This isn't an issue for me at this moment as my oldest is only 3 but my husband and I have discussed this and I'm not sure really what is the right answer. Truthfully I can't imagine spending the money for my child a cell phone and even if we decided to allow them one I think pre-paid is the way to go and no text messaging -- drives me batty when you're attempting a conversation with a teenager and they're over there texting someone else and not paying attention!

I was reading this article that expressed different opinions as well - and I'm not 100% sure this was the right catagory for this thread but I'm sure for some people and their kids having a cell phone does help make things more simple. Should a 10-Year-Old Have a Cell Phone? - Page1 -Â* MSN Tech & Gadgets - News and Features
As for the 5 year old with a cell phone? I think that is a bit extreme but to each their own.

But where do you stand on cell phones for your children? And if you do at what age and what type of plan do you invest in?

I have a friend who is having SEVERE money trouble. The other day, I was with her and her 8 year old dd got a cell phone call. The mom's response was, "It is only an extra $10 a month." HELLO! That is $120 a YEAR!

It is also pretty sad when you have to tell the kids at VBS to make sure to turn their cell phones off before we start.

Can you tell what my opinion is? I can see them as a teenager, but as a child under 10? I just don't get it.

We gave our oldest dd one the year she entered high school. We had problems with her MAJORILY abusing text messaging one month...gave her a warning...two months later she did it again. We simply TURNED IT OFF!! LOL Our other children all know that the SOONEST they will get a cell phone is the year they enter high school, too. Before then, I just don't think most kids have a need for them, nor are they responsible enough for one. However, my sister told me this week she is giving my niece one for her birthday next month. She will be turning twelve. I was appalled at first, but after thinking it through, I think that she is one of those "exceptions to every rule". With all of her psycological problems, which include some pretty major anxiety issues, having the security of being able to contact her parents/grandparents immediately with a problem is probably going to do her a world of good. It is certainly a personal family decision, but I just think that kids are given so much TOO SOON these days....and that includes a lot more than just cell phones!

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All three of my kids have cellphones. (11,10.7). They are NOT allowed to pass out the # or call their friends on these phones. Our kids are going to be riding their bikes to and from school this year. They are too keep the phones on their bodies at all times during the school day because the phones track. As long as the phone is turned on I know where they are. It is another safety thing in place in case someone ever decides to abduct one of my kids. Or if one of them gets hurt on the way home from school, they have immediate access to 911 and me.

I also make them take their phones with them whenever they go to a friends house or to a practice (gymnastics, football, etc.) This way I always have access to them and they me.

I have a 15yr old and he does not have a cell phone........as soon as he gets a part time job and can buy the cards that go with a trac phone, i will MAYBE buy him a trac phone for his birthday or Christmas but i refuse to pay for his calls, he can do that on his own, then maybe he will keep his chatting on the phone to a minimum with our land-line!!!Now if only i could teach my DH to shut up when it comes to his phone his bill wouldn't be $208 like this last month(and this was only his 2nd phone bill since he got the phone). Sorry, i'm just not a big fan of cell phones, can you tell? lol

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"Go on, get outside, get the stink blown off ya!!"

My youngest dd got one for Christmas when she was 12. It has worked out very well, and it is nice because I can always get ahold of her and she can call when she is done with activiites and such. My oldest is 21 and I am not sure she is still mature enough for one! My boys are 9, 8, 7 &4 and as of yet, there is no need for them to have one since they do not go anywhere without us and none of them like to talk on the phone anyway!

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~Happiness is a large family~

I think it all depends on the kids and the situation!! I have a friend who got there 5 yr old a
Migo! She got it cause her kid Has EVERYTHING!!! she is a good kid but what is she gonna want and get when she is 16~~

I have another friend who got her dd a phone when she hit Middle school!! she had to walk to school since she was not in the bus anymore! (even tho the middle school is attatched to the elementarty where she did get bussed!!
anyhow she would have to walk past the HighSchool and it freaked her and mom out!
so mom got her a phone!!

anyhow I think that I will think about it when my kids get to middle school!! well see!!!

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Kelly mom to 3 great girls A Peanut, a monkey and a little burrito.

We just got cellphones in Mayfor my step kids. They are 17 and just got their drivers license in June. So for us it is a safety issue if something happens when they are out driving. They were made to sign a contract with strict stipulations (no answering when driving, they only have som many minutes, etc.) on them as we are paying the bill for the phones. They DO NOT have texting as we do not think that it is necessary. If it is something they want in the future then they have to pay for it. They don't seem real interested in it at the moment. They do well with their minutes as most of their friend are "In" the same network as we are so that helps as those calls are free. I think that My dsd's cell is now a security blanket. The other night we were going out side and she needed to charge it, she said if it rings will you answer it. I'm like if someone calls you they can leave a message or you can call them back. She took it off the charger and took it out with her. (Grrrrrrr)
My dh was telling me today that in his Sunday School class (he teaches the teen class) he made all of them turn off their phones and put them on the table. he said he is getting tired of them ringing during class.

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~Jill~

Well living in a very rural area I really like cell phones. None of my kids have one yet but the oldest is only 10. When he is in 7th grade if he takes any extra curriculars we will get a cell phone. Not sure of the type maybe just a pay as you go. To participate in sports you ride a bus to another town for practice and back home but on game nights you just get dropped off at the other town 18 miles away when it's over. The time always varies for the away games and there is really no way to know what time to pick your child up without a cell phone unless you just want to guesstimate. I really don't want to be sitting and waiting in the middle of winter.

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Our almost 13 y/o has had a phone for almost three years. He has it for all the reasons othermomma listed with most of the same conditions. It gives me peace of mind for very little cost.