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thorn96 January 27th, 2011 2:59 AM

Kids with mobile phones?
 
How young is too young to have a mobile phone, do you think? I've had one for a while and I'm only 14, for one example, and I had to wait until I was 13 til I could use my dad's old work phone, which is a log of crap. My brother is 12 and he's getting a brand new phone in the next week or so (I'm not complaining much, I'm just presenting an example.

How old were you when you got your first phone and how old do you think people should be? And do you think the whole mobile phone thing is kinda pointless?

Raykon January 27th, 2011 3:05 AM

I think a lot of people are growing up to fast in my opinion. But honestly it depends on the kid. When he or she starts to go out to more places or travel by themselves from school to home etc. I think they should have one, I guess it depends on the person and the whole situation.

Edit: Also I got my phone when I was 13, which was to use when I was catching a bus home from School.

Zeffy January 27th, 2011 4:41 AM

I've got a phone when I was 9, because around that time I had to be responsible for myself. It depends on the kid really, depending on how they really need it.

Sylveon January 27th, 2011 5:00 AM

Can't remember how old I was exactly. But I would say if they're young kids getting phones why do they have to be the latest expensive ones?!

hmw January 27th, 2011 5:07 AM

i'm 12 and i have a have a mobile phone
going to be 13 this year

Pokemon Trainer Touko January 27th, 2011 5:09 AM

Same here!! I'm turning 13 on may and I think I got my first phone when I was about the age of 7?

Xeto January 27th, 2011 5:32 AM

Well it depends the cost of the phone and the addiction of it.Ive seen too many kids with cell phones.

FlamingThunder January 27th, 2011 5:54 AM

I got my first phone when I was six, I gave it away to my sister. After a while, she wants a new phone.

P.S: The reason why I gave it away because I want a new phone as well.

countryemo January 27th, 2011 6:01 AM

its kinda funny. how they all have expensive n new too. their not responsible too.
i got mine around 5th grade. it was around.. 7-10? years old (the phpne). to call my mom with.
And mom did get one like 17, 20. sometime late. /she was poor.

i dont see why allot of kjids need them. but it depends.

hmw January 27th, 2011 6:16 AM

i got it because i stay alone after school till my sister get's back from work

Purple Materia January 27th, 2011 7:18 AM

I see six year olds with iPhones and iPods, texting their friends while Facebooking. You're six. You don't have an elaborate and complex network of friends.

I got my first phone when I was fourteen, only because I was going to high school, which was about a mile away from my old school. I needed to tell my mom if I was going to go home, go with friends, stay to make up tests/tutor, or something else.

Rogue planet January 27th, 2011 7:47 AM

I don't think age matters at all. A phone is a useful device, age doesn't affect whether someone should be disallowed from communicating with people over distance.

Sure kids may use it as toys, but to be honest so do plenty of adults. I think it's silly when phones become some sort of status symbol, like how everyone has to have the latest iPhone just for the sake of it. I think it's silly the amount of money some people waste on phones; my cousin (he's 20) has been buying a new phone every year since he was about 13, and he doesn't get cheap ones either. But I think a lot of things are silly, and people can spend their own money on whatever they want.

If a kid wants a phone to use a toy, it's not really a problem; I don't understand it, but that doesn't mean it's bad.

I got my first phone when I was 13, just because my friend gave me his old one for free. Then it stopped working, so I bought a new one for £10; it can't do anything except make texts and calls, but that's the only reason I want one anyway. I'd rather save my money for something more enjoyable than an expensive novelty gadget.

Legobricks January 27th, 2011 8:02 AM

I think thirteen years is an acceptable minimum age for mobile phone ownership, although I wouldn't put a law on it, but I don't see one being necessary until at least sixteen. I'm well beyond sixteen myself and have never yet needed one.
Certainly, in any case, cameras built into phones were never necessary; they concern me a little, actually.

Hybrid Trainer January 27th, 2011 8:11 AM

I got mine when i was 11. i only got it because i started highschool and i was traveling alone (my parents were REALLY over protective of me ¬.¬) but even then i had to spend my own money on it from my birthday. so it was like £50 (and broke so it couldnt text -.-)
But it really ticks me off when i see kids around that age (or younger) with really expensive phones. i feel like walking up to them and screaming in there face 'WHY DO YOU NEED A £800 PHONE!?!?! YOUR LIKE 11 EVERYONE YOU KNOW LIVES 5 MINUTES AWAY!!!!! >.<'

Meganium January 27th, 2011 8:11 AM

I didn't get my first cellphone till I was starting my sophomore year in high school. It's kinda weird today that kids younger than I was are getting their first cellphones. My little sister is 8, and she already has a cellphone! It's just crazy.

I think at 13 or 14 years old is the perfect time to get their first cellphone.

