What is an appropriate age for children to have cellphones?

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Melbourne Boi 2 Man

When they start working and earn moneys for themselves.

Snorkie

I absolutely hate kids with cellphones, lots of times when we have parties at home, I have found a child sitting by itself somewhere in the house smsing ...... how stupid, a child of 10 not playing with the other kids but playing games etc on the cellphone, how will they ever learn any social skills!! As for the "toddlers" at my sons schools with cellphones, yes I have seen them, that is totally ridiculous.....The principal at my daughters school have banned all cellphones from school, they get confiscated and handed back at the end of the term. Each parent and child had to sign acknowledgment of this rule and I think it is a brilliant rule for a Primary School. If the child needs to phone the schools office telephone is always available. I think I might buy my kids a cell phone when they are 16.

superstar ;)'

the appropriate should probably be 15, i mean what does a toddler need a cellphone for anyway.

Sofa King

Well......in this day and age it's probably good to have them for their safety.

However.........they become texting addicts.

Not an easy question to answer........probably depends upon where you live

MB1810

I got my first cellphone when I was 16, it was necessary for transport arrangements - if after school activities got cancelled or moved around.(or if my mother just forgot to pick me up from school)

There were certain conditions I had to stick to though, everything above R200,00 a month came out of my allowance and so forth.

Mrs McRoberts

I have noticed Bull and I think they shouldnt be allowed to have any cellphones at that age. It causes too much trouble as children arent discreet with new gadgets, they want everyone to see them, no matter how many times you'll ask them to hide it. There are heartless criminals amongst us who will not even flinch or mind taking it from them, even if it means harming them. I think 16 would be about the right age as they are more aware at that age of the crime around us.

redhead

When I see kids of about 5 or 6 with cell phones, then I shake my head and wonder what this world is coming to. But then I think of my two year old - when she starts primary school and starts going to after school activities, I will worry myself sick if I can't speak to her or find out how her day is. In this day and age, there are so many weirdos out there and things like Vodacom Look 4 Me are handy to have. So I will probably end up giving her a cell phone but more for me to stay in touch with her - I doubt I will allow her to have things like Mixit when she is older.

buzzsawann

Children should not have cell phones because the phone emits a signal that will effect the brain. Of course the industry is denying it because money buys silence but in the future there will be research to show evidence. Just like removing the trans fat from all the food they thought was OK or now trying to get everyone to stop smoking.

Sydney Harbour

That would be at the parent's discretion but I am strongly against cell phones being allowed at schools during school hours. There are many advantages to young children having a cell phone particularly for their safety. But It seems as though the modern generation cannot function normally without their cell phones. I am just as guilty of that.

Heavy D 2

My kids are six and I have registred a phone on my contract that sponsors the call only from theirs to mine .No money is available for text messages . It is handy when my kids go to birthday parties , sport functions as well as for safety !

quindupr

When they are mature enough.

cheri

I don't think kids should have cellphones, particularly young ones, if they work or earn money to pay for it themselves when they are at least 16 it is ok

Bo T

We now live in the communication age and our children are exposed to it very early. To them, it will be a common thing to have cell phones and information so readily. If a child can responsibly use a cell phone, then let them. Just make sure you're ready for the bill.

theeyeofthehawk

Ayiza

Between 5 and 6.
Its a good way of teaching them numbers.
Just get them the basic one not expensive.
You have to keep contact with them.

I suppose it makes it easier for the parents to pick them up after netball/football practice.

the ferrari man

Both my eldest sons, 9 and 10 years old, have cellphones. With all their various sport activities we have to be able to keep track of their movements. Vodacom's "Look for Me" also makes it easy to track them in case of emergency.

(Every morning they hand in their phones to their teacher, and receives them back after school)

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