I have a Birthday question..... - when did this become normal???

punkeemunkee'smom wrote: Taylor has asked for a cell phone for her birthday. At first I though NO WAY!!! BUt I have been thinking about it more and more because I have seen so many of her younger friends that have one. Obviously we would restrict her calls on it and she would only be allowed to call people like my sister and Bill or my parents,etc. She does talk to my little sister everyday (on my phone) and I know she would take good care of it. Its not like we are ever really apart (a few hours a week) so it would just be a play thing...money for the phone or the bill is not an issue in that I would add her to my plan and I would spend the $$$ on some other toy anyway....SO what do you think???

my2monkeyboys replied: I think it is WAY too young, but that's me. If you feel comfortable then do it -- it's your kid. That's the great thing about it - we can all do what WE think is best for our children.

Our Lil' Family replied: Wow Abbie she's already asking??? These kids are growing up too fast!! IMO the only reason a child should have a cell phone is when they are away from their parents, and since she's hardly away from you I don't think it's necessary. I'm not about keeping up with other kids (that may change when Thomas gets older) so I definitely wouldn't do it just because the other kids have it. JMO

coasterqueen replied: Ryan and I were just talking about this last night. His response is that our kids will never have cell phones. I think when they are teenagers and driving is when we will definitely consider it and only one that will call our phones - no one else's. Call that over protective, but we didn't have cell phones and did fine. Cell phones and kids can only cause problems, IMO. Yes, they can be good in emergency situations, too.

Boys r us replied: Tanner got one when he was 8. I don't see a problem with it..like you said, you're gonna spend the money on something else anyways...likely a toy she's gonna love for 3 hours and forget about after that..why not get her something she really wants and is actually a bit useful. I let Tanner carry his in his bookbag (never to be taken out at school..he knew this was instant loss of the phone) and it did make me feel secure that *if* something ever went wrong between home and the bus and school..he had a way to contact me. Plus, he goes to his dad's every other weekend and it's nice to know he can always get a hold of me if necessary for anything while he's there!

skinkybaby replied: I'd consider something like this http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/mo...izon_Migo.jhtml for emergencies and what not, but not your standard cell phone.

mckayleesmom replied: Well...I think its too young, but that is my opinion for our family. I can see why some people get them for their kids...like Nichole stated.

If you are going to get her one. Maybe you can try a prepaid phone first...Like one of those go phones. I have one and they work fine. You won't have to worry about her going over her minutes and stuff either.

PrairieMom replied: um...no. Not that she wouldn't take care of it or what ever, but for me, its the whole idea of the thing, that our children want to grow up so fast, and cell phones are expensive, and completely unnecessary. At 7 IMO, they have no business being anywhere without an adult who will have a cell phone.

I actually think that unless they can buy it them selves they don't need one.

I am such a mean mommy. My kids are gonna HATE me when they figure that out.

punkeemunkee'smom replied: It's not really about keeping up with the other kids. I just mentioned that because I was surprised to see how many kids DO have them. But yes they do grow up too fast! Of course we didn't have gameboys or DVD players either. I think we look at cell phones as some sort of alien technology because to us they are so cool-we remember the days (clearly) where NOBODY had a cell phone and those who did were super cool but our kids have grown up with phones that take pictures,video, and play music on demand!

coasterqueen replied:
Well, if you are so am I. Ryan is even more strict about these things than I am. I just know my kids will never be without someone to where they need one themselves - at least for now. If they are on the bus, the bus driver has a cell phone and a walkie talkie communication with the school/bus barn. If they are with the sitter - she has one. If they are with someone I'm entrusting them too, I will make sure they have one. If they are with me - I have one. If they are with their dad - he has one. Really, who are they going to need to call so badly that my children need one for themselves?

IMO as teenage years approach cell phones can only be more harm when they are texting people constantly, trying to do be on it while driving, etc. I see it causing more harm than good.

ETA: I look back at my teenage years and I can guaranty a cell phone would have been worse for me. I can just imagine all the things I could have done if I had one.