Kuru January 27th, 2011 8:26 AM

I didn't get one until I was able to get a job and start paying for one. I'm jealous of young kids having them. D:

Meduza January 27th, 2011 8:28 AM

f the parents are willing for their children to have cell phones at an early age, than so be it. It's not a crime or anything, last I checked.

Scytheteen January 27th, 2011 8:49 AM

When a kid graduates from elementary school, that's when they should get their first phone.

There are, however, certain circumstances. If a kid does sports, after school programs, etc., they need a phone. But it should be a crappy phone lying around the house, or a 10 dollar phone you buy from wal-mart. Not a blackberry, iPhone, Droid or the such. No 7 year old needs that.

Amore January 27th, 2011 9:05 AM

I was exactly 12 years old, to the day. And I was only allowed one because all of my friends had them...I feel I've missed out. I think everybody should be allowed one for when they go to secondary school (The school year after the one you turn 11, for those of you with a diffferent schooling system to the one I'm in). But as a Facebook "like" page points out:

"You're like, 5 and you've got a phone. Who're you calling, Bob the builder?"

n.b. that is not an exact quotation - I have better grammar :)

Palkia January 27th, 2011 9:44 AM

I did not have a fancy, shwamcy phone until I was 11, but I started to use a phone at 8, but I didn't use one a lot until I got one when it was near my 10th birthday.

I'd say minimum 9 years, and a feature phone at 12.

Kamitsure-chan January 27th, 2011 9:57 AM

I didn't get a phone until a couple months after I turned 18. Even though I ended up having to take care of myself a lot of the time before that age, my mom wouldn't ever get me one because she thought I didn't need one, even when I had to call her for rides and stuff.

I think about 13, 14 is a good age for the first phone, though.

otakulily January 27th, 2011 10:59 AM

There's nothing particularly great about getting a phone at an early age. I got mine while in high school. It gave my mom an excuse to call me like every 20 minutes every day after 6.00 if I wasn't at home. I wanted to throw my ****ing phone against the wall.

I can almost understand iPods and such, but I can't imagine kids really needing phones before high school.

alisaie January 27th, 2011 11:06 AM

I can imagine younger kids having phones when their younger, so they can contact their parents when it's time to be picked up, or if something happens. However, in this case, they don't need a iPhone. They just need an average phone that can call. I personally find kids who are five and have a iPhone to be a bit ridiculous. Not too much of the 'fun' factor, but more of the 'responsibility' factor. When I was five, there was no way I would have been able to keep an iTouch without breaking the damn thing. If the parents want to teach them responsibility, they can do it just fine with a $20 dollar phone, rather than a $150+ phone.

Amore January 27th, 2011 11:12 AM

Too true. I mean, when I was 12, my parents still didn't trust me enough to actually pay for the phone...they just traded in some old ones for £10 each.
Also, iPhones and the like are meant to be hideously complex for the less tech-savvy...so either there's been some weird genetic mutations somewhere in the current generation of people, or these kids don't even know how to use them, let alone lose them / smash them up.

donavannj January 27th, 2011 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amore (Post 6421670)
Also, iPhones and the like are meant to be hideously complex for the less tech-savvy...so either there's been some weird genetic mutations somewhere in the current generation of people, or these kids don't even know how to use them, let alone lose them / smash them up.

Kids are fast learners. And they aren't all that complex, honestly.

Yukimi January 27th, 2011 12:03 PM

I got a cellphone when I was 13.
I don't know why so many people think young kids with mobile phones is a bad thing. They allow them to quickly contact their parents incase they need a ride home or something goes wrong. If anything, I think young kids having cellphones is a good thing.

Skip Class January 27th, 2011 12:21 PM

I got mine when I was 12 when my dad put it under my pillow and rang it on my birthday lolz. Since my school was in the city and I lived out of the city and my parents thought I was still too young to travel home by myself my dad usually had to pick me up. And of course he needed some way to contact me.

Captain Hobo. January 27th, 2011 12:57 PM

I think you should be able to get a phone at age 10.

I am 11 now by the way.

Nick January 27th, 2011 1:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukimi (Post 6421747)
I got a cellphone when I was 13.
I don't know why so many people think young kids with mobile phones is a bad thing. They allow them to quickly contact their parents incase they need a ride home or something goes wrong. If anything, I think young kids having cellphones is a good thing.

I agree with this statement. I would want my child to certainly have a phone as a way to contact me. Giving a child a simple cellphone with only a phone feature for safety and just in case measures seems like a good way to keep you feel comfortable with your child out of the house. I mean, a cellphone is one thing. A smart phone is another. That's something I think that you'd have to be around 14 at the least to have.

OmegaRuby and AlphaSapphire January 27th, 2011 2:17 PM

I agree with the poster above, kids deserve to call their parents but don't give them something with distractions on it but just a simple phone.

hmw January 27th, 2011 5:10 PM

i got my phone cause i needed it
it used to take me 1 hour to get to my school
so i need a phone

PlatinumDude January 27th, 2011 5:42 PM

I think I was around 13-15 when I got my first cellphone. I think that 6 or 8 years old is too young for a person to have a cellphone.

