, he can run up the bill. He can use the phone at home to talk to his friends. Why pay for a land line if nobody is going to use it?

Answer 8

My daughter has had one since she was 11 she does go out sometimes but texting her friends on there mobile its cheaper than using my phone

Answer 9

I'd get a prepaid phone for her. I had one when I was 13 b/c a convicted child predator lived in our neighborhood and walked home from school. If she needs one for emergencies then she has it and she cant run up  huge bill.

Answer 10

ya you should in case of emergency's or something or to just hcat to her friends or watever

Answer 11

My sister in law has an 11 year old girl.  She has a prepaid phone that she gives her when she is out with a group of friend, like at a bday party or whatnot and this way she can call her if she gets separated from the group or needs to be picked up.  but she doesn't take it to school or use it at home.  I think that's perfectly reasonable.

Answer 12

yeah just incase she needs to call you for emergencies or something.

Answer 13

Honestly, I don't see what is the big deal about a cell phone.  I am considered by most (and probably by ALL on this web site) to be strict.  If I told you some of the things we have rules about, everyone on here would feel the need to give their opinion about how strict and "over protective" my husband and I are. BUT I do allow my 15 year old to have a cell phone.  It started out because he needed it to get a  hold of me when his football/baseball practices were over, but he still has it and he doesn't NEED it now.  

When I was a teenager, I had my own phone line in my room. My phone number was different than the number to the rest of the house and it was MY phone.  

I just don't see the harm in a cell phone.

We do take measures to ensure he cannot find inappropriate things on his phone when we're not around, but other than that...I don't get it.

Answer 14

If she can be responsible with it, and you have the financial means, then go ahead.

Answer 15

You could get her one of those pay-as-you-go type plans. They're really inexpensive and you don't have to pay a monthly bill. I think you could get her one just in case she does go out and needs to call home.

Answer 16

Definitely. If she just has to use it once to call help when she's in danger or feels ill, it's worth it. Better safe than sorry.

Answer 17

yeah, what if she does go out and needs to call you if shes in trouble or something

Answer 18

Neither of my kids will have a phone until they can pay for it themselves. They can get by the same way we did.

Answer 19

No, but if she can pay for it herself you should let her get one.

Answer 20

It depends on how old she is, if she is, like, under 10 she probably shouldn't have one unless it is one of those phones for kids like Fireflys (i think thats what they are called) that just has a few buttons so they can call their parents or 911. If she is a very responsible 9 or 10 year old, buy her the least expensive phone at the phone store, (those are nokias i think) or a prepaid phone thing like the Go Phone from at&t that you pay as you go. If she is older, like 11-14, ask yourself some questions: is she responsible enough to not drop it or lose it? will she even use it or just leave it at home? will she create a bill that is off the charts?

Ask her what she plans on using it for. She is a teen like me so she will probably want it for a LOT of text messaging. She will also want to call her friends and you guys when she is picked up from the mall, a friends house, school, or soccer practice. You should be willing to get her a phone even if she doesnt go out much because: she will be happy that you got her one, what if her sports practice lets out early?, or it's rescheduled?, or if she wants to go over to her friends house for her science  project?

You should buy her a phone, but give her certain conditions like this: "Text messaging is extra, if you want unlimited it is 20$ a month. I'm willing to pay for the calling because that's the purpose of a phone, but i would like you to pay at least half of the text messagin each month" Also, is she sliding in a certain school subject? Offer to get her one if she brings it up!