Boys r us replied:
It's only like $10/month to add a line to your existing plan and they'll generally GIVE you a phone for free when you sign up..so it's pretty cheap peace of mind and also a pretty harmless way to keep your kid happy, if that's what they want. I find that the internet leads to far more disturbing things than a cellphone!

stella6979 replied: I do think it's too young, however a couple of my friends kids have those Disney phones where you can program 3 numbers and those are the only numbers that can be called. It also comes with the GPS tracking which IMO is an awesome thing to have.

Danalana replied: I think it's too young, but that's just my opinion. It might be a great thing for yall

lisar replied: Lexi has been asking me for a cell phone also. I told her that she could have one when she went into the 6th grade. Until then leave me alone about it. I think its to young.

PrairieMom replied:
I agree about the internet thing, and video games for that matter. Thats another road we will cross when we get to it, and I guarantee you, my kids will NOT be happy with my answer.

cameragirl21 replied: This is jmo of course but for me it's the idea of it that I find bothersome, not the money, because it's true, you can add another phone onto your account that feeds off your minutes and get a phone pretty much free.
The way I see it, a cell phone is not a toy, it's a tool adults use for business or for safety reasons, like if you're driving and your car breaks down, etc. I can see why kids think it's cool to have their own and whatnot but I figure, at 7 she's a kid and should enjoy being a kid and play with toys and use her imagination to explore her world, etc. Not that a cell phone would preclude her from doing that but at some point in the not too distant future, she will NEED a cell phone and at that age she'll be too big for dolls and toys, etc so why rush things? I think it's important not to blur the line between child and adult so that kids can focus on and enjoy just being kids...what I wouldn't give to go back to those days, I'd give up both my cell phones.
Btw, I meant to tell you, Abbie, she looks so much like you. I didn't notice it until I saw those dance rehearsal pics. She is you, literally. She looks like such a sweet child.
Btw, I wanted to add that if you share custody of your child with someone and are away from that child overnight regularly I can see where a cell phone is nice to have...don't want to give the impression that I think anyone here is doing anything wrong or anything like that.

BAC'sMom replied: Seven does seem a little young to me. But I would do what works for you and Taylor.

We set down strict guidelines when I got my oldest son a cell phone for Christmas. He’s almost 12. He only calls his Dad, his Grandmother, 911 or me. I used to be on the will never happen side. But having 3 children busy with activities at different times. There are certain situations when I am not with him. So when those times happen I feel better that I have constant contact with him. He also takes it to school but turns it off and leaves it in his pocket. God forbid if anything should happen during school hours and he needs my help I want him to have that lifeline.

Celestrina replied:
I agree.

Boys r us replied: Oh just wanted to add...Tanner's bus this year was in a wreck and by the time they shuttled another bus to the site and got the kids on it and delivered home safely, they were 45 minutes late. Tanner used his cellphone to call me and let me know what was going on and that he was fine...numerous other kids used Tanner's cellphone to alert their parents too. I'm so glad he had it! Yeah the bus garage was in the process of trying to get in touch with parents..but 3 kids to a seat, 30 seats...you do the math and tell me how long that takes! I already knew where he was and that he'd be late before he was ever due to originally arrive home!

coasterqueen replied: Nichole,

I think I'd demand the school to do something more the next time there is a bus accident. Our bus drivers notify the bus barn, which also notifies the school immediately. Then the school starts calling parents and if it's an accident where there are too many kids on the bus they use the phone tree to get the message out. Thankfully our buses hold a minimal amount of kids on each bus - we have 5 buses that bus our route (the little kids, middle school, and highschool kids are all on seperate buses). That is a LOT of kids on Tanner's bus. Glad he was able to inform you when the school wasn't.