Maraala January 27th, 2011 8:39 PM

I got mine around 14. But I agree with most people here. Six year olds with iPhones is just ridiculous. I mean, if I needed to get my six year old child one then I would get one of those $20 prepaid phones instead of an iPhones/touchscreen phones that they will probably end up breaking/losing in a week. Sure, I understand they need to contact their parents in case of emergencies, but why buy them an expensive one when a cheap one will do the same thing?

KitKat13 January 27th, 2011 9:21 PM

I got my first phone when I was 9 years old, I wasn't really into it until I was 14 years old when I can't really get off with it. XD; ..I think it's fine to use not, don't just get addicted.

Kikaito plush January 28th, 2011 1:26 AM

if you ask me kids under 13 shouldn't have phones.

I got mine at 13 the day I started high school

Brendino January 28th, 2011 3:36 AM

I don't think it's a matter of any certain age that you should be able to have a cellphone, but rather you should be able to have one once you are mature and responsible enough. I understand that some parents want their children to have them at a younger age because of emergencies, but I agree with most of you here that there's no reason for early elementary kids to have smartphones when a regular one provides everything they need.

I've never actually owned a cellphone, but that's mostly because anytime that I would need a phone in an emergency, I'm usually able to just borrow someone else's (Plus, I'd rather not have to pay a cellphone bill when I'm barely going to use it).

Dulcet January 28th, 2011 5:12 AM

I agree with a lot of the posters, it's okay for kids to have a cellphone but I think they should have those simple, cheap ones rather than the fancy expensive ones.
I got my first phone when I was 13. I just recently got a new phone because my old one stopped working. I considered getting an iphone but got a nokia music xpress instead. I'm glad I did, because my friend has an iphone and she said phone-wise it isn't great at all.

Cherrim January 28th, 2011 10:36 AM

I got my first phone when I was 13. My family was moving to Toronto from Halifax and it was a pretty big city. So my mom got her and myself our own cell phones for emergency use, in case I got lost or something. In retrospect, we moved into the suburbs of Toronto and I really, really didn't need the phone, but I understand my mom's paranoia and having a phone meant later on when I really did need one (ie, calling my mom after school to ask if I can to go a friend's house, etc.), it was there for me to use.

Looking at it that way, I have no issues with giving kids phones. Even as young as 6 or 7 or 8, if they're in an emergency or if they can't remember phone numbers very well, it's so convenient to have a phone right there where they just need to select the name and their call is connected.

But. I disagree that kids need anything more advanced than a simple prepaid plan. :/ No texting plan, no data plan, no internet--it's hard enough to watch what kids do and make sure they're being responsible on the internet without having to babysit their phone too. I do not understand the logic in handing a 6-year-old an iPhone with a $50/month plan.

TRIFORCE89 January 28th, 2011 10:46 AM

I got my phone when I started highschool. Even now, nearing the end of my university career I don't really call anyone aside from family - and that's if there's an emergency or someone needs a ride, etc. I don't really do chit chat.

If you're younger than a tween and you're on your own a lot for some reason or being watched by someone else, then they can just have a Jitterbug type of thing.

Guy January 28th, 2011 11:29 AM

I got my first phone in the middle of my freshman year of high school when my life started to pick up. After school clubs, meetings, hanging with friends, and so on, I actually needed a phone to keep contact with my parents and letting them know what was up - if I'd be be staying late, going to a friend, or to come pick me up for whatever reason.

To me, it depends on the situation of the children and the parents before one should determine if their kids actually need a phone. If the parent has a job where its hours are unstable and they can be kept back, or if the child is involved in a lot of after school programs, then I can see the need for that child to have their own cellphone in case of emergencies or something keeps either parties late (i.e the parent is stuck in work or traffic and the child's school was over half hour ago). Otherwise, I don't see the need for young kids to have a cellphone.

That being said, that's just my view of if a child has the need for their own cellphone at a young age. If a parent wants to give their child a phone just for the sake of it, then I don't think they need any overpriced cellphone or one with a load of features. Just a simple, cheap, prepaid cellphone that can receive and make calls is all the child needs in case of emergencies. Texting, internet, camera, apps - all those things aren't called for, especially when the child is so young.

On the positive outlook of it, having a cellphone can teach young kids how to be responsible while growing up. Prepaid phones with limited minutes are great so kids know to budget their time on their phones so they're not calling their friends and talking for hours. At the same time keeping it simple will also establish that a kid doesn't become addicted with any features that are uncalled for. So, in return, you can say having a phone at a young age with the right plan and need can come in useful in more than just emergency uses, bu moral lessons as well.

