At What Age Should Kids Be Given Cell Phones?

The debate continues over kids cell phones and what age is an appropriate age for a child to have a cell phone. In ancient times (about 10 years ago) parents never had to wrestle with this question. But now all kids want these fancy cell phones and it is certainly not for safety reasons that they desire them. Kids come home everyday from school throughout America wanting a cell phone because one of their friends got one.

Some people think that kids should be kids and there is really no reason for them to have cell phones. Video games take up enough of their time and having a cell phone is just one more thing they really don't need. The other way o f thinking is that a child with a cell phone is safer than a child without one. We all want our kids to be safe and if they have a way to always contact their parents, a cell phone does seem to make them safer.

While it may be true that a cell phone might a safety element, the question still remains at what age is one needed? Is it the right time for when a kid reaches first grade, or second grade, or how about 5th grade? There is of course no right and wrong answer to this question and every parent must decide for himself or herself. Each child might be different as some become more mature quicker than others. One thing is for sure though, no matter what age a parent thinks is appropriate the child will undoubtedly want one much sooner.

If you have a child that begs for a cell phone, you have a couple of decisions to make. The first is whether the child is old enough to have one and if so, what kind of cell phone is the right kind to get. A good choice for kids are cell phones that come with a prepaid plan or ones that you can include in your family plan if the child is a bit older. There is really no right answer for this and it is one of personal preference. Anyone that is worried that their child is going to use up the minutes with reckless abandon, a pay as you go plan might be in order.

If you have a child that you trust, you might add them on your family plan as that is usually quite reasonable. This would probably work best for teens who are a bit older and are more responsible. Whatever choice you decide to make, it seems the crucial decision is really at what age you allow your child to get their first phone. It is a tough decision but one that all parents have to struggle with.