What's the right age for parents to get their kids a cell phone?

Does anyone know who the author and publisher of this is?

don't do it until 14 maybe even 15

kids under 14 aren't very good at controlling themselves and if you look many have had to much time on the internet and commit suicide. so if your a parent please don't get your kids phones until they are responsible enough and are at least 14 years old. I didn't get my phone until 16 I was frustrated at first but now I understand that they just want to keep me safe.

I’m now literally 18. When I first got my phone, I was 10. I think the best age is 10 if you just wanna get your phone a cheap one like a cheap & mediocre. I used to have an LG slide phone & that was my first smartphone. At the age of 13, they can any phone they want like an iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S9. Some parents need to stop buying cheap phones for 13 year olds. They need good cameras & high end screen quality & a fast processor so they can browse web, watch videos , social media, etc etc

I think the right age for a kid to get a phone is at the age of 12. I am thirteen and I got my first phone at the age of 12.

My seven year old has been asking for an iphone the past few months. At first, It caught me off guard, as cell phones just were coming out right about the time I started driving. So, it worked out great for me, but it was the old basic bo bo nokia phones with nothing but ability to contact people and text. However, That was then and this is now.. As parents, sometimes we need to realize what history has taught us so that we do not repeat mistakes that our parents did, even though im sure they were looking out for our best interests in perspective of the culture that they grew up in.. I am still on the fence at his age, but I have many reasons why he will most likely get one very soon: 1: His entire life has been nothing but smart everything devices. Smart TVS, tablets, ipads, youtube, chrome notebooks used at school for tests, you name it. That is all he knows and he can use my phone just as good as I can. With that reality and the future that only hold more of it, It would be smarter for me to get him the new age culture way of being able to get in touch with me in any circumstance, as our culture is obviously getting pretty scary when it comes to our children: this includes not only school shootings, but also sexual abuse like I have never even know about until my eyes were open wide due to the fact that his own father is one of them. Yes, sexual abuse in the home and at school is nothing new, but I trust myself to control and monitor what phone he gets, what hes doing on it, etc, in order for him to have a way to call for help or text a code word or something, vs trusting others in school and especially his own father.. Yet his father hasn't been deemed convicted yet b/c well, you know how unjust things are now of days.. With that being said, that phone will be traced and monitored when he visits his father also.. His father would immediately take that phone, and either deprive him of it, and/or try to put a tracking device or record stuff, etc with it.. So, Ill just beat him to it and hopefully my son will end up learning its for protection and try to hide it, but ya know, he is seven so im sure that wont happen.. Regardless, if my kids needs to call me, he has every right and I will not let a school decide whether he can or not, and he has to rely on them, whom you just can't trust, bottom line.. Sure, I could and probably still will do what they did with us: in kindergarten, we were required to learn our parents full names, both of their addresses, and all phone numbers for emergencies or what not... Now, teachers do not do that so again, the school or afterschool or coach or babysitter or crazy day is the one my child has to rely on to get that information and that is not safe or smart on anyone's part.. He needs to know all of that info and a safety plan in case of something and code words, or what have you.. He needs to be a bit more mature but I can get him one cheap on a multiple plan that connects with my, showing gps info, parental controls, you name it. I do the same thing with his tablet. So, phone it is with limitations plus old school back up way.. and I do agree with these teens. If my first grader is required to use chromebooks for his testing, then im pretty sure he is gonna need to have whatever he needs for school and the culture that we live in.. I hate it but at the same time, I can't survive without it b/c that is what our world is.. If my child has to do an online class group project and he has to use something like a phone or tablet or email or what have you, he will have that, and I will monitor it.. Its safe too.. Accidents.. When my child drives, his car will be tracked for sure b/c I want to make sure he is safe and if he gets stuck in a situation socially and doesn't want to be embarrased but knows he wants to leave and needs to leave a party that is not safe , he needs a phone to call me, knowing he can trust me, say a code, and i will come get him.. Safety is key and I won't limit my child in a culture where he is demanded to use these things b/c these old phones will be obsolete anyway.. Its the same thing as when I took pre cal and calculus in highschool with a very expensive calculator needed and I did well. B/c with math, we all use calculators. Adults use them and are encourage to b/c we have them and its easier and usually extremely accurate.. So why sense does it make for my algebra teacher in college to not let us use any calculator what so ever but to do the problem the longest and least efficient way possible, which did nothing b/c at my job being a mortage banker, we use calculators... Can ya believe that? That teacher should not have been a teacher b/c you dont teach college age kids to not be efficient and she should be using what we have and know to help prepare us to be a work smarter, not harder employee. So parents, we are going to have to accept that their is a balance and by hindering your child from using what the culture uses for every thing in our lives, you are hindering them from life.. It used to be bad to say pregnant when my grandmother grew up in the 30s... yeah, she still believes that.... are ya getting my point here? Kids need to know body parts, the names of them, and boundaries, to protect themselves from predators... Ex: can you believe my ex mother in law couldnt have the nerve to say the correct name of her sons's private areas, so out of all names, she told them its called their "tickle thing" ... Dumb... So when a predator says they just want to tickle her kids b/c God forbid she uses the medical term for it, gasp.... and they are not told about sexual abusers, well that is defintely giving your child a way to trust those people... teach your kids things so they will be smart... dont let them find out when it is too late or from another kid who may not teach them the right thing or you just fail at telling them at all and then they do not like you very much nor do they trust you as much or feel comfortable telling you things as such or talking to you about them b/c you made that very clear when you kept silent... too many parents do this... We all need to have common sense, know the world, the culture, your child and use commons sense discernment to help, not hinder them

Hi guys, my name is Kaylee. I am currently a High School Senior studying to become an IT support specialist. I am doing an essay on why technology is addictive and stumbled upon this site. I personally have a weird outlook on technology because I was born right before smartphones and computers started to BOOM. I grew up without a phone and never needed one until 7th grade. I would agree that 7th or 8th grade is a perfect time to get your first smartphone. But now that I am older I have a different view on it than I did 4-5 years ago. I think it is sad to be in class and see everyone on their phones. There is less socializing, and students just emerge in their devices. Apps such as Facebook/ Youtube even cut off the time and battery power when you binge watch videos so you easily get distracted and start procrastinating. It's addicting. But I do believe that there is just the right time and place to be on your phone or play video games. And that is when all responsibilities are finished.

i am never leting them only they can by it when i say o

I think so you should get a phone at ten, I gave my child a I phone and he is happy.

I'm 13 and I only just got a iPhone. I have been asking for one since the iPhone 10 came out, but my parents gave me two options. I could have gotten the iPhone 6s on the spot a year ago, or wait one year and get whatever iPhone I want. In the meantime, I had to make do with a Samsung galaxy which was like a punishment for me loosing my iPhone 7. It was really annoying, especially as I couldn't sync anything with my iMac, my MacBook and my iPad. I think that parents should stick to one brand when buying tech for their kids because switching from a iPhone to a android was a big change, and the worst thing was that my beats wouldn't connect so I had to use my cable 24/7 :( so... get a iPhone for your children and stick to it!!! I've lost so many files and have been inconvenienced so many times by owning useless Samsung phone.

It's really not that difficult of a decision. Don't let your kids have phones!! HERE IS WHY: -They don't need them -You already know where they are. Kids are either at school or at home or at a friends house. -Cell phones /snapchat are ADDICTING and don't help foster real relationship skills -They are expensive -Kids don't have the brain development to use cell phones properly. I.E. crossing the street while looking down at their phone -Kids need to fit in because of their personality, not because of a device. If your kids hate you, then it just means your doing your job! -Are you really prepared to discuss with your kids about online sexting, predators, bullying, self worth. Do you even know how these apps work?