jcc64 replied: Imo, 7 is too young. If it's for "safety" reasons, as others have already said, 7 yo's should never be in a situation where there isn't a responsible adult around to assist with whatever emergency might necessitate a cell phone. I think the desire on the part of the kids comes from wanting to emulate older kids and/or adults, and that is not an impulse I would want to satisfy.
My minimum age requirement for a cell phone is 12- graduation from elementary school around here. That's when my kids have their first opportunities for freedom and independence, and that is when I find cell phones appropriate.

mom21kid2dogs replied: Here it certainly is not the norm nor do any of O's friends have them. She did, however, tell me on her 7th birthday "I get a cell phone on my 8th birthday, right mom?"
I laughed at her and said "You get a cell phone when you can pay for the monthly plan, same as me."
It was the end of the discussion!

punkeemunkee'smom replied: Just to be clear-Taylor is not out running the street away from responsible adults. She is only away from me for a few classes a week. It would be more of a sitting on the couch talking to her aunt and uncles,Grandma or her Daddy.

luvmykids replied: I don't think I'd do it for Kylie, but it's because we already have enough issues with her wanting to be/pretending to be older, and I know in her case that is the only reason she wants one and I'm not about to foster it. BUT, every kid is different and in your case I say more power to ya

mom21kid2dogs replied:
Couldn't she just use YOUR cell phone to do that? That's what O does (really, really well, in fact! )

punkeemunkee'smom replied:
Yes she does use my cell phone to do that now-really well as well I also would like to be able to use my cell phone I like her talking to my sister (they moved and it is hard on her to be away from Aunt Bonnie) so I don't mind her using my phone but I also like the occasional convo with my friends in the evenings too!

Boys r us replied: and you can get her a cutesie little pink phone ..oh yeah..defintiely the girl needs a cell phone! I truly see no harm in what you're talking about..what's the difference in the cell or her being on a land line talking to her family and friends? Most all kids that age do talk on the phone..lol..She just wants her own phone..I really think it's kind of cute!

5littleladies replied: I think 7 is a bit young. We have a cell phone for our girls, but it for emergencies only. We don't have a land line so if they are home without me I want them to be able to get in touch with someone if the need arises. I just don't see the need for these young kids to be toting phones around. At their age they should be out playing with their friends-not talking and texting their days away on a cell phone.

punkeemunkee'smom replied:
Maybe then I could have music other than the Jonas Brothers on the MP3 player and take pictures that don't involve barbie or stills of the screen during Hannah Montana!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Maddie will get a cell phone in 4 years, when she's 12 or 13. Scotty and I have agreed on this b/c we know she will be busy with school activities and we will more than likely not be with her at all times like we are now.

Some of her friends have cell phones now. They have a need for one and their circumstances are different than ours. No judgements here.

gr33n3y3z replied: I would like to say this its not for it or agaist the cell phone issue

Has anyone noticed pay phones are disappearing off the streets so I will just leave it at that.

Boo&BugsMom replied: I'll just answer the initial question and say yes, I think 7 is too young for a child to have their own phone. I can't fathom a child that young being responsible enough with it, IMHO. At that age they shouldn't be without a responsible adult in sight, so I really don't see the need for their own at this age. Under very uncommon circumstances I possibly could see, but not under many. But that's JMO.

stella6979 replied:
I absolutely agree. Not too mention, there are people out there who would have no problem beating some little kid up to take their phone. It's actually happened here a few times....that I've about read in the news anyways.

Cece00 replied: Way too young. I have never heard a legit reason for a kid that young to have a phone. My son will be 7 in about 5 months and no way would I let him have a phone.

Calimama replied: IMO if Miabella was in the same situation she wouldn't be getting one. If she's rarely away from me, there really isn't a need for one at that age. When she's older and has after school activities and stuff she'll have one. There will come a time where she only wants to be on the phone.. I'd rather enjoy her playing with Barbie's and dress up for a little bit longer.

HuskerMom replied:
I agree. When I was younger when I was away from my parents for whatever reason I was always somewhere where I could still get ahold of them. And if I had had one in highschool I think it would've been more of a problem than anything else. We're not going to get cell phones for our kids, once they get a job and if they decide they want one then they can pay for it. Dh and I still don't have cell phones and we get along fine.

