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

If your a parent wondering if u should get your kid a iphone, you SHOULD. I'm in 5th grade, and 50 percent of my class has a phone. And the 50 percent that doesn't have a phone is probably either getting one for christmas or for their birthday. basically every kid where I lives gets a iphone in 5th grade or 6th grade or even younger. I really hope i get a iphone 8 lol!!!!!!

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

I’m going to be 12 in a couple weeks. I still do not have a phone. (I don’t want to sound spoiled, so please don’t take it that way.) I’m in sixth grade, middle school. There are 96 kids in my grade, and only around 9 out of those 96 do not have a phone. I am one of them. Everyone just assumes that I do have one, seeing as I’m honestly very mature and responsible, but I don’t have one. I can’t talk to my friends outside of school, unless we meet up somewhere (which I’m not allowed to do). I can’t text friends. I can’t contact my father, should there be an emergency. I know there are lots of mothers in the comments on this that say that they were perfectly happy growing up without phones, but this is a new generation. (I’m a proud GenZennial.) I personally believe I’m ready for a phone. I got High Honors, I’m good in school, I haven’t ever misplaced my father’s phone, which I’m using right now. To the kids reading this, I’ll tell you this: if you want a phone and you aren’t in middle school yet, be prepared for a no. I have experience with that. But parents these days have to understand how tweens and teens are nowadays. It’s very different from when THEY were young, and they might just not be used to it. If you’re still reading this, I thank you for reading it. I know it was long.

I'm 14 and still don't have a phone. It Sucks! My friends are always asking why I don't have a phone and keep "teasing me". It was just my birthday, I tried to make a deal with my parents, in which I would buy the phone and pay for half of the data plan, which I think is reasonable. I have all As I play two sports and do the most chores at my house. Every weekend I go out and hang out with friends, so having a phone would be good to stay in contact with my parents. Why are they not budging?

Choose a ussername lol

I am 12 years old and in the 7th grade. Most of my friends got their first phone in about 5th grade and I feel left out. My parents don't think I should have a cell phone because we have a home phone and they think if you give a kid a phone you are automatically creating an addicted zombie. I find calling people awkward and uncomfortable, texts are a lot easier. Parents, if you are unsure about the age to give your child a phone, I would say about 6th grade, middle school. Make sure you frequently check their phone and add parental controls.

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 personally think children should get a phone at the beginning of middle school. I started middle school about 9 weeks ago, and yet, no phone. Why should kids get a phone at the time I recommended? It's because, at this time, they are growing up and embracing the pressure of fitting in. If you don't do this, someday, your child may come home crying because they were bullied or teased because of this! Do you want this to happen? Of course, you don't! Also, DO NOT get your child a phone before this time because they may misuse it or lose it. Only do this if your child is extremely mature. But don't go to the store to buy the latest iPhone for them! Remember, don't spoil your child! Just get them an iPhone 5s or a touchscreen LG with parental controls. Or get a Windows phone with the same features. Now, it's on to me. I'm a very responsible tween, I help around the house, I do sports, I get straight As, and my Pre-ap ILA teacher has recommended me for GT spring testing. So what do you think of my thoughts?

I got my first phone for my 10th birthday but I used to always forget it at places and I would drop it and crack the screen. I was not ready for a phone at 10 years old when I first got it. I don’t think kids should really be getting a phone or are responsible enough to get a phone until 12 or 13. This is just my opinion and of course every kid is different I am 16 years old in high school and definitely more responsible and able to have a phone.