I'm a parent of a soon to be 15 year old. Our son became addicted to pornography at a very young age (10). We found it on his tablet. We took the tablet away and 2 years later thought we would try again by getting him a brand new phone when he was 12. A $700 Samsung phone, but he was super ungrateful and complained that it wasn't an iPhone and once again we caught him viewing pornographic adult content. So, we took the phone away. Since, we have gotten him an iPod for music (which he lost) and have allowed him to use our phones for social time with his friends, but monitor his conversations, etc. Once again, he made a wrong choice and so now here we are, he's almost 15 and I so desperately want to try to give him a chance again, but he has consistently shown us over and over that he can't be trusted. Thinking maybe we can motivate him to save up to get his own phone of his choice then put certain blockers on it or monitor his internet activity. Being a parent of a teenager is so difficult. I know he wants to "fit in" and be "cool" with a brand new phone, but it scares me how addicted he is to porn and how many expensive things he's lost. :-(

I am 14 1/2 years old and my first smartphone was given to me at the age of 11, right before I entired middle school. Now as a teenager and in highschool, I do find that giving your child a smartphone at young age might not be the best possible case. As you give your child/chrilden a smartphone it gives them a lot of responsiblities. 1 of the top most responsiblities is to be able to keep track of your phone. Now if you give your child/children an iphone for example, you have to remember that an iphone isn't cheap. Yes you may have find my Iphone connected to another iphone device but, you are still have the chance of not being about to find it ever again. If you give your child an old fashion flip phone not only is it cheap but it is also a lot more confusing to use. A flip phone is one of the cheapest phones you can get your child/children some only cost 40-60 dollars. Compared to an iphone or an other smartphone, thats cheap. The only problem with a cheap phone is that, its not easy to use and will be able to break very easily. Many flip phones have the keypad for number and letter placed together. Trying to teach a 6 year old how to use a flip phone may be challenging and if the child isn't paying attention, they will not be able to use the phone properly. Now if you are a parent who is still not ready to give your child a smart phone or flip phone try an Ipod touch designed by Apple. Ipods touch is pretty much an iphone without the celluar data and phone in it. The only way to get on the internet is to be hooked up/linked to a wifi spot. It has Imessage on it which allow the child to contact a parent with wifi. They only problem is if a emergency happens or a parent must get in contact with the child, they have to guess if the child is connected to wifi in order to recieve a message. The chance of the child being connected to wifi is 98%. The 2 precent is if the child is at home since my resturants, attraction park, schools, etc.. dont have free wifi to connect to. If places do have wifi to connect to the chance of the wifi being good is 5%. Finally its all up to the parents decision on when the right time is to get their child/children a phone. My idea would be, start the child off with an Ipod Touch, this gives them the ability to contact a parent or someone with wifi but not have the parents pay so much money in the beginning. Also see how they take care of the Ipod, do they throw it, treat it like garbage or do they put a lot of care into it even though its not an actual phone. Next, move on to a flip phone, yes it may be cheaper than the Ipod touch (depending on what generation of ipod you got) but now your child has the ability to contact you at any point in time or place. With the flip phone since it now has data, you can watch if your child pays attention to how much data they use. Once you have seen your child have the responsiblities it takes to have a phone I would try a smartphone with them. Now you may think oh no, they could drop it or lose it well for me when I got my first iphone the rule was if I drop it or lose it I wouldn't get a iphone from my parents and would have to pay for a new one with the bill. Once you have purchased the smartphone, you should set some boundries on it. Some may be, no using it after a certain time (I had this with my first smart phone after 9 I had to put it downstairs), since you aren't paying for the bill of it as the parent, I (you) can take it away anytime I feel you need a punishment, etc.. If your child doesn't agree on these boundries you have set try to explain to them more in depth why you feel they need these boundries and maybe try a compromise. For example on the weekdays beside of Friday ever night before 10 or whatever time you set the phone must be downstairs while on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays the phone can be upstairs till 12 or all night (whatever you want). Now that you have given your child a phone, they should be able to contact you if needed at anytime. Some reason why you should get your child a phone: 1. Contact easily 2. Know where they are 3. Emergencies (School shootings have become a big issue and having a phone a student can contact 911 and their parents or guardians very quick). 4. Stay in touch with friends or other family members such as uncles and aunts

Get your kid a smartphone (not a fliphone, they might get bullied) when they are starting middle school. If their birthday is in August or September, your lucky and should get them one for their birthday. If not, just get them one around the start of middle school. Kids will start having more responsibilities in middle school and will start taking more risks. I don’t have a phone yet and I’m in 7th grade. I feel really left out all the time because of that, and no kid should feel that way.

I'm a parent, 27, and I may have a controversial opinion. I'm a millennial with a 4 and 7 year old. The oldest is a girl. Shes highly independent and bold, and this year asked to ride the bus home instead of me picking her up. I was mortified honestly. I dont trust people, and after all the weird stuff that has happened in this world I get nervous. But despite my fear, my husband and I had a talk and decided to let her ride the bus. My only stipulation: she needed a phone. I did consider a crappy flip phone, but that is not the phone of this time. And smartphones have built in security features that help parents and kids stay connected. So we chose the Samsung j3 star as her first phone. We aren't an iPhone family, husband and I have a note 8 and galaxy 9. Anyway, shes does fantastic with it so far. Doesn't bother with it at school and no complaints from the teacher. I work from home, and when she gets off the bus, she calls me to let me know shes walking back. This makes me and her feel more comfortable. We do live in a gated community, but I dont know everyone around us, and even if I did, I have a responsibility to keep my child safe. She uses it to do research for projects and homework, and in her downtime plays games or watches videos. Husband is a techie and works for the mobile phone industry, so he set it up for her. So far so good. I didn't get my phone until I was 14, but cellphones were still kind of new.I never damaged or lost any of my phones. Also, it came in real handy. I think school-aged kids should have phones. Just having the peace of mind is enough of a reason for me. Plus, embarrassing your kid with an outdated phone or not letting them have one when their peers do is a recipe for...well...a lot of not so good stuff. Get them a cheap smart phone to start, monitor their use, have a conversation with them about the responsiblity of owning their phone, and call it a day. Parents might be surprised how maturely their child could handle the responsibility.

I think children should have a cellphone (note I did not say smartphone) or at least a phone that only contacts their parents when they start school, just for safety reasons. They can just hold it for school and the parent can take it back after class if they are so concerned. As for smartphones, as long as you limit a child's screen time it should be okay for any child who is mature enough. However I do believe it is important for children sixth grade or higher to have a smartphone to be able to be connected with their peers. I'm not saying that parents should run to the apple store and get the latest iphone for their sixth grader, but at least get them an LG touch screen that they can quickly check their grades on or use the calculator. If parents are really concerned about it ask for the phone before bed time and explain to them why you are doing so. It's important for kids to feel connected. I feel that if you have a good talk with your child and explain to them why or why not they should do certain things then they should be able to get a smartphone. I understand the whole "back in my day" nostalgia. However it is 2018! How did you feel when you were grounded and all of your friends got to go to the park to have fun and you couldn't. Imagine being able to watch them all having fun right outside your window? That is what you are letting your kid experience and they didn't even do anything wrong. Honestly, if you treat a child in middle school with respect, they should be mature enough to handle a smartphone.