As for my own kids in the future, sorry for them, but they won't be getting a phone until I see they actually need one or the time calls for one. XD

Melody January 28th, 2011 12:50 PM

Personally I see no harm in kids as young as 7 owning a very cheap, pre-paid feature phone. They don't need an expensive phone until they get older, and it IS logical to restrict their phone usage so that they cannot over-use the phone by restricting the numbers they can call. (This can be done on many cheap feature phones if you do some research first.)

Still, as far as unrestricted phone use goes, that doesn't need to kick in until they're about 12 or 13, and even then...the phone can be restricted as punishment or to make sure they don't cause a big surprise bill at the end of the month. x3

But regardless of that, Kids do need cell phones...especially if you want to be able to keep track of them. It saves trouble, and allows the kid to call the parents up and let them know if their plans changed while they're out of the house and away from parental supervision, or to request permission for whatever changes in their plans that the parents may require for that matter.

Now over-use is an issue, but it's not as big of a problem as the media would have you to believe. :/
Still, it's always up to the parents, but I feel that they'd find the usefulness of equipping such a tool to their children vastly more useful than the pain that the problems that it could cause would be.

FreakyLocz14 January 28th, 2011 3:16 PM

My first cell phone was when I was 14. This was in 2004 and it was a cheap Virgin Mobile prepaid that I bought and paid for airtime with my own money. My little sister's phone broke and I bought her a Virgin Mobile prepaid as a replacement for Christmas. It's an Android smartphone and she seems to know how to use it very well. She's 13 btw.

Maj. Cor January 29th, 2011 8:29 AM

I think having a phone with restrictions, like allowing only certian numbers into the phone (such as 911, the home phone number and the parents numbers) would be great for younger kids, like 13 years of age, because it could be used as a protection measure. Y'know, just in case if something happened to them. But to have a fully loaded phone like an Android for a kid that young is just too much. I feel the same way about kids who are under the age of 15 on places like Facebook.

Perriechu January 29th, 2011 8:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maj. Cor (Post 6425468)
I think having a phone with restrictions, like allowing only certian numbers into the phone (such as 911, the home phone number and the parents numbers) would be great for younger kids, like 13 years of age, because it could be used as a protection measure. Y'know, just in case if something happened to them. But to have a fully loaded phone like an Android for a kid that young is just too much. I feel the same way about kids who are under the age of 15 on places like Facebook.

13? What? More like 11. Nearly ever 13 Year old kid has a phone. Well at least in my school. It isn't too much IMO. And Facebook is basically made up of under 15's. Since the age to join is 13.

I received my first phone when I was like 10. I didn't use it much, I started using them a lot more at around 12. Now being 15 I'm addicted to it. Like other teenagers. I think Kids under 11 should only have it for emergencies but 13+ should be able to use it when they want.

EmeraldSerenade January 29th, 2011 8:52 AM

It really depends on the kids whose receiving the phone. In my opinion, little kids shouldn't need fancy cell phones. A simple would seem more suitable. All kids care about these days is how "expensive" their phone is >_>

In the end, I think kids between 7-12 should just have phones for emergencies or to contact their parents..

Maj. Cor January 29th, 2011 8:54 AM

I got my first phone at age 11. It was a crappy Virgin Mobile one, but I had it for two years. I used it for emergenices, like most younger kids do...

...and about the Facebook thing, I think the joining age should be raised a little. There's no need for young kids to be on sites like that. I mean, parts of Facebook are really bad, like explicit bad, and they shouldn't be exposed to it. But again, that's MY opinion.

Kirozane January 29th, 2011 9:00 AM

This issue doesn't exactly, concern me. I do however find it quite amusing. I didn't get a cell phone until I was 16, and that's only because my sister helped me. But I kind of regret it since my Mom ALWAYS has to have better technology than I do. It's ridiculously annoying. It was even more annoying when I was in my senior year (I had an LG Chocolate... one of the older ones) and I had to ride an elementary bus home. (I lived so far out that only that bus went out there around that time... by the time I got out the Jr high one had been gone for 20 minutes. ) A 9-year-old with an iPhone and a matching iPod Touch looked at me trying to see where my mom wanted me to get off said bus and said, AND I QUOTE "You have to have the stupid little phone? What does it even DO?" After controlling my need to slap some respect into this little boy I calmly said "All that I need it to." And maybe sent him a death glare to turn around, since the High school students had to be confined to the back.

I don't mind them HAVING phones, or even expensive ones, (ya know, if the parents want to potentially waste money on a phone that will most likely be taken by the teacher for the year, broken, lost, or stolen within a couple weeks. That's their choice, who am I to judge them for it?) as long as they don't let it swell their ego and kill whatever respect nodes are in their brains, (or chronically distract them) I can tolerate it. Though once respect goes out the window, I ALMOST (just some morbid part of my brain I guess) believe the phone should also go out said window.

Though, in hindsight, I should have gotten a phone when I was 12... I lived in the middle of nowhere, and by this time, cell phones were the only means of communication my family could afford. I was home alone during the summer, and had no way of contacting people. AT ALL. Sometimes my mom would be merciful enough to leave me her phone for the day, but otherwise I was completely and totally isolated. I mean, again, I lived in the middle of nowhere. What could REALLY happen if I didn't decide to romp outside and risk encountering a badger or a rattlesnake or some other dangerous animal? Not much, but the chance still existed. Either way, I'm honestly glad it took as long as it did for me to get one... By the time I did, of course, the destructive and scatterbrained child I once was had long since disappeared.

Persephoni January 29th, 2011 7:36 PM

I was 16 when I was allowed to get my first mobile, but I would say that it would entirely be up to how mature they are; not their actual age.

Capris January 29th, 2011 11:11 PM

Eh, phones are mainly communication tools and I don't see why they shouldn't be able to have one as a kid because we communicate at all ages. So what if they call their friends or play games on it, I don't see how that's a bad thing. And it's another way for parents to check up on them and that can only be a bonus for anybody granting the phone.

There's no reason for anybody who isn't paying for it to complain in my opinion.

Bunnicustard January 30th, 2011 10:29 AM

It doesn't bother me really (like the previous poster said, I'm not paying for it) but it does seem a bit excessive in many cases. I've worked with kids professionally since I was 18 and a lot of times I see kids who have phones long before they really need them. The only reason you should need a phone before middle/high school (unless you're in a unique situation where are helping provide for your family or something) is if you spend a lot of time in places where your parents cannot contact you in any other way. There is nothing wrong with having to wait an hour until you get home to call your friends if you ride the bus. If your parents need to tell you something about riding arrangements they can call the school.

I didn't get a cell phone until I started driving (16), which makes sense because that's when you become more mobile/get a job and are capable of going places where your parents may or may not know that you are. Up until then I was perfectly content to talk to my friends at school and call them when I got home if I wanted to make plans.

I agree with what many here have already said: if you feel your kid needs a phone before driving age, why do you bother getting them an expensive, fresh-off-the-market phone? I can't tell you how many times I've heard kids talking about how they ruined or lost their fancy phones because, well, they're kids. If it can call then it should serve your (and their) purposes just fine until they need more. Anything else just encourages them to get it out during school and not pay attention in class. No offense to those of you here who had expensive phones at 6 and 7, but to me that is a bit much.

Raichu1988 January 30th, 2011 12:54 PM

I think it all depends on the family in question, how they live, what their child's life is like, are they alone sometimes?, do they have after school programs or need a ride home or walk home alone? etc. The world is not as good a place as it was and crime rates in many "safe" places are even rising. So, I know a lot of parents want their children to have something for emergency which is fine. However, I also agree with a lot of people who say why should a 5/6 year old child need a top of the line iPhone or smart phone? That's a little questionable since they are too young for social networking and things like that. Why would they need the internet? To google their spelling words? (And anyway, most families already have computers!)

I have also known quite a few family friends where their kids weren't responsible enough with their minutes used and ran up the bills hundreds of dollars. So, I think it also should be pointed out that someone who should have a phone should be responsible enough to recognize their limit and stick with it. If they can't be, then maybe they shouldn't have one just yet for their leisure, but one they can carry around for emergency.

I think if a kid walks a distance to a bus stop or walks home, a phone is okay, a basic phone. Even a 13 year old wouldn't <i>need</i> an extravagant phone but something to talk or text with. I could never fathom wasting $300+ on a phone for my child if I deemed they didn't need it. Something to bring around to call or keep in touch with your parents is perfect, no need to buy your kid something expensive just because you want to use it as a status symbol.

Age wise, I think 13 is perfect age for someone to have a reasonable phone. If they're younger, then a basic phone. I live in a very populated area where many people have money to throw around and it makes me feel sick to see a 10 year old have a fancier phone than I do, and I'm 22 years old! lol I work and pay for my own phone bill, but even I don't need all the extras some of these phones have so why should a 10 year old need it? They're nice phones, but I also would want to spend my money reasonably and responsibly. I love my smart phone, but it still wasn't the brand new one that was hundreds of dollars to purchase.

As for my first phone, I was about 15/16. I got a basic flip phone that could text and call and IM. That's all I really wanted to use it for since I would IM a lot of my school friends. When I was younger (13 - 14), if I wanted to use a cell phone, I would borrow my mom's and go out and call her or I would IM or text my friends occasionally with her phone. Again, it was a standard phone, then again that was back in about 2002, so there weren't really the high tech gadgets like there are now. But, I think I was also mature enough to know I couldn't fool around with the phones or replace them easily, so I always took great care of my cell phones. It all depends though on what age someone is best considered to be responsible with a phone.

mikey January 30th, 2011 1:36 PM

I hate when little kids have cell phones, thinking they're all cool and everything. I mean, who are you texting? Your like 7.

I think when your in at least 8th grade or 9th grade (going into High School) would be the appropriate time to get a cell phone. That's when I first got mine. The point is in High School, you pretty much need a phone in case of an emergency or something. Not when your in Elementary or Middle school.

Her January 30th, 2011 7:03 PM

I think a kid can get a phone when he/she can pay for the phone + the costs themselves, but nothing too extravagant. And if they were my kids and they had the phone, they wouldn't be allowed to use it for social networking until 14. But it all depends on the kid, really. If they're the typical [email protected]$ta eight year old who believe it is their right to 'have a phone to call all my bros' and waste all the credit on stupid ringtones and advertisements they see on TV instead of actually using it for what it is for, then I don't think they deserve one. But if the kid is one who needs it so they can call their parents in an emergency (especially kids who are prone to seizures or something like that, so passers by can call the parents if needed) or so they can be picked up, plus they are responsible/mature enough to handle a phone, by all means, give them one.

I just think that parents nowadays are getting too hasty to give their kids phones just because they're trendy or cool, not because they actually should have one.

Roxichu January 30th, 2011 7:04 PM

Recently, I visited my relatives in Florida.

My nine-year old cousin has a cell phone nicer than mine and was texting her friends from school the whole time we were at a restaurant.

I was flabbergasted, I didn't even get a cell phone until I was 16 and started driving, and didn't start texting regularly until I was 18. The only gadget I had at her age was my Game Boy Color.

Damn, I feel old now. And I'm only 20.

SquirtleGirl January 31st, 2011 6:03 AM

I didn't get my first phone until I turned 12... I think? And even then it was only used so my Mum could call me. It depends on the circumstances but I don't think kids should have one just for the sake of having one. Kids are growing up far too quickly these days for my liking. *shakes pensioner fist at them young 'uns* xD

zekes February 1st, 2011 10:57 PM

I got my phone when I am was 13 and I don't like it because it is an old model mobile cellphone. I am hoping mom will buy me an Iphone this year.

Spinor February 1st, 2011 11:49 PM

I think I got my first phone late 5th grade / early 6th grade. I didn't get spoiled with the views of smartphones and iPods until late 8th grade.

And what pulls my strings is seeing 7-8 year old girls texting their girlfriends with their flashy keyboard phones >__>

LightOfTruth February 2nd, 2011 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Materia (Post 6421335)
I see six year olds with iPhones and iPods, texting their friends while Facebooking. You're six. You don't have an elaborate and complex network of friends.

I got my first phone when I was fourteen, only because I was going to high school, which was about a mile away from my old school. I needed to tell my mom if I was going to go home, go with friends, stay to make up tests/tutor, or something else.

You know you can report any six year old who lies about there age to Facebook :)

FreakyLocz14 February 2nd, 2011 2:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capris (Post 6426192)
Eh, phones are mainly communication tools and I don't see why they shouldn't be able to have one as a kid because we communicate at all ages. So what if they call their friends or play games on it, I don't see how that's a bad thing. And it's another way for parents to check up on them and that can only be a bonus for anybody granting the phone.

There's no reason for anybody who isn't paying for it to complain in my opinion.

An issue could be that some kids aren't responsible and can run up a huge phone bill. Parents can avoid this by choosing a carrier that allows parents to limit usage level on certain lines, offer unlimited usage, or offer prepaid services. Still, I understand how a kid running up a large phone bill can be an issue for parents.

As for others complaining that children who are not theirs own have phones, I agree that they should mind their own business.

Åzurε February 2nd, 2011 7:48 PM

In my humble opinion, your first phone should be crap. Just like your first car. Now get off my lawn. :P If you're like 9 and I see you with a Blackberry or something, your mom needs smellingsalts.

I got my first cell phone at 14, I think. Some sliding phone with a number pad, got it free from renewing a contract. I never really used it, and lost it often, and eventually I downloaded Pokemon Yellow and played it without sound. It wasn't much, but I didn't lose it anymore. Now I have a Samsung Flight two years later, which is not so awesome itself... it has a browser and that's all I do with it other than the occasional text message. Can't download anything. Stupid security measures.

And that's all I really do with my phone.

Graphical February 3rd, 2011 9:06 AM

I got my first phone for my 11th birthday. Which, in my opinion, is the age you should be getting a phone. There should be an age limit on it, as 9 year olds with a phone is just as ridiculous as them having an XBox and swearing at you on Live.

My phone just does what I want it to do - play some games and text my friends. I never call anybody, texting is my thing.

And anyways, my mom agrees that it's fantastic that I got one; should I be walking home from school or going somewhere with friends, she likes to know that I'm safe.