I am a 15 year old freshman in high school. I think that by around 8th grade you should be allowed to have a phone unless you have really screwed stuff up somehow. I was told I would be getting a phone for my 15th birthday and I was looking forward to it. On my birthday morning I wake up to find that I got a crappy flip phone. I wanted to cry, but I didn't want to be rude because my parents would have been pissed. Does anyone else think that I should at least be able to try to prove I am responsible enough for a normal phone? I am a fairly responsible teen, and mostly want a phone to snapchat my friends and keep in touch with people easier. Everyone else has a normal phone, and by that I mean EVERYONE. I feel like I miss out on a lot because of this issue. At school I am too afraid of taking out my phone because it gets on my nerves when people tease me. It's like "I get that my life sucks, but you don't need to point it out". Having an iPhone is in no way a necessary part of life, but it makes things easier. I know that parents care a lot about screen time and want to protect their kids, but if your kid has shown that they can make good decisions then by around 8th its a good idea to get them a normal phone. My parents argue that since I fight with them it shows I'm not responsible enough, but in my case the majority of our fights are related to this. My parents are full on screen-haters so things might be a little more extreme for me than for most people, but please parents, hear me out; listen to your kids. Making them an enemy in your life will only make life harder and more miserable for everyone. The more I feel ignored the more angry I get. If you want to make a peaceful compromise and find a solution for you and your teen, you need to realize they have feelings and ideas too.

I have had an iPod since 4th grade (I’m in 7th now). It really does stink. I see what the adult are saying about how they grew up without them, but we grew up with technology around us, and we use it. Parents, when you were little, wasn’t there that one item that everyone else had, that you really wanted. Did you ever feel left out, until you got that item. For our generation that item is iPhones. Now I’m very socially involved. I can start a conversation with anyone, even an itrevert. But what hurts me is when, some one says “your really nice, do you have a Snapchat or a phone number so we can stay connected.” Nope. My parents say iPhones are expensive and distracting, and they are not wrong. But I’m not that kind a person who is going to post a picture of myself on Snapchat in underwear and a bra. I ave done school soccer, a school play, ballet, soccer for a wrec league, multiple summer camps, and cross country. And I’m very responsible. Once I was at school soccer parctice. Everyone had left and I was waiting there on the field. For my mom. The school had already locked up for the night, so I could use the phone. And my coach had left for home. My mom was an hour late. If I had had a phone that situation would worked out better. I have to save up for my own iPhone but I would like to bargain with my parents a deal of 1/2 and make a deal. I have to save up for my iPhone by my self now. I still like going on walks or runs with my dog, I like being outside. I just really want an iPhone.

Hello! I would like to share my opinion with you kids as an adult. First off, I was a child in the 80s, and cell phones, tablets & all other technology didn’t exist. I had an amazing, fun childhood & didn’t have to feel the pressure of having a cell phone to fit in! I really feel bad for this generation of children. My kids are 11&7, and I have made sure to limit their screen time & step out & enjoy the world!! My heart breaks for you youngsters who think a phone is the only thing important in life. You guys are being robbed of your childhood & it’s really sad! You should all be out playing outside & using your own imaginations to create things other than sitting on YouTube, video games & musically all day. Many of you may think I sound old school, but hey, old school rules!! I’m in shock st how many of you under the age of 13 are allowed an IPhone. To the kids between 10-12, you don’t need a cell phone!! You should be out playing and having a childhood! You have the rest of your lives to sit on the useless black box all day! To those of you who are teens: I understand the need of a cell if your using it to get in touch with your parents or something really important . Although when I was young, we had to call our home phone. We all managed to survive!! Life was much more fun and relaxed. We lived very happily without iphones and ipads. I was 20 when I got my 1st cellphone after 911. Nobody really used them before that, and life was much more simple. People actually spoke more and interacted in person rather than a phone or other electronic device. I feel very sad for all of you including my own kids. My 11 year old daughter doesn’t even care much about having a cell except for the fact all of her friends do. She rather go rollerblade, bike ride & dance. I will tell you having a cell phone is not that exciting. The novelty wears off. You kids have the rest of your lives to stare at the thing. I think the parents who really care for their children don’t let them have IPhones. At such a young age. Good job mom & dad! Keep teaching your kids that a cell phone is not that important. It really isn’t. I wish we could go back to land lines & be done with all this texting & facetiming crap. Everyone is glued to the phone all day. Really annoying! Your all missing out on the beauty of our Earth. There are so many other wonderful. & exciting things you guys could be doing other than texting in the cell or tablet. If you want to see your friends , call and go over to their house like we did as kids! We had so much fun in the 80s & 90s! I hope reading this from an adult perspective will help you kids to realize that a cell phone isn’t a necessity. Many problems of our world today is because a dramatic increase in technology & kids becoming addicted to cell phones and other devices. To those kids who “ don’t think it’s fair” that your parents won’t let you have a cell phone, your should thank your lucky stars that they care enough about your childhood happiness over a cell phone!! Social media is the cause of bullying, addictions, obesity, and many more health problems and psychological issues. I’m frightened to see how your all going to grow up. I will be honest with you all. I actually was much happier before cell phones & other technological devices took over our world. It really is shame. Hopefully, there are some of you out there that will really think about what I have written from an adult perspective & reflect on your own childhood. All of my 11 year old daughter’s friends love me because I actually talk to them & they are fascinated hearing stories from my childhood.! So kids please don’t waste your time worrying about having to get a phone & what others think. Real friends will care about you regardless if you have an iPhone or not. My advice to you all is to get out of the house & off your electronics and have some fun before your childhood is over!!! I hope my response will help alleviate your worries, and get you to think deeply about the important things in life. Please just have fun & don’t hurry to grow up. You will regret it later.