Before my mini rant truly begins, I just wanna say, kudos to all you folks who grew up without cell phones in your life. You managed to survive, but times have changed. So, I just turned 15 and yet, no cell phone. I'm not complaining, I can see exactly why my parent's won't let me have one. If I'm out somewhere I'm always with another person and they have a phone, so I can ask them to use their's. The reason I so badly want a phone, it because I'm starting my freshman year of high school, and I know I'm going to get involved in clubs, events for art and choir, and go to parties like prom and homecoming! Some people are rude, and don't let others use their phone, so I would just like to have a way to contact my parents if necessary. Also, before I get a reply from anyone saying "If you have no phone, how are you typing this out for the internet, the most brutal place for criticism to be thrown, for everyone to see?", my school gives us Chromebooks for assignments, that's how. Anyways, back to my main point. I know how much my parents love me and want me to be safe, but if they really wish for my safety, I personally think it would be best for me to get a phone. Not only is it important for my high school life, but in March of next year, I get a driving permit, and then soon after that, my license! A phone is a vital part of a teenagers life in the modern age, especially since there's more danger than ever with the advancement of technology. I just hope I get my own phone soon so this little scrawny Asian girl with no muscle whatsoever can at least stay in touch with her parents and feel safe when she's by herself.

I think that dependingon the maturity of the kid, he/she should be able to get a phone at any age! You (the parent) can decide when if you are personally paying for the device , but id the kid is paying for the phone, they should decide when they get it, and what phone they get. As the article says, make sure you allow your child to do all this stuff.Except purchasing the cell phone. If it is indeed their own money, then they get to decide about it. You may TRY to stop them from making foolish decisions, but ultimately, as the parent, it is not your decision to make. I hope I was helpful as you make your decision.

I am 13 and got a phone 6 months ago for my birthday. Before that I was so jealous it consumed my every thought. I felt so left out I would constantly be sad and was never included in stuff. My parents just didn’t understand I felt! So I finally got one for my birthday and I honestly have never been happier. It’s helpful to communicate with my parents, im not obsessed, and I finally feel like I got in. I say that a good age for smart phones is the start of middle school for girl’s but with boys I would give them a flip phone until high school because with my experience, middle school boys are extremely immature and use their phones for a lot of dirty things. Everyone is different but that’s just my experience^^

Most friends own iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s. A few kids have SE and others have Galaxy S8, S7, Essential Phone, Galaxy S6 Edge. I personally have an iPhone 5s, which very few people have. The area I live in is very wealthy. Most kids get iPhones in 5th grade. I got a little button phone in 4th grade, then iPhone 4, then 5s. The 5s is still a pretty useable phone in 2018. I don't think kids should get the iPhone right away, and work up to an iPhone from a cheaper phone.

In my opinion, it is all related to responsibility and trustworthiness. These definitions vary per family but I remember asking for a phone at 10 or 11 and hearing the word no ring in my ear. I always asked informaly and soon enough, at the end of the 6th grade, I sat down with my mom gave her all of my reasoning and I got a maybe (meaning in a couple of weeks)! I started out small with a Samsung Tab 3 moved up to an Ipod touch which I had for around 3 yrs and then finally got a maybe for a phone. I asked my mom why and sje said because I showed responsibiliy and that I was older too. To all those 5th graders and younger, you want a phone, but you don’t need one! It is not a bare nesccesity but an opportunity for you to be exposed and sucked into the blue lights. I needed one because somedays my transportation changes, I get to school an hour early, and for other private reasons! Thanks for reading!!

I'd say there isn't a deffinative age to get a phone. I think it's a good idea to get your child a simple mobile phone (like a basic nokia) so they can text/phone their parent in an emergency or text how there day at school was. After 5/10 months of that, I'd say that would be a good time to get your child a entry level android phone (or iPhone if your rich). I got a pixi 4 as my first smart phone, it ran android and could do smart phone things, it just was really cheap (£30 to be exact) and wasn't amazing, but was a nice upgrade. Then when another 7-12 months have past I recommend getting a proper £200 ish phone (mine being a Samsung j3). If your child is desperate for the apps and stuff of a smart phone but couldn't care less about actually calling/texting people then maybe get them a tablet (a kindle fire for example).

I wouldn’t say there is a specific age at which a child should get a phone. I believe it should go by how responsible and mature the child is. That being said there is no reason a 13-14 year old should have an iPhone X. A cheaper smartphone could be awarded and once they are old enough to get a part time job use their own money to upgrade their phone. I am having trouble with my little brother right now sending inappropriate pictures to girls and he is only 13, this is why it should go by maturity level not age.

im 12 and i only have an iPod touch. well i was really excited after getting one for christmas. but then i realized that the battery was really bad plus i had to have wifi or internet to text. but what about the calling. my mom lets me walk to places as long as she knows where I'm going. but sometimes i need to call my family. so I'm always looking for wifi to connect to but can't. help!!!!i don't know whens the right time to tell my parents I'm ready to have an iPhone 7. my mom knows that I'm become more and more responsible.

I got my first 'actual' phone when I was 9. But only to draw, animate, watch stuff and post art on the internet. I would say about 8-13 years.

In my family, you are allowed a flip phone at age 16 if you get all As, and then no upgrade until after graduation. Living life without a competent phone is tough. If I were a babysitter, I am certain that kids 10 years younger than I am would have better phones than me. It’s tough trying to stay caught up with peers in the trends and it’s hard to stay connected too. It’s not much fun being left out of every plan and mostly every friend group because nobody can get a hold of you. I had a couple buddies who’s parents didn’t let them have phones, but even they got iPhones eventually. There’s no way around this rule in my family. My oldest brother never had a job, and got his phone after graduation. I work 30 hours a week and am not allowed to buy myself any kind of device.

I'm going to be honest here. I see some kids at my school that are in 4th grade with an iPhone already. I saw a 5th grader with an iPhone X. Crazy, I know. I think that the minimum age to get your child a smartphone is 12 years. At this age, they are in middle school and need to learn the basics such as not posting anything bad on social media, call parents when walking home, etc. I got the iPhone 6 when I was 11 years old. It was a hand me down from my brother. I am getting a new phone in September. Parents shouldn't get their kids phones if they are unreliable, they lose things, or younger than 12. Unless you live very VERY far from school, I'd understand if a 4th or 5th grader had like an SE or a 6. But if you live close and you are not in at least 6th grade, I don't think you need a cellphone.

I feel like children should get a phone at around 11-13. That is usually the middle school age and phones might be needed in middle school for safety purposes. It really depends on how mature the kid is though, I got my phone on my 12th birthday, but I have asked for one many years before that. I now realize how dumb I was asking for one that early because now that I think about it, that’s way to young, though many of my friends had a phone then. You don’t have to get anything expensive, just a phone that will fit their needs. Obviously you should set restrictions on the phone so it doesn’t get out of hand.

I got a phone Chrismas and I’m 11 I think 10 or 11 is a good age because in my town 5th grade is middle school also I live in a safe neighborhood so I’m allowed out alone but I need to have a phone with me also at 11 your already a pre teen so I think you could be responsible at that age I did crack my phone so I’m going to get a new one but my parents still believe I’m responsible enough almost all my friends had a phone so I did feel a little mad but I kept my grades up and kept asking and I got a phone for my Christmas gift and I was so happy

13 years old is appropriate. Most kids are approaching middle school and this age is when online communication practically becomes essential. Putting restrictions in place is a good doorstop. Dont expect parental controls to be bulletproof. Bottom line the more your parents trust you, the more likely you will get one!

I think I'm at the appropriate age for a child to get a phone. A good phone. Beginning of teen. But I also agree that if you are young, at the age of 10, maybe a flip-a-phone is good for you. Nothing too special or expensive. If you are my age though, you should have a better phone. For example, I have an iPhone 4s, which is horrible for my age but whatever, at least it's a phone. Most girls my age deserve a phone such as a iPhone 6., because there is absolutely no need for an amazing phone if you are young.