BareBones February 5th, 2011 1:48 PM

I must've been uh... around... ten, maybe. I started walking home from school on my own, so I had to have a phone else my parents would worry.

Honestly, though, I think kids should only get phones when they start going places on their own. I grew up on Pokemon Cards and Gameboys, now all the kids have laptops and phones better than mine ;~;

Saryka February 8th, 2011 6:21 PM

I got my first phone at 12 and I thought I was kinda young at the time, haha. The phone was nothing fancy (mind you, cellphones back in like... 2002 weren't in general anyway). I think that there's nothing wrong with a kid getting a cellphone - it's good for parents who want to have a method to contact their kids when they're not around - but I draw the line at getting a kid, like, an iPhone or something. That's unnecessary.

Devil's Guitarist February 9th, 2011 8:28 PM

meh, I think that in a way its a bad thing because i remember how healthy was my childhood, only adults were to have a cellphone xD but in other way its better

Fire Heart February 10th, 2011 7:00 AM

I got my first phone when i was 10 when i started to go out with my friends, to me, if a kid needs/wants a phone, they should be able to get one i guess.

Timbjerr February 10th, 2011 11:35 AM

I got my first cell phone on my 18th birthday. I didn't really need one before then because I wasn't out doing extracurriculars everyday and I didn't have any friends, so yeah...

Remember, the parents' budget also plays a significant role on the age kids get phones. My parents aren't rich so they delayed buying me a phone for as long as they could. XD

Cherrim February 10th, 2011 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightey (Post 6445715)
Got the original iPhone when I was 9. Then I got the 3GS later on, and now I have the iPhone 4.



You're unnecessary. Get out of here.

The people on this site are so undyingly rude to anyone who their jealous of. I quit. Most of you are freakshows anyhow, judging by the picture thread.



What? You're jealous?

I paid for my own phone.

I wouldn't say people are necessarily jealous. :/ I bet most of us would agree that, yes, in some cases it's perfectly fine for a kid to have an expensive phone but... most 8-13 year olds I've known? No way. My brother is 17 and he's always losing his phone so sure, age doesn't mean a lot, but I don't see the logic in spending $500 + another $50/month on children who, for the most part, only need a phone for emergencies.

Out of curiosity, do you do a lot with your iPhone? What do you use it for & why did you choose it? Instead of just quoting people you disagree with and being a jerk, let us know your side of the story. You bought it with your own money, that's a start, but tell us why YOU think children need phones (and expensive ones at that). That's how debates work and this is a debate. You're going to get a warning if you just keep up with that "you're unnecessary" crap.

Rawrinism February 14th, 2011 11:16 PM

Well, I'm 14 and most of my friends/people I know has one. I'm honestly fine not having a cellphone atm. I had asked my parents before, but they said I can't get one till I get a job. :p That's about it... I'm pretty sure they think I'm not responsible enough. But to be honest with myself, I am a really responsible person. Well, 99% of the time. :D
I think that if the child is responsible enough, then why not.

mzmingle February 15th, 2011 4:06 AM

i got mine when i was eight.
I'm 9 now. I think they should be atleast 8 - 9 or something

Elite Overlord LeSabre™ February 15th, 2011 7:21 AM

I'm in my late 20's / 85 and I still don't have a cell phone. When do kids need a cell phone? When their parents deem it necessary for them to have one in order to keep in touch with them. Whether that's at age 8 or 16 depends on the parents and how often the kids are at a friend's house/working/etc.

Meduza February 15th, 2011 7:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightOfTruth (Post 6432381)
You know you can report any six year old who lies about there age to Facebook :)

Yeah you can if you're a low life and have nothing else to do. Like, what will you accomplish from doing that? Unless you enjoy making little kid's lives miserable just because they want an easy way to talk to their friends.

Anyways, with the phones,. I couldn't care less since I choose not to have a cell phone when I can just use my house phone or a phone wherever I may be.

GirlieNinjaRose February 20th, 2011 3:06 AM

I got my first mobile phone when I was 7 years old, I wasn't really using it that much unlike today. I think age doesn't matter in regards with mobile phone and gadges.

Lambda February 22nd, 2011 5:20 PM

I got a basic phone when im elven. But i saw a 2nd grader have a phone and thats way to young. I think elven a good age.