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 don't really believe you have to be a certain age to receive a phone; it depends on the responsibility your child has obtained over the years. Before everyone judges me because I have an iPhone 8 plus, Let me tell you what I have done. First I am ten in the 6th grade. I have skipped 2 grades and I am doing high school level math in the 6th grade. I have straight A's but I could always do better. I do lots of afterschool programs, and sometimes I stay at my friends houses, and most of the time I have to take the bus home. I have learned to be responsible by taking care of my little siblings, and I mow people's lawns, and saved up $400 to buy the first half of the price of the phone. I know that I might seem like I am bragging, but I am not. I am not rich whatsoever and i have been a spoilt brat EVER. All these whiney teenagers should find better ways to talk to their parents. It did kind of suck without one, but I wasn't dying.

I’m 10, and I got an IPod Touch 5 when I was 8. My parents felt I was responsible enough but not enough for a phone. My older brother who at the time was 10 but now 12 doesn’t have one yet but will get my moms old one for middle school. I feel like 12 is a good age. Maybe younger if them kid is in clubs and needs to let the parent know that’s they are done ect.

I’ve got an iPhone 8 it’s nice, really fast and iOS 11 is cool. I like being able to have social media and friends unlike everyone else in the comment section

In my class of 35, only another girl and I do not have a phone. The thing about it is that I really need a phone because my school is very academically inclined and there is often not enough time to copy down notes. This means that you will have to take pictures of them but I am not able to so more often than not my notes will be half copied and I have to rely on others for pictures of the notes which I do not like because I like to be independent. I feel very left out in my class and many times, my teachers will WhatsApp my class group chat about last minute tests the next day and I would go to school and find out that there is a test. So within30-40mins I have to learn the materials the best that I can and I really hate it. I had a phone last time from 10-11 years old but it has been confiscated since I was 11 for getting a 78/100 for maths. Also I come home from school everyday and 4 times a week, I come back at 6.30-7pm. If i have any last minute matters, I am not able to tell my mum that I won't be coming back for lunch or dinner.

This is a topic that I have been talking to about with my parents lately. I am personally turning 13 in a few months. When I asked for one, they told me that I could either buy the phone by myself, wait until Christmas or wait until my birthday (I chose to wait until Christmas to see if I have any reasons at school to need a phone). So, I say about 11+ would be good (and for a younger child 10-, an iPod or a flip phone). But, it all depends on the parents, how mature the kid is and if they have good reasons to need one.