Honestly, not having a phone when you're about to turn 15 is a nightmare. I try my best to be the way my parents want me to, I do everything on time, I get perfect grades, I'm no nerd I have many friends and all of them, all of them have phones, I'm not rude to my parents at all, and I only fight with my siblings sometimes, its no daily event. you don't understand how left out and embarrassed i feel my parents always tell me I'm too young for a phone but I mean, ok I would be too young for you cuz my father grew up in the 50's and my mother in the 80's and so they always tell me that at my age they didn't have a phone and that my mum would tell me once I finish high school and start university she will get me a phone because she got her first phone when she was in university, what good is that if I can buy my own one then. even if I have enough money there is no way I am allowed to get one. I go walking to school every day, come on isn't that a good enough reason to get a phone? my dad always buys the newest phones and my mum sticks to the same one until it completely dies. I'm being serious my dad has about 6 phones so far and using one of them isn't even an option. When I ask my mum she just laughs at me like I'm joking and when I ask my dad he just looks at me and says "isn't the tv and the laptop enough for or do I have to buy you a whole country so you can be happy?' i asked him once, never again. I try to get people to convince my mum but in the end, my mum convinces them, like COME ON. I'm sorry I just wrote down my life story but I still haven't written enough. btw I'm not trying to brag or anything but please someone give me reasons why I should get a phone so that I can convince my parents. ok i just reread this and i sound like a whiny kid, sorry you just read that, i really couldnt be bothered to edit the whole thing. i only wrote this cuz i needed to let something out i dont want to keep it all in thats all.

My personal opinion is that you should get your child a phone the summer before 6th grade. This previous school year I was in 6th grade and I didn’t get a phone until Christmas. I think that is part of the reason 6th grade was so tough for me (besides most of my friends from elementary school went to a different middle school.) I think since I didn’t have a phone for awhile, I got shut out of things. Middle school is the point when people start to judge you. Without a phone I couldn’t see any trends, and other popular things like that. Sure I had one of the earlier iPods, but it took about 30 minutes to load a website! Finally after asking, dropping hints, and most importantly 3 slideshows; I FINALLY got a phone. Now: other kids in my grade had super expensive phones like the iPhone 8 or something like that. My parents decided to get me the iPhone SE. I personally think parents of middle school aged children should get their child a iPhone SE or a iPhone 5. Not some $1,000 thing. My dad bought my phone for around $160 dollars give or take.

Hey I thuink you should get your first phoneat 13. I dint get mine yet because my parents dont want me to. But i do have an android. A samsung 7+ and i got it this year for my birthday but I can only use it for emergencys.

I am 13 in about a month and I will be getting my mums iPhone 6s. All the others kids on this post have been commenting and saying really immature things. The only reason I am getting a phone is because my brother had got one at the age of 13. Respect your parents choices because fighting them can make it worse. I do find it unfair that my friends got phones in like the 3rd grade but think about, what sort of parents are that stupid to give phones to young kids? Just think about that.

I have to say I agree. From many of your comments I now know what (some) of your schedules, friends, ages (though that was required) and other personal info are! Some advice to start letting your parents know you are mature enough to get a phone- First do some research on the proper amount of time you should even be on this phone! A recent study says that your TOTAL amount of time on screens should be SIX hours! Also talk to your parents amount different rules and limitations you should have. Then start trying to become more mature about situations- keep your grades up, help around the house, etc..... Another idea is to write up a list of pros AND cons to having a phone. Or a list of how having a phone would benefit you and how it is different from the ipod/ipad/other electronic device you already have. Hope this helps!

So I turn 14 in a month and I still do not have a cell phone! My parents are talking about getting me a cell phone so I might get my moms old one. But they will put lots of restrictions on it and I will not be allowed to access social media. I have a secret email account so haha. I am writing this on my school iPad because that's the only device I have. I also might get a Chromebook in a couple years otherwise I can only use my moms stuff. I can't even listen to music on my music player because then it will corrupt my brain. I can only watch movies with no kissing or any little romance. It is so unfair. Help me

Hi, I have been reading all of these during the day. Anyways.... I am turning 13 very soon, and I still don't have a phone I have been asking for one since I was seven, My parents are really strict because They always want me and my 8 year old sister to do sports, we both do 3 to 4 sports each. And If we are lucky we might get tv on the weekends, and if we eat really really healthy we might get dessert, if we ear lucky.... Then to make things worst my parents want me to shut down my media accounts, and None of friends are in my class, or on my bus line, or live in the country with me , or have blonde hair like me and they do privit music lessons and have their own untrument unlike me... IM BEING LEFT OUT.... my friends says that they would adopt me because my parents are so mean.... I almost wanna cry becuase I don't have a phone , I have to use the computers at school do do this and for my media accounts i use my 65 year old grandpas phone, So follow me on insta

Hello. I have been reading through some of these comments and it's SOOOO surprising how many people feel the same way I do. I am will be turning 14 in about a month and I still don't have a phone (I am writing this on our shared family PC). Well at least a good one as I just have a crappy nokia. Next year I will be a Freshman and I am the only one in my grade without a phone. My sister, who is now 19, got her 1st phone when she was 13. I think that since then, things have gotten more extreme and more kid have phones at younger ages. My parents don't want me to get a phone because they believe I would be anti social. BUT ACTUALLY it would have the opposite effect!!! They are always pressuring me to get together with friend (especially as I have just spent my first year at a new school and I previously did homeschooling). But how am I suppose to contact friends without a phone?!?! (Nobody checks email that often lol) At this new school I have made many new friend and been more social but it would just be a lot easier with a phone. I feel REALLY left out when EVERYONE (LITERALY EVERYONE) has a phone (I think I would be more confident if I had a phone)(I wish I could be apart of the chat groups :(). Because I don't have a phone, I don't know the trends and stuff (One day I go to school and everyone is referencing the yodeling kid and I'm like WHAT THE HECK?!!) I just pretend and say that my phone is not that good so I just keep it at home as there is no point in bring it. But that's a LIE (I even lie to my best friend). This year I have tried really hard with my grades, chores and my social life (even tho not having a phone makes it really hard!!!) I really want to get a phone for my birthday but I am too scared to ask as I am worried my parents will question me and say "What do you intend to do with it?" and stuff like that. It's been hard enough try to survive Middle school without a phone and I am REALLY worried that I won't get a phone before high school. HELP!!! :( BTW: If you want to know what I think it a good age 12+. Any age before then I think kids should be able to just enjoy childhood carefree and I think having a phone any age below 12 would change this :). I also think that all siblings should get a phone AT THE SAME AGE so it's fair for the other brother/sister. (Sorry that I typed so much. This is kind of like therapy for my hehe)

I think 13 is an appropriate age for a smart phone. It’s late compared to some but my husband and I don’t think it’s necessary to text each other constantly or to be online a lot. Our son has a Nokia to text, call from and a lap top (provided by the school) so we feel that’s enough. He is not outside any social networks because of it and we do not have the phone eating into our time together as a family. Maybe it’ll be different for our daughter when she reaches 10-11.

about 90% of my class has a phone, and I have to get into the AA program in my school to get one, while most kids get promised a DOG when they get into the program, yet many parents dont even CARE whether or not their kid gets into the AA program! Its so unfair!