Drekin February 22nd, 2011 5:28 PM

I guess when the child starts Highschool is a good age. If they're any younger they don't get one unless they actually NEED it for something like an afterschool activity. (I had band in Highschool and I needed a cellphone to call my parents when it was over)

Vindog223 February 22nd, 2011 7:35 PM

It bothers me when I see a third grader with an Iphone or a droid. Haha if they do they have a better phone than me. I'd say they should wait until middle school or near middle school. In my opinion

DigiDevil February 23rd, 2011 4:05 AM

I think they should keep Cell Phones away from people in general, given that it can change the structure of your DNA. (I'm not kidding, do some research) I think, considering the brain isn't fully developed or settled until sometime in the twenties, I'm sure it's very detrimental to be exposed to such things. Kind of scares me that the signals are, what, the same frequency as used in a microwave? Talk about global warming. e,e

Serperior February 23rd, 2011 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigiDevil (Post 6474002)
I think they should keep Cell Phones away from people in general, given that it can change the structure of your DNA. (I'm not kidding, do some research) I think, considering the brain isn't fully developed or settled until sometime in the twenties, I'm sure it's very detrimental to be exposed to such things. Kind of scares me that the signals are, what, the same frequency as used in a microwave? Talk about global warming. e,e

Last time I checked, this topic is about children using phones, not the effect on the human body. Go take your alarmist research material in a topic that calls for it.
I used to be one of those people who complained about kids having phones, but now I'm just neutral. People these days will find anything to complain about this generation, in this case, kids with phones. I think people need to have a better use of their time other than whining how they didn't have a cell phone at the age of 10 and kids these days do. -.-

Feign February 23rd, 2011 11:24 AM

In cases of emergency or general aid or something, it would be beneficial to a child, otherwise, things like social interaction should probably be left until the age 13 minimum.

I've seen ads on children's related networks advertising ringtones and subscriptions, and how a child need only dial the number/text to obtain this and pay some extra $10 a month as a result. The white text on the ad is not that viewable either. I'd hate to be a parent and see a bill so huge...

Responsibility is key though, in these situations.

I never got a cell phone until I was about 18 I think, in part because I didn't need one and also because I wasn't in Canada all the time either. I've always used my own money for the plans etc. Though when I was younger, cell phones were still in the process of becoming popular, so the current technology was just for phoning really too. :P

Corvus of the Black Night February 23rd, 2011 3:38 PM

I rarely use my phone. It's basically a tool to keep myself connected with my parents when I go out so they know where I'm going. Actually, they know more about them than I do... lol

Dumbo Decus February 27th, 2011 9:38 AM

I think that age shouldn't come into the situation at all. It just depends on the situation, and the kid themselves. Some kids need a phone at age 10 because they go out to their friends all their time and hang out with their friends. It would just be a hassle if they could not keep in touch with their parents on a good, regular/semi-regular basis. There won't always be a landline around for them to use.

However, on the flip side of this, there are some kids who are like seventeen and don't ever go out anywhere in their life. Their need for a cell phone wouldn't be very high, especially compared to that of the aforementioned ten year-old. Matter of fact, I know people in both these situations, so it is a bit of a hassle when they ten year actually doesn't have the phone.

===

Of course, what really annoys me is when I see ten year olds running around with the iPhone 4. It's great and okay and all that you need a phone. But you just need a phone Just a way to get in contact with people. You should be happy that you get one to have at all, and not complain about how aesthetic it is or not, about all the features that it has or not.

Sсott February 27th, 2011 11:49 AM

I got my personal mobile phone at the age of 12-13. Before that, we had this extra spare phone that me and my older sister used to share, when one of us goes out or whatever. It wasn't that of a phone; I think it was a stupid-looking Nokia phone with no camera and like 10 MB of memory. When my sister reached 14 years of age, she got a brand new phone and I got the Nokia. My parents told me if I can stay with that "******" phone for 2 months without misusing it and getting distracted by it, a new phone will await me on my soon-birthday. So, I was a good kid and got my own mobile.

The point is, like mentioned a lot, age isn't something that should come in the way of a kid having his own phone. Of course, there are "requirements" attached. If you are involved in something that can leave you hours without your parents or you are just a cool kid that goes out a lot, a phone can come in handy in such situations. And there responsibilities you should 'abide' with.

To be honest, despite getting a phone, I did not really use it up until I was 15. It was just something that I felt "cool" and "hip" having. Kids. What cha' gonna do 'bout them, huh.

HinaBaby February 27th, 2011 6:54 PM

I actually got one when I was 12 years old when I told my mom that I want one since my classmates have them. For the most part, yes. Now, if the child is involved in after-school activities or otherwise needs to have a way of communicating with a parent, then, fine. But, many of these 6-12 yr. olds are given one simply because their parents want their kids to "like" them or because "all the other kids" have them which is my reason.

Pyrax March 1st, 2011 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Materia (Post 6421335)
I see six year olds with iPhones and iPods, texting their friends while Facebooking. You're six. You don't have an elaborate and complex network of friends.


Wait, what kind of parent lets their kid join facebook at six?!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Fail (Post 6421593)
I've seen kids as young as six with iPhones. Not joking.

O.o
Btw, did you guys see their parents with them?
'Cos their parents might've let them borrow those gadgets to play with.

Otherwise, it's called irresponsible parenting.

.
.
.
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Anyway, I got my phone when I was 13, and I don't even use it much.
But yeah, around 12/13ish.


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