I understand this is a different generation of kids. We didn't have cell phones when I was young like my children are one starting freshman year of high school and the second one starting kindergarten but I did get a pager when I was in junior high school 7th grade. I think a good age for the average kid would be high school now if your child has special needs like it is a diabetic or has any medical problems then I think getting them like a Disney phone for example or something similar where it's not internet and Facebook and all that stuff but just to where they can click a number and call for their parents or anyone on their emergency list for their cell phone and can only receive calls from people that are approved I think that is okay 4 children to have when they start going to school and are away from their parents. Plus it would give the parents peace of mind and the child would probably feel safer knowing that mommy or daddy or Auntie or grandma or whomever is right at their fingertips. In fact for most kids up until a certain age I think all cell phones should be the basic flip phone style that can only make calls to certain numbers and receive calls from certain numbers as the parents add those to the plan as they go along and it's a one set fee. As for smartphones of any kind I think your kid needs to earn that with having good grades and being responsible with their friends and showing Model Behavior and listening good at home. I wouldn't ever get my teenager an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy there are other smartphones that are a lot less expensive that have the same features. I believe that once your child is 18 and could afford their own smartphone that's when they could decide if they want to buy an iPhone or a Samsung or any type of expensive mobile device so they have the responsibility of caring for something that they worked for.

Listen I'm 14 years old I still don't have a phone in 8th grade everyone was talking to each other and knew a lot about each other don't get me wrong up had friends but everyone had a phone and I didn't I asked my mom when I would get a phone and she said soon. So I didn't know until a couple weeks ago but apparently I had to go the whole summer with a stupid flip phone that I could definitely been picked on just to get a new phone and I had to ride my bike to high school for summer workouts so I turned down the volume on the phone all the way that way nobody could hear it and burried it in my book bag. So I went half 1 and a half of the summer pretty good well I had a church camp and my dad asked me to bring the flip phone but I don't know why I didn't bring it was one simple thing and I didn't do it. Anyway I got back and he said did you bring your phone I told him no and he said how can I trust you with a 700 phone if you can't even listen to me to bring it for 5 days so now I am mad because now I have to go another 2 months just to get a phone I have tried everything I prayed to God I have listened to them been more mature but now I have lost all hope all my friends have phones except me everybody wants me to get a phone but my parents I feel like don't so I just cry at night just wanting a phone hoping and praying that I get a phone but every day I wake up its like a slap in the face no phone all I want is a phone but they don't understand does anybody know what I should do

Okay guys...I know its frustrating not having a phone......I get it, I don't have one either. Sometimes you get left out, and it makes you feel kinda lonely. But you HAVE to be nice to your parents or else you won't get one. Me for instance, I am almost 12, and I popped the question around for a whole year before my parents decided to get me one. I am getting one for my birthday in August. But, I really needed one. I am going into middle school, and will be staying home alone after school EVERY DAY. Plus, I will be taking the late bus 4 times a week, and I will be dropped off 3 streets away, on a very large and busy street. I am in all honors classes which are a year accelarated, and math is 2 years accelerated. Plus, I got the highest score on my math final in my entire grade, a 98.8%. My parents did ask me a few times about my peers and if they had a phone and social media. They decided to get me one after being consoled my their friends and neighbors. Bottom line, they were concerned about my safety. Some of your parents, I'll admit, sound REALLY stubborn, so this doesn't apply to you. They also made me work for my phone...if I got terrible grades, I would get a flip phone. But, I worked hard, getting top grades in math and language arts, and As in science and social studies. I am also 3rd chair in my school band, and was chosen to open for the talent show, playing The Star Spangled Banner. I also got my green belt in half the time it takes most people at my dojo to earn. Now, I will get a Samsung s6 or s7. Again, that depends on my behaviour this summer. Most importantly, don't whine about social impacts, that only your parents can understand. I told my parents that if they gave me a smartphone, I could use WhatsApp to call them everyday after school and they could get a basic phone plan. I showed them things that mattered most to them, my safety, costs and grades.