HuskerMom replied:
I never really noticed but you really don't see them much anymore. That's too bad, they're so handy.

punkeemunkee'smom replied:
Well obviously she would not be alone and able to be beat up. Like I said this is a toy...no different than a DS or Gameboy. How many kids have those? They are not a necessity, they are not needed, they are just a cool friviolous gift. She already talks on my phone...this is a way to allow her to talk to her 'BFF' (my sister) and other family and keep my phone line free . IF she is away from me she would have it to be used as needed to contact me. We do not have a land line in the house so if I leave her with a babysitter (which is a new consideration ) she would have a phone that she could use if she wanted or needed to talk to me.

My3LilMonkeys replied: My reaction to your initial question was no, I don't think a 7 year old needs a cell phone, but after reading your specific situation it seems to me it wouldn't be a bad idea - I was going to suggest you just get her own phone for your landline since it seems she would only be using it at home, but you said you don't have one. If she would be using it almost exclusively at home to talk to relatives it's really no different than letting her talk on the regular phone.

redchief replied: Cell phone at 7? Hah! Katie just got hers at 14, it's used and doesn't have internet, though we allowed text service. The phone comes with strict rules of use. We didn't allow our kids to have a cell phone until they got into high school and really did need it to stay in touch with us as they began spreading their wings.

I've had a kid cheat on a test with his cell phone (believe it or not this nice little Catholic punk called his mother for answers on a religion test). I caught another one trying. I instituted a no cell phone rule in my CCD classroom.

Cell phones have become this generation's moped. No one really needs one, but "everyone has one" so it's a social necessity. I don't think so!

stella6979 replied:
Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that she would be alone. I was more referring to having it at school where all the other kids might see it. It's just happpend at a few schools around here, kids getting beat up over their cell phones, which is why I don't think they should be allowed at school. Not saying that you'd allow her to take it to school or anything....oh, I'll just shut up now cause I'm starting to ramble.
I think you should just do what works for you.

mom21kid2dogs replied:
Incredible Ed!!!
Our public schools have a zero tolerance cell phone rule. When I interviewd with them they told me that even though I work for the Health Dept since my contract is paid by the school board I could not carry a cell phone. (I wasn't planning on it but wasn't aware of their policy until then.) I always thought it a little over the top, but maybe not, especially since the new ones look like calculators. If they have them at school here, the school takes them permanently. Ironically, O's school, Catholic, allows them but they have to turn them in at the office every morning and pick them up at night.

luvbug00 replied:

I'm surprised he was aloud to use it on school property anyway ( until he gets off the bus at your house, they concider a bus school property) Here you can have it on you in HS but if you use it then it's gone! but for EM school and middle your not aloud to have one.

back to the OT I think it's way too young. Mya's aunt said she is getting mya one. I say that's great! cuz once it's at my house it's in the TRASH!

luvmykids replied:
They probably made an exception because of the wreck, I know kids have used them from schools they're normally not allowed to in other emergency type situations.

coasterqueen replied:
I want to say, if I already haven't, that obviously what you choose to do IS your decision, no one elses. I'm not trying to judge, either - you asked opinions and that is what is given.

I do, however , want to say that I do not think cell phones are toys. We all know that cell phones have some danger to them. Yes, they are used more and more every day, but that doesn't make them safer. Unfortunately I think we are going to find out one day that we are going to pay a heavy price for using them. It's under the same logic as people not using microwaves as much anymore - not good to zap your food - zaps the nutrients right out. Well, I think cell phones aren't doing us good healthwise, either. Now, with that being said - yes I do use a cell phone regularly. It is our home phone because we do not have a land line. We will purchase a cell phone to be kept permanently in the home for future use (especially while we are out and a sitter is there) BUT the phone will have limited use. My children won't have them, though. Not at this age, at least.