I am 16 years old i have a phone but it is not all that good My family has prepaid i believe there's nothing wrong with it my 1st phone was a samsung Galaxy j1 it wasn't activated my 11 year old cousin has a Samsung galaxy on5 Its activated! i was so mad data and everything My family gets so MAD when i called him spoiled he has an xbox 1 a laptop and his phone he had a wii u too all he wants he gets it. I'm like why am i being left out i didn't have that stuff in 5th grade. I Am so stupid I Have low down zte maven 3 because my Samsung galaxy j1 got Smashed with a hammer. (i didn't do it) so since last year i was the dumbo without a phone... i was so depressed. Comment and like!

I am 14 years old in year 9 and had just had my birthday. I don't have a phone but my parents always call me spoilt. Saying that I do have a computer but I share it with everyone because there are no other computers apart from the one my dad uses for work all the time. My brother and sister are both in their 20s almost 30s and my parents are still paying for their devices. Altogether, my mum has a TV, a phone, an iPad and another iPad. My Dad has a Mac and an iPad. My brother has a iPhone and a computer same as my sister and her husband. My dad paid for all of them. In year 9, 99.99999% of people have a iPhone, that part missing is just me. I always feel left out when my friends have sleepovers and every one of them has a iPhone and an iPod. They have group conversations and I text them using my moms phone and she always tells me off for using it even if I'm doing something for her on the phone. I find my mom is a hypocrite here because she is always saying how none of my sibling had them at my age. YEAH, BUT IT WAS THEN, 18 YEARS AGO, AND THEN THEY GOT IT WHEN THEY WERE 15 ANYWAYS!!! AND I am in the top class in school, I usually come 3rd in the year, I do more chores than my mum, I cook dinner three times a week, I don't swear, I play 4 musical instruments, I do extra curricular activities, I am responsible and mature, I always do what she says,( and not trying to sound spoilt but, I HAVENT GOTTEN ANY CLOTHES/ PRESENTS FOR 3 YEARS, no kidding, my clothes are literally falling apart and don't fit) I do everything you could dream of, SO PLEASE HELP ME FEAL INCLUDED IN SOCIETY

I think you should get a phone when your kid is responsible, and knows how to do school things, and you know is responsible enough to not misuse the phone and take school into their mind. - I think a good age would be 13+ -

I am 11 years old, and I would like to share my experiences. I am currently finishing up 5th grade, and I don't have a phone. I am getting one in less than a month, but I would like to share how I have felt. So let's start off by talking about how many kids have phones in my grade. I'd say about 65-75% of kids in my grade have phones, or at least iPads. I don't have an iPad (mine broke), but I may get one soon. Anyway, all the kids in my grade that own devices are in something called a "fifth grade group chat." I'm pissed off because I don't have a phone, so I can't be in it. I personally think that parents should get their child a phone when they turn 10. But it depends... one of the kids in my grade has had a phone since kindergarten. Thanks.

When I was 8, I asked my parents if I could purchase a Tracfone Cell Phone; and they said yes; it was a LG 440G Flip phone, and you would buy refill cards, which would give you minutes, 4 years later, I have a iPhone on Verizon Wireless, but I thought it would be fun to activate a old phone on T-Mobile Prepaid, which if you use the pay-as-you-go, it would cost a minimum of $3 a month (assuming you already have the phone and sim card) for service, this gives you a combined allowance of 30 minutes/texts, over that would cost $.10 per call minute/text. I think that if you use T-Mobile prepaid, that's a great way to see if your child is ready for a cell phone, and to see if you can trust them with one, because if they lose it, they would be losing an old phone, where you can just go onto my.tmobile.com and cancel the service.

I don’t want to be a spoiled child like most kids are. In which, I believe that the cell phone age should be at least 16-17. Because, I’m 13, 98% of the kids at my school have phones, and I feel safe to say I’m smarter than all of them. And not only that, kids do a lot of misuse and bad stuff with cell phones, and see bad stuff as well.

the age for kids to get a cell phone is probably around maybe 10.. I gave my daughter a phone when she was 9 years old but she did sneak twitter and we caught her easy!! It depends on how much you can trust your kid and their maturity

I’m 11, and I own and iPad that I saved up for (my mum paid sixty pounds too). When I go to secondary my mum says I’ll need one, but I want to buy one myself so it would be easier for my parents but I don’t know which to save up for. Any advice would be appreciated :)

Based on my experiences, you should get kids a phone when they are in middle school. In my grade (6th) about 99% of the kids have school. I think that middle school is the right age to go to your friends house straight from school, and kids need to let you know where they are.

I think it should be 22 because that's when your the most mature but a fliphone at 18 or 19 and prn at 13

I think a child should have a phone at the age of 10-11 years old because it helps them become social although they could meet up with random people you should test them to see if if their ready if their been naughty and were going to give the phone if he says he sorry and hes desperate for a phone give it to him because it will help him/she alot.Imagine your child went to the shop he could tell you if he was in danger or if he stays home by himself if someone braking in.

My kids have been asking me for phones pretty much since the dawn of time. Just this week I bought my two youngest (10-11) an Iphone X and my two oldest (13-16) Samsung galaxy S9+s. I thought that they really deserved them and I am considered a "cool" parent among their friends. Was that a good Idea?

I may be a kid,but listen to me,please. It really depends on the child's responsibility,but for the average child,it would be 11 at the minimum. Sure,I got my phone in 5th grade,but that's because my parents wanted me to be able to contact them in an emergency and they know I'm responsible. 11-13 is the age when your child goes to middle school,aka the 3 years where they have to deal with bullying,grades,etc. Let's focus on bullying and emotions for now. Since middle school is the age where most children get phones. So if you don't have one,you're the one of the main targets for bullying. People might even not want to be friends with your child if they don't have a phone! Now for emotions. Sometimes on big field trips,the teacher lets the class bring their phones. Sometimes,people have their phones out,and your child is just holding schoolbooks. This can make your child feel left out and depressed. If you are thinking about getting your child a phone,I'd recommend on getting a reasonably priced Samsung,LG,etc,before building your way up to Apple when you see they are responsible. If you really want your child to be responsible,make them pay part of the phone bills,and speaking of which,I'd recommend limited text,call,and data so they will manage their phone in a mature way,instead of using it for practically the entire day. I almost forgot,get a phone that fits your budget. If your child doesn't like the phone you can afford and agree on,just ask them if they want that phone or no phone. I hope this helped! :D

I’m 12 (pretty obvious on the side) and I don’t have a phone yet, however, I’ve been asking my parents about the S9. I know that it’s quite an expensive phone, and a kid my age shouldn’t be getting one like that, which is why I kind of don’t want it anymore. Reading all the comments below, I feel like I’ve been spoiled because I have a laptop and iPad, but I use both of those for work. For play, I’ll play on my PlayStation. My grades aren’t terrible, but they can do better, though I am one of the top students in class. I do try my hardest though, I’ve never done a test without cheating and I’m always studying for future tests and assignments. I’m also left home quite a bit, sometimes my mom will go somewhere and I don’t feel like coming, or I can’t come. Other times, I’m left alone with my aunt, but my parents like to call me rather than them. I also go to the movies with friends, and have to depend on my friend to call for me. In May, I’m also going to a trip with my school. We only get to use the phone once, and we have no hand-me-downs in the family for me to use. I do use social media as well, but don’t post. The only things I’ve posted are some pictures of my trips without my face in it, some Instagram bingos, and my hamster, other than that, I don’t have anything that is inappropriate. While I don’t like taking pictures of myself particularly, I do enjoy taking pictures of scenery. I am very responsible too. I’ve owned my laptop for 5 years. Not a single harm done, other than me forgetting it at my aunt’s but she doesn’t live far away. I take care of everything as if it were my child, especially my books. Overall I think I can get a phone, maybe not the S9, but an iPhone 6S works too

I'm 16 and I have a galaxy s7. I think 13-14 is a good age to get a phone, because that is when kids are old enough to join social media.