In my experience, cell phones became almost essential in the classroom starting around middle school. They were used in place of traditional calculators or dictionaries, and checking the online gradebook was much more convenient with a phone available at hand. In terms of social media usage, I'd agree with the majority and say that the child's maturity is far more important than their age. But if phones themselves are encouraged in a school setting, I see no reason not to provide the child with one.

i don't mean to sound like a child but, everyone pities me. and I hate it.

I personally think the good age to get a phone is 11 'cause I'm eleven. 95% of the kids in my class (in fifth grade) have phones. And I don't have one. (Even till now) All my friends are like "poor you, you don't have a phone." My parents are very strict. They expect me to be good at everything. And yes I am. I think I am responsible and mature. I get good grades. I am physically and mentally strong. And yet I don't have a phone. I also think it is unfair. Only a few of my friends don't have phones. I think I should have a phone like iPhone 5 or 4 or anything like that. It should have internet, but not much social media (only texting and musical.ly and stuff like that. Social media should be there once I'm 12 and three quarters years old.) It should obviously be able to call and give me my own phone number. I can only download 2 games like Granny and paper.io. It also should have an antivirus app and parental controls. And it should be used responsibly. Tell me what you think about my philosophy.

I got my first phone at the age of 9. I know that that's seemingly very early, but I am very mature and can be trusted. I do not use any social media sites that are directed towards adults and don't follow anyone I don't know. I think that if kids can be trusted they could get one at 10 (9 was a bit early), but it should be monitored. At this age, peer pressure really starts to take a toll on kids- and the most kind, caring, thoughtful kid could turn into someone that only cares about followers. I've seen it happen many times. Just be careful and talk to your kid.

A bunch of you are showing just how immature and unready for electronics you are. By the way you type, overshare, and complain, it's easy to see this. I got my phone when I was 12. However, I was to talk to my dad whenever I used any feature other than texting and calling. The main reason I received this phone was because my parents were divorced, my sister had moved across country for college, and I was taking the subway through Washington D.C. to school.

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

I'm 10 years old have the second latest model ( Samsung S 8 ) I think that its quite good seem all my friends have phones plus I travel quite alot so it good when you make la friend and keep in contact Age: I really don't think this matters as long as your nature and responsible them that's ok. I have 2 younger siblings and I babysit them quite often so I need anything call my mum/dad etc and it's done Butt... if your like some of the other people don't have a phone have older siblings Parents: But they didn't get there phone till! Then I think they should have one or at least and iPad for like school group chats etc

I have a serious problem this year I tried homeschooling I don't like it anyway I still have a lot of friends and all of my friends and I am not joking have phones they have group messaging and I feel so left out.....we are moving this summer across the country I have lived here three years the longest anywhere and I am the most responsible I am whole family I make enough money through blogging to buy the phone and pay for it myself but they still wont let me have one... I am finishing 5th grade and have a 10th grade reading skill level and an a plus in every subject and I will graduate high school when I am 16 I do all my chores and do whatever my parents ask please help me

Okay. This is what I will say. PHONE PROS: good way of communication (texting, calling) social interactivity with friends (social media?) you don't have to beg your parents to use their phone anymore PHONE CONS: can be addictive, so you should have some rules I am not saying you should buy your child a phone. It is completely your choice, but I would say the right age for a phone is 11-13. I hope this helps you guys on what to do.

I personally think that buying a phone for your child before the age of 12 is a stupid thing to do. Today I turn 13 and I've heard my parents discuss buying a phone for me this year. I am excited, and it IS going to happen, but it's not going to be anything special like an iPhone X or something. In fact it's not even going to be an iPhone. I'm guessing it's going to be one of those cheap Chinese phones that can still give you a decent experience. Although, being a teen, I must say this: As an 11-12 year old, not having a phone was HORRIBLE. By the time I was 11 about 75% of my grade had phones, but by the time I was 12 the number rocketed to about 90-95%. I felt (and still do) left out, I found it hard to talk to girls (egs. Me: Oh! What a nice discussion, can I have your phone num- Oh, wait I don't have one.), I missed out on ACTUAL CLASS DISCUSSIONS (Our French class had a WhatsApp group) and I found that in many situations I was bored and didn't have a way to talk to my friends. Because of these experiences, I always hated seeing 9 year old kids walking around with their huge iPhone 7s which were bigger than them. I always thought to myself, "Ugh, they had it easy." So I think getting your kid a phone at the right age can really make a huge smile on their faces.