I just can't believe a cell phone is a TOY. Calling people, having access to call, text, use the internet on a phone doesn't seem like a toy to me. I know maybe a 7 year old might not use all of what a cell phone is capable yet but getting one at a young age, to me, only means they will start using those features early as well. Someone mentioned earlier in this thread that the internet is more of a concern than cell phones - well cell phones do have internet capability as well as text ability. Yes, those features might not be on there, but they can be - so IMO that should be just as a concern as the internet.

Again, I don't mean to offend you. YOU are her parent so it's your choice to decide, not any of ours. I'm only stating my opinions because they have been asked. I know you are justifying your reasons for wanting to get her one and that's entirely yours to do as well. I just don't see where a cell phone is a toy.

mom21kid2dogs replied:
We don't consider them toys either. If you have to pay for them every month, they are considered a utility in our house. i also wonder about the health risk but I've never even come close to going over on minutes and we have a land line (though we rarely use it). We live in an area of the country where cell service is still pretty spotty~luckily, I guess.

I read a very eye opening article in the Columbus Dispatch a while back regarding what kids are now doing with cell phones. It includes trying to drum up boyfriends by taking and sending sexually explicit pictures of themselves and sending them to people they'd like to date. Apparently, the texting stuff is equally explicit, too. Several of the kids were 12 and 13 yo kids.

MommyToAshley replied: I didn't read all of the answers, so sorry if I repeat something.

I think it's up to you and it's your decision. Ashley started asking for one last year too. That's what she asked to get for her birthday (and she said to make sure it had a camera), but she didn't get it. She probably won't get one until she is much older, in her teen years, and then it will come with specific rules. Even as an adult, I am not real fond of cell phones. It's good for emergencies and a great convenience, but I think it is rude when people answer the phone or look something up on the internet during dinner. I see it all the time in restaurants. I hate to see a teen buried in their cell phone texting one another when they are on a family outing... but, that is just me. Sorry, I got a little off-track.

For Ashley, it would be too young. I was surprised when some kids in kindergarten asked to swap numbers so they could call her. -- In Kindergarten???

stella6979 replied:
Oh gosh, I couldn't agree more.

kimberley replied: i agree that it is too young... and about the internet being worse. our kids close off from us so fast as it is, don't rush it if you can still step in and say no. my 4yo asked for one too but she's fast learning that she's not going to get everything she asks for.

punkeemunkee'smom replied: Thanks for all the opinions and replies. I really was on the fence about it but after talking to Bill at length and talking to AT&T about the ability to turn off on-line access and restrict which numbers she can call or that can call her. We are getting her a phone that she can use much like a home phone line. She will be allowed to call family just like she does now with my phone

My2Beauties replied: Des got hers when she was 11. You do what works best for you and your family Abbie, no one can tell you what is best for you

Brias3 replied: My honest opinion is that it's really not that horrible an idea. If that's what she wants, at least it will serve some more purpose than a toy, right?

Personally, my kids won't have their own phones for awhile, but it's only because they don't need one. They are literally never in a position where they would need one at this point (and more importantly, haven't asked for one, so I'm not putting any ideas in their heads for no reason! ) But I certainly don't oppose the idea. (If I had a case like Nichole's for example, where my child was spending time with another parent regularly, then I'd actually for sure get them a phone, just for the mere fact they spend time somewhere without me and I'd like the security of always being able to reach them directly, KWIM?)

I like the idea of those Disney phones for kids. It limits what your child can do on the phone (which is necessary for a young phone user and peace of mind I think) and the tracking system would be an added security benefit too.

Crystalina replied: Evan is only 4 and has one. Izabella also has one. They have the Migo from Verizon. I like it because their phones can be tracked by mine. When Izabella is on the school bus I can even tell you how fast the bus is going and where she is. When we go to the mall or a crowded place their phones get attached to their pants. If I lose them they know what one digit number to press to call me or Daddy and I can track them by my phone and call them.

But with summer here and things getting tight financially they may get theirs disconnected until school starts.