Ok so I’m 13 turning 14 this year and my mum refuses for me to have a phone until I’m 18. I’ve always got good grades in my core subjects and I’ve kept them up. I go out with my friends a lot on the weekends and she usually gives me her old phone like the old Nokia phones or I have to depend on my friend’s. We go to Albury quite a lot and we all go our own ways. Hence, I usually stay in the car. She tells me I have to earn it by making YouTube videos but she’s just too ignorant that she doesn’t understand the concept. Especially on school camps, (we go to cities like Melbourne and Canberra) I feel really left out because all my friends have phones and they’re taking photos but I can’t because well I have none. Do you think I’m the right age to have a phone?

Honestly, I’m not so sure what’s the right age.. I got a iPhone when I was ten. Not the latest one,’ It was the IPhone 6s. I really never asked for one because I never needed one. As my grades kept getting higher each marking period, my Dad decided to get me a Christmas gift. Once again, I was really never focused on the idea of having a phone like other kids do. That Christmas gift was a IPhone 6. It was wonderful. I never really knew of social media until 6th grade. I got introduced to it by my many friends that I had. As I’m growing up and showing that I’m doing my responsibilities. My mom decided to get me a IPhone X, indeed I did not want it but as to be kind I decided to take it. I’m blessed with this gift. If you don’t know, this was a UPGRADE from my IPhone 6 to the X so my mom really didn’t pay much for anything. Except cases and protectors. You have to make sure that you take care of the stuff you have now, it’s dosent have to be technology it can be simple things like lunchboxes or walking your dog. If you have a tablet or IPad I recommend sharing it with a sibling (as I don’t have any siblings) and that might show your parents if your nice and caring about the things or people you love. Clean your IPad or tablet.

Honestly, I think the right time to give a child a phone is when they are entering High School, about 9th Grade. This is when they will start to socialize with more friends, and do more sports and after school activities.

I am getting a phone for middle school next year and my 11 yr old friend has a 8+ which I think is crazy. At my middle school you need a phone if you bike to school or get detention. It can be confusing even in 5th grade. I have had to go to the main office to call my mom and tell her that it is a half day multiple times and I am soooo sick of it. If I have a mix up on who is going home with who I need to go all the way down to the main office and sort it out. If you have a phone, you are safer. You should trust your child with it. It is their future and you only get to control .25 of it. If they screw it up, it is on them. In conclusion, get it at the start of middle school

Hi, I'm 14 years old and don't have a phone. I'm not sure why. I'm the only one in my friend group without one, only kid on the bus without one and one of the very few in my school that doesn't have one. Fifth graders have phones, and I don't. I get good grades and am mature. I'm not sure why. I think it depends on maturity. If you think your child can handle a phone, give him one. Not the latest iPhone X or expensive phone, maybe something a bit cheaper such as an SE or 6.

People should have phones at 13 but not under that

well, once your kid is in elementary school, you can give them an old flip phone, or give them a regular phone, and only make it able to call and text. my phone is only able to call and text people, and that's it. but my parents say that you have to be at least in 6th grade to get a phone, and one year I wanted one for Christmas. I did not have a phone until I was in 7th grade, my parents gave me it for safety reasons.

A phone dosen't getting to do whatever the kid wants. I don't have a phone i know sad but it's hopefully my parent understand what there doing is unfair sister got her phone at 11 but she disrespectful still. Steal money and shes 16 but she still gets money for nails and hair. I have As and Bs do my chores respectful in class don't sitll clean without acting mad. PLUS see broke her phone about 3 to 4 times and its a iphone don't adding her other phone see lost i got 2 tablet they broke the first one of my sister freind broke the secaond on was slow and left on the charger all night (my bad) but my parents wont let me use thier phones to talk to my friend they wonder why am always in the house how am i going to contact my friend. It just not fair if they don't get one by my 14 birthday i don't no but my older sister is getting a iphon 8 and but this whole year see lied and steal. My parents say she will punish her but they never follow though. They don't know how i fell being blocked out by my friends at lunch cause there on their phones. I baby set and walk my brother plus do everything they want with a smile. I guess it don't enough

I still do not have a phone and I am so annoyed and mad!!!! My parents say I cannot get a phone until AT LEAST seventh grade. I feel very left out because all my friends have either a phone or an iPod touch. I have to text my friends on the family iPad, and I am barely ever allowed to, so I miss out on a lot of conversations. A phone would make me feel a lot more safe! One time I was apparently supposed to be a car rider on the way home from school, and I didn't know that my mom was emailing me because I didn't get a chance to look at my computer. I was very confused when I saw my mom's car in the parking lot as my bus drove away. Luckily, someone with a PHONE was able to call my mom and sort things out. If I had had a phone, I could have called my mom myself. Here's a suggestion: make a packet with reasons why you should have a cell phone and a cell phone contract (found on www.screenagersmovie.com). That is what I am doing, and I hope it will work. Have a great day!

I am 9, and got a Samsung Galaxy Sky J3 for My 9th Birthday. I am almost 10, and getting an iPhone 8. I think it is VERY important for kids after the age of 9 that can be TRUSTED! :)

WHY WON'T MY PARENTS GET ME A PHONE?!?!?!?!?! I WANT A PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My child (Sarah) got one when she was 9. This may differ depending on the child. I feel as if Sarah was ready for a phone. She showed responsibility and so forth. I know other parents get phones later though and that is fine! Maybe even better!

My parents say I don't need one, but how am I supposed to contact you when I hang out with friends. No, i'm not going to borrow someone else's, that's the point of owning a phone in seventh grade. I offered to pay but they're just being lazy. My father is an i.t manager, I should have had a phone since I was 2 *jokes* thanks for reading this rant bye

should kids have a phone?the more crime and violence that is happening these days it might be smart you can also set controls on it to stop it from doing types of things

I am 17 and a half years old oh, I do have a phone. I got a phone when I was 16 I had wanted one since I was like 13 then I finally got one. I got one because my older brother had a cell phone but then he left to go to college so there was no one else with a phone in the family besides my parents so if they were gone one of them would have to leave their phone, a chore right? life's not fair certainly mine is not, my brother got a phone when he was like 12 it was a flip phone but this was years ago flip phones used to be more popular oh, he would bust it cuz he was a young irresponsible kid and then they would get him another one. Kids do need to use phones responsibly, in my own home there's rules about my cell phone usage even though I am 17! I have to turn in my cell phone every night before I go to bed, no my parents don't want me using it in church either. It is annoying though from time to time my dad has gotten on my phone looking at my email my text, it's like really!? They even know my phone password oh, it's the principle of the matter just because people want privacy does not mean that they have anything to hide, they just want privacy! I can attest to this, privacy for me is limited in my home. I see a lot of kids on here in the comment section not many parents, most of the kids are 13 or 11. Since when did kids so young need cell phones? Kids don't need phones till there at least a teenager, but the world's a crazy place. However I do get kids 10 to 12 feel left out and jealous because their friends have phones and they don't the truth is nobody that age does need one. Somebody here in the comments section said just lie to people and tell them that you're not allowed to bring your cell phone to school, kids do not lie lying is not a good thing it can get you in trouble and make you feel guilty and it is against one of the Ten Commandments, so just don't. If you are a young person and really want a phone make an offer to your parents to pay for a portion of the cell phone and even a portion of the cell phone bill every month, politely and respectfully calmly and quietly explain to them your situation, you are whatever age you are everyone else has one you feel left out oh, you don't fit in oh, you can't talk to anybody. Believe me been there done that all the craziness, you know when you're out somewhere and you need to contact your parents and you don't have a phone and see have to borrow one and it's embarrassing, nobody wants to feel like they owe somebody else like they are a burden! Flip a coin this is a hard one, getting your children a cell phone depends on their attitude their responsibility their maturity their reasons, your reasons. Set rules in place make a contract, like I said possibly even make them pay for a portion of it, however I do not recommend that you tell children that they have to pay for it if they have no way of getting any personal income, if you don't give your kids a suitable allowance like at least $10 a week or they don't have a job or any way of making money don't tell them you can have a phone if you pay for it because they will never be able to pay for it. As someone that still does not have a job at the age of 17 and yes I suffer for it, Christmas and birthdays can be a hardship when you have to get people presents and have no money hardly. I get a small allowance a week but it's is not enough. I could go on forever about parenting but this is a cell phone conversation. Good luck everybody on getting a phone if you don't have one, peace out

Hello! I am in middle school, and not allowed to get a cell phone. I would have to pay for it, but have no way of collecting money. I highly doubt that my parents would let me get one, no matter how much money I saved. I would also have to pay for monthly phone bills. Most of my friends have a cell phone. 5 have an I-Pod, and do not have a cell phone. I have no cell phone, no I-pod, and no social media. This makes me feel left out. Only 1 out of my (About) 50 friends do not have Snapchat. Some people do not respect me because of this. It also makes it harder to communicate with friends that do not go to my school. I am very responsible, have always has straight A's, and have had perfect attendance scene 5th grade. I would feel accepted with a phone. I do currently play a sport, and have had to borrow someones phone multiple times. This can be very embarrassing. Overall, I believe that if you are a parent struggling with the decision of getting your kid a cell phone, also consider how owning a cell phone will affect their behavior now, and later in life. I love my parent deeply, and am thankful for everything they have given me. Owning a cell phone would help with my homework, my social life, and my safety. Once again, If you a parent facing this big decision, test them. Give them the chance to use an used tablet. If they are responsible with it, consider getting them a cheap phone. Everyone makes mistakes, so give them a little room to make them. One final thing is to make them do extra. If they have a cell phone, it should be a privilege. Give them extra chores, or make them pay for 5-10% of the phone, and/or phone bill each month. Over all, a cell phone is a good idea for your 11-12 year old. It can help, if used in the correct ways.

I believe that kids in middle school should be able to chose. Iknow, I know how hard it is to not have a phone. I am 13, and all I have is an old, crappy Samsung galaxy 4. I'm also in 8th grade, and it's hard to go around and get picked on because your old, shattered hand me down phone( which I only got at the beginning of the year because my flip phone stopped working) doesn't even have a case. At this point, I'm even ok with setting with an I phone 6, but my mom won't even let me do that. I don't have Snapchat, only instagram. And trust me, all kids out there in my situation, I feel you. When you are in middle school, most kids are mature enough to handle a phone, and I have noticed that people who don't have phones, or have bad ones are more likely to get picked on that people who do. This is even harder when you are extremely middle class, and go to a private school where you see kids getting two phones a year "just because" and see how oblivious they are to what is happening around them with people like me. Oh, and all of you parents out there who use the excuse that it "causes depression", it really doesn't. I have two friends who have been professionally diagnosed as clinically depressed, and not one reason had to do with social media or phones. I just really wish that parents would be more understanding about this, and understand that we live in a new generation, and have to deal with things completely different from what they did.

Kids age 12 and up should have a cellphone. I myself leave the house quite often and occasionally take public transit. I have a 6 year old samsung galaxy tab 2 and it is bad. We have computers and tablets, these can send video chats, voice calls, messages, access internet, any website desired, download any apps, & even tell us the news. So why cant we have phones, phones do all of these just in a more compact version. I personally spend maybe 11 hours in the week on my tablet and maybe 15 on screens in total. I have also have an xbox, I dont understand parents are willing to give you tablets, computers, and consoles all bigger "phones". So you are willing to give us all of these things but now all of a sudden because of size and a name we can't have a phone wow very logical. I have seen kids in KINDERGARTEN with phones. This just proves that whenever you prove them wrong that they messed up, they ignore you and try to hide it. Figure it out im not stupid nor are the rest of the teens who dont have phones but you treat us like we dont realize. Phones arent made for evil, you see kids caught doing bad things and instantly think its social media or phones. Im in 7th grade and thats my view of phones.

I know what it's like to be left out from your friends, because it happened to me. I am 11years old/5th grade and I don't have a good phone. I have a Samsung Galaxy note 4, and it is a hand-me-down gift from my mom. It doesn't have any data lines and it never did. My mom doesn't even let me play games on it or use it for studies or projects. My friends all have at least an iPhone 6 plus or higher. I feel really left out from my friends. I have been begging and wishing for an iPhone 8 plusevery night and birthday wish, but my parents say I have to wait till the end of high school or get straight As for 1 and 1 half a year. I dont really care now and I just don't want one anymore. The only reason why I wanted one us to fit in with my friends. I think a parent should get a kid a phone at least at age 11-14.Please don't be sad or depressed about not having a cell phone. I strongly urge parents to get a kid a phone when they start junior high.

Meaning even if your friends even do have a phone with social media AND EVERYTHING...doesn't mean your parents aren't punishing you, they care for you and they don't want to see you get hurt or you see something inappropriate. Yeah yeah, I know you'r thinking, "Wowwwwww....THAT is NOT true." Yes it is...your parents love you! Again...THEY'RE not punishing you-just wait, deal with embarassment! (just kidding), or confrence with them about it! --Best of luck!

Hi! I'm 12 turning 13- I have a flipphone...*sigh* my parents haven't really told me why but I think it's because of social media news. I'm on social media but they probably think that they wouldn't be able to see what I'm doing or if I post anything inappropriate; or if I'm on it for too long, they consider me, "a noodle" if I zone into a screen for too long! I have to use their phones so they can see what I'm doing. They hardly ever let me use their phones...I'd be VERY surprised if they EVER got a phone for me on my birthday OR christmas!! My opinion, from the comments...I agree that it's mostly maturity! NOT age. Age doesn't matter or even if ALL your friends have a phone!

Ok, I have read basically every comment on this list to get an idea of what people are talking about. So as a 12 year old 6th grader, being mainly the majority of commenters on this thread, I'd like to give my opinion on the matter. But, before here's my history with any mobile device. I got my first tablet at age 8, it wasn't mich a cheap 50-ish dollar Digiland tablet, but I still loved it mostly finally having literally any touch device at all was a huge step up. Moving on adter a while due to boredom I soon moved to using the computer more often, because I was 10 and wanting something more. Then at age 11 August time, my mom had recently damaged her phone, her phone being a badly cracked cheap Alcatel Pop Star Lte 2. Me being fed up of tablets already took the phone despite the condition of it and fir the first 3 weeks it had data and calling, because after she droped she just abandoned it, I used anyway. This didn't last long, after my sister had found her lost iPod Touch, that had been missing for a year almost in a janitors closet in her high school... She started using it again.In March when she got a job she got an iPhone 5s, and I got her product red iPod ( meaning a portion of the money we paid for it was donated to cure AIDS in Africa). This is currently my main device I use, for all of my social media to interact with family and friends and to entertain myself. Now that it's out of the way, my personal future plans is a pre-paid iPhone 6 that's around $200 from Straight Talk. My reason why is so I have a phone of own to use to keep up with my school activities, friends on social media, calling people, since my parents seem to forget I can't call my sisters to see what their doing, and if I'm being honest it's the norm now to have a phone and even young teens and pre-teens need them now if there ready for it, most people at middle schools will have phones and they WILL BE ON THEM ALL THE TIME. In short if your ready for a phone and have valid reasons to have one go for it and ask your parents and prove it to them by getting chores done and setting points. Parents, sometimes if you're away a ton from the house working or their busy, it's important to keeps their needs in mind and think about getting them phone sit down and talk to them about requirements to get one. it's not just a texting machine, it can actually make it easier and safer if they had a phone.

I think that you should get your child a phone at the beginning of middle school, because thats when they will most likely start getting into after school activities and will want to go off with friends.

Personally I think you should get your kid a phone before they enter middle school,as thats usually when they will start hanging out with their friends more often and going out with them (possibly without supervison). I got my first phone around 4 or 5 (it was a flip phone with my mum and dads number) and got my first smartphone at 8,im not the best example as my mum let me walk around my neighborhood since i was around 7 (she knew basicly everyone and their was a police station across the street so safty wasent a issue). so around 10/11/12 seems about right.

I’m 13, almost 14, and in 8 grade and still don’t have a phone. I’m almost going to be ready to have a drivers license and i only have an ipod. Almost everyone that goes to my Jr. High has a phone. There’s only 4 kids including me who don’t. When i ask to borrow someones phone after a volleyball, basketball, or track meet i feel super embarrassed because everyone just takes out their phones and i just sit there. A lot of people tease me about it and so do my parents. I’m really fed up with it and don’t know what to do. My birthdays in December and so is Christmas and if i don’t have one by the time i start high school i have no idea what i’m going to do.

I'm very surprised that nobody is looking at the health implications of getting young kids a cellphone. There are some interesting and pertinent points raised about cultural, social and other implications, but the impact to kids' health and long term affects need to be addressed, as it's potentially more important and impact-full than any of the other issues. Every legitimate study ever completed on cellphones and their effects has indicated that cellphones are dangerous for developing children, especially when they are younger and their skulls are not thick enough to shield radiation. A cellphone emits EMFs, which is another term for microwave radiation. Every time you hold one to your head, you are in danger of slowly microwaving your brain. The biggest study done on this recently in the US has determined that heavy cellphone use is detrimental to brains, especially those in developing children, and heavy cellphone use is defined as 3 hours per month!!! There are numerous studies available from other countries saying the same thing. I personally have been a heavy cellphone user for about 15 years, and earlier this year developed a massive subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain). As a result I nearly died and was rushed to hospital for emergency brain surgery. It was due to weakened blood vessels around my brain in the exact location of my cellphone ear, and heavy cellphone useage was determined to be the culprit by my team of Neurosurgeons. I have told my kids they will not be getting cellphones until their brains are developed and skulls are thick enough to shield most of the harmful radiation - ie: at 16 at the earliest! They are absolutely fine with it after seeing what I went through.

Alrighty, so this is a wee bit difficult topic to tackle. So I am a twelve-year-old and I am in seventh grade. Overall, I can say that 90% of the kids have a phone. I personally do not want to take the risk. The reason why is because I honestly don't want to mess with my digital footprint. Phones can lead to social issues of not used correctly. For example, most teens and around 65% of tweens have Facebook and Snapchat. These, if not used correctly can really impact their later life. For example, Caroline Knorr wrote in an article that colleges look at your digital footprint as a factor for your enrollment. This could really hurt students who want to be a part of the Ivy League. (I want to go to Princeton!) Also, having a phone could just get you into more trouble. For example, my uncle almost got divorced because of Facebook, so it really poses a risk. If I would recommend an age to get a phone, I would say 16. Also, if people peer pressure you to get a phone. Say that you're getting an iPhone X in a month. They'll forget about it by then. Also, if I would recommend a phone, get a one-plus 5. Dual cameras and a 1440p screen for 500 bucks. Yea!!!! Also, if you are an AP or Honor student (Like I am) watch your digital footprint. Youtube can play a big role in college enrollment if you make videos. (Like I do). Also, monitor your online chats. Don't chat about bad things. Remember, you are always being watched. So your phone is not as private as you think it is. So overall, my opinion on the minimum age for a phone is sixteen years. Share your thoughts!!! --- Sami

Honestly being a freshman in high school sucks without a phone, You have people peer pressuring you to get one, and I’m way to shy to ask my parents and I already know they will refuse due to the cost and they think if I were to have a phone I’d need a line to come with it our the phone won’t work. At the moment I have an iPad, which I can’t take places and its a bit embarrassing to me. A relative got it for me last year. I just wish I had a phone, sucks asking strangers to use their phone to make a call, sucks not keeping In touch with anyone. I honestly would buy my child a phone at the age of 12.

I’d say late tweens but it depends on when the benefits of getting a phone start to apply to them. For older tweens and teens(like me) phones can help let parents know where you are and communicate with friends about important school projects, but for younger kids there aren’t as many advantages. Just listen to your head!

I don't believe there is an exact textbook age to get a phone. I'm 14, I have no phone whatsoever, and I'm okay with that. It depends on the situation. For example, I'm homeschooled, and none of my activities require me needing a device to communicate with my parents, like if I needed to text them to pick me up at a certain time. It probably also depends with the people you hang out with. I'm mostly friends with people who are younger then me and don't have phones, or don't frequently use their phones. I've noticed a lot of the comments are saying that they WANT, not NEED a phone. I wouldn't take it personally if your parents say no to giving you a phone. Your parents know best. But if you're constantly borrowing your friends phones to text your parents or something like that, you probably need a phone. I can imagine it can be a burden if you feel like you need to check your phone constantly, so your parents may want to protect you from that. And guess what? If you don't have a phone, your parents don't hate you. So please calm down and do something that doesn't require technology. Go talk to your friends face to face. You don't need to worry about checking your notifications or keeping a streak on Snapchat, you're free!

The right time for parents to get their kid a phone more depends on the maturity rather than the age. I got an iPod on my 9th birthday, and an iPhone 4s as my frist phone. I then got my iPhone 7 from my Grandad last Christmas. He also got me a 1gb and unlimited calls and text plan.

Well, I personally believe it depends more on the responsibility level of the child. If the parent or guardian feels the child is responsible enough, any age over, let's say nine would be smart. I don't actually have a phone, but only because I personally asked my parents to wait until I was thirteen. Sure, I'm probably responsible enough now, however I want the rush of happiness that comes with getting a phone to be that much better. Thanks for taking the time to read this comment.

Im 12 and I have the iPhone 6s

I got my first iphone when i was 12 i had a iphone 5c and. and when i turn 14 i got an iphone 6+ andnow at the age of 16 i have an red iphone 7+ but my first phone was an samsung .when i was 8 but to me you should get your kid a phone at the age of 11yrs but my little brother is 6 and has an iphone 5s and my big brother is 17 and he has an iphone 6c im my moms only daugter so im spoiled

Hi! I'm a mother of 4, but I got my oldest daughter a phone at age 11. She's really happy with it, and before that I got her an iPad at age 6, then an iPod touch at age 10. It's an iPhone 7 and she was waiting for it forever! She was being so good, getting good grades, working her hardest for it. She deserved it so an iPhone 7 was perfect for her! She loves taking photography and the iPhone 7 camera is perfect for her! P.S. her first phone was an iPhone 5s because tha was the newest phone at the time!

As a kid, I don't think us children should have a phone until we get an actual job. I don't have one, and to be honest with you I don't really want one. I don't care that everyone in my grade has one as well as social media. There are just some things some people have that others don't. And that's just life. In the old days cell phones weren't invented, and everyone lived just fine. I see 6 year olds using smartphones which is pathetic. As for social media, NO ONE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE!!! All my friends have it, I don't have it, I don't want it. I hope my opinion is helpful.