Parents and Kids Weigh in on Cell Phones

Reading through the 590-plus responses from my post about how old kids should be to have cell phones, one thing is clear: Parents are giving this question considerable thought and don't enter into two-year service contracts or pre-paid plans lightly.

While there are plenty of comments about past generations not needing cell phones so this one doesn't need them either, I found far more thoughtful musings from parents who have weighed the pros and cons of cell phones for their families. Some decide their children don't need cell phones yet; others want their children to have cell phones as much as the kids want to have them.

The standout thread weaving through the comments thread is that a child's maturity and ability to handle responsibility far outweigh age in driving parents' cell phone decisions. And many, many parents said they want their money-earning kids to help pay their cell phone bills—and any extra charges.

One dