This week’s Friday Question comes from World Moms Blog writer Tara B. in Washington State…
She asked our writers,
“When, if ever, will you give you child a cell phone of their own?”
Check out what some of our World Moms had to say…
Kirsten Doyle of Ontario, Canada writes:
“It’s funny that this comes up as the question! Just a few days ago, I discovered that one of my son’s friends has her own cell phone. The kid is SIX, and this just seems wrong and bizarre to me.
My kids are still at the age where they are under adult supervision at all times. With someone watching them all the time, there is no need for them to have a cell phone. When the time comes for them to spend any time unsupervised, I will reevaluate this.”
MamaRobinJ of British Columbia, Canada writes:
“I agree with Kirsten – as long as a child is, well, a child, I don’t really see the need for a cell phone. I’d consider it when my son is more independent, but I’d reinforce that it’s primarily for calling us or for emergencies. Though, having said that, I know the reality with iPhones etc. is that they’re used for so many other things, and I do think there’s value in kids understanding that technology. So, basically, when he’s older, and he better not rack up a big bill.”
Dr. Lanham of Arizona, USA writes:
“I love the idea of kids having cell phones but ONLY when they are at an age where they are hanging out without me. I believe 10 years old is a good age because there are new cell phones out that allow parents to determine the “incoming and outgoing calls”. I loved it when I was able to get my kids phones because it gave all of us freedom to do things and still stay connected.”
ThirdEyeMom of Minnesota, USA writes:
“I struggle so much with this question because it drives me crazy how young children and teens (and even adults) are glued to their phones. I know it is bound to happen but I wish there is a way I could avoid it. Perhaps I’m old fashioned but I just don’t like all the texting and constantly surfing the net. However, I do find cell phones a good thing for safety. So once my children are at the age where they are doing more on their own, I will most likely let them have one only for that. I’m sure it will be hard to stop the texting thing so as long as I can hold off, the happier I’ll be. Ahhh… technology!”
Courtney Cappallo of Massachusetts, USA writes:
“I believe there are cell phones out there that are programmed to only dial a limited number of people. My children are ages six and two, we do not plan on giving them a cell phone until they are much, much older. And, when we do the cell phone will only be able to call myself, my husband and perhaps their grandparents and/or neighbor in case of emergency purposes.”
Jennifer Burden of New Jersey, USA writes:
“I think if you as a parent can determine a need for the phone. For example, if my child can call me from the bus on the way back from her high school basketball game to let me know what time to meet her to pick her up, and of course, in emergency situations. And I agree with what many of you have said — not until the child becomes more independent.”
Rachel Jordan, Pennsylvania, USA says:
“My 5 ½ year old daughters “fake” use anything they can and pretend that they are talking to each other. At first, this bothered me. However, I was quickly reminded that I use the phone as our house phone and they are imitating me!
When I heard them say — “I just sent you a text mommy” — I knew WE, as a family, needed to change. So, we implemented a “no-phone-zone” when my husband and I get home from work. We have also added a home phone line.
Maybe a little off topic, but I agree that I would want my children to be able to contact me when they are not with me. However, teaching them a balance must start with me. I am slowly realizing that! Cell phones for safety, NOT for entertainment — Hummm, maybe I should start a campaign at their school! (lol)”
The Alchemist of India writes:
“I am not sure how to respond to this question. I would reassess this when I think the time is right. But I understand cell phones have become more of a necessity than a luxury or want.”
What about you? When, if ever, will you give you child a cell phone of their own?
And do you have any other question you would like to pose to our WMB writers? If so, email us at wmbsidebareditor@gmail.com to see what they have to say.
Don’t forget to visit us tomorrow to check out Jennifer Burden’s Saturday Layover!
– World Moms Blog
Photo credit to marcus http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mobile_phone_PHS_Japan_1997-2003.jpg.
This photo has a creative commons attribute license.
I think the youngest age that my boys got mobile phones was in fact my youngest son who we got a mobile phone at 12 years old (the other two were older). Sorry but I absolutely love, love, love the security and peace of mind that my children having mobile phones brings. I can contact them at any time, anywhere.
We’ve been very firm with rules, calls are free to all family members on the plan we have set up so there is no excuse to be late or to not ring and check in. If they can’t be responsible with calls to friends, answering our calls and letting us know where they are then the phones go.
We’ve never had a problem and all three have learnt to be responsible both with usage and checking in to let us know where they are and what they’re doing. An absolute must with boys who are always out on their bikes and scooters as well as assisting us when hubby and I both work crazy hours.
I got so busy this week I forgot to answer the question that I suggested! I feel like I am getting alot from reading everyone’s responses. To Courtney’s point, there are phones with very limited features that I can see giving to my kids at some point. My mother in law actually has a phone with 3 buttons: one that calls my father in law, one that calls my husband, and one that calls her favorite taxi service. I can see wanting my kids having the ability to call me at the push of a button, but I also don’t want them exposed to smart phones too soon. I also like Rachel’s point about a no phone zone. I need to do that. My kids see me on my phone and laptop too muh!
My kids are still young toddlers, so nowhere near ready for cells yet, but I think that once they are old enough to be unsupervised that I would get them phones, but only to be able to call a few emergency contacts (and ones with a gps locator on it for sure!)
Our kids will get cellphones when they can afford to buy and run them, themselves.
I believe that the organising and planning skills that come into play when children/teens don’t have these items are VERY important and evapourating fast in western culture. I also believe that children assume too often that they are entitled to have ‘things’… Always opinonated – that’s me!!!
when oldest starts babysitting she will have her own. we know many people with no land lines now. she is 11 1/2, so it will be sometime in the next year or 18 months.
I loved this question and meant to answer. I have thought about this a lot and wondered when was the right time. Right before the question was asked, I finally reached my answer. I have decided their isn’t an exact age. I agree with what many of you had said that as they get more independent, they should have one. 🙂