I think that kids should not have a cell phone until middle school. Where I'm from in the south, we aint go no phones we just yodel to the next person. If you wanna tweet something, you just grab a bird out of the nearby tree and write a note on it. They're aint no "posting" or "snapping" we just shuck corn all day and when we're done we bathe in the river and hope they're aint no snakes. Anyway, cell phones are not necessary unless you're rich and have cell 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.

I believe that kids should get a smartphone at 12 or 13 cause that is when there going to want to go off with friends hang out and do other stuff and they will never want to go anywhere without there cell witch means you can track them and call them if your worried

I am 13 years old and I have a flip phone. I do not like it very much. I have my own laptop and a Kindle Fire, but I really wish I had a smartphone. My father doesn't want me to have a smartphone because he doesn't want to pay for a data package. My older sister is 15 years old and even she doesn't have a smartphone. He says we can get smartphones when we get jobs and can pay for them ourselves. But none of my friends or classmates have to pay for their data packages or phones. I really don't think it's fair. In school we also use our phones for work and to check grades, and I can't do that with a flip phone. But then again it depends on the parent and their beliefs on what kind of phone a kid should have.

hey Im 15 years old and Im turning 16 in december. I dont have a phone its ridiculous, my mother tells me its because im irresponsible. So im earning money, just get a job and you can pay it off in about a month I get 10$/h around 2000$ a month thats enough for about 2 years

I'm 12 years old and my bestie is 11 and our moms both agreed that 14 is a good age to give us phones till now her mom said if she gets a b c in school she will get one and it's so annoying now she is bragging and I HATE IT I'm the only one at my school who doesn't have a phone I have an iPod but I'm soo responsable more than my friend is but my mom still says no and it buggs me I just wish my mom would listen to me but she says you don't need a phone and it gets on my nerves

I'm 11, and DO have a iPhone 6S, I personally do think it's a great idea to get your kid a phone. #1 they can keep in contact during an emercency. #2 You don't get made fun of. I would say get them a phone at 9 1/2 or 10. I had my first phone (iPhone 4) at 9 1/2 in fourth grade. But also saying I'm kind of a tech nerd and a collector so that's just my opinion.

I am 12 and I don't have a phone, I have an iPod. If you're not sure if you kid needs a phone try an iPod. useful site: commonsensemedia

I am 12 and I don't have a phone, i have a ipod. If you're not sure if you kid needs a phone try a ipod. They can text, play games, search the web, etc. I still want a phone, I feel really felt out.

So basically, I've been asking for a phone from the time I was 6. I know that's not the right age, but I was always tech savvy and on my birthday whenever my parents said, "Happy Birthday, make a wish", my wish was "I wish I get a phone". They always said, the right age is 12. So I agreed but my wish was always the same. And now when I ask them if I can have a phone because my birthday is in a month's time, they say no because apparently they told me the 'wrong age' all this while and the actual age to get a phone is 18. I tell them that ALL of my friends have phones, and my best friend has a Google Pixel. What they say is, "Yeah he has it because he's alone at home the whole time" And then obviously whenever I go shopping I see these 7 year old kids throwing tantrums because their Samsung S8 has only 45% battery (apparently, low battery), so "how on earth are they going to watch more Peppa Pig?" So definitely embarrassing situations are something I face daily. Someone asks me "what phone do you have?" Or "what's your Instagram?" and I feel ashamed to tell them I have no phone or Instagram so I either have to change the topic or lie to them, which either ways makes me feel extremely sad inside. So overall I feel that smartphones should be given to kids at the age of 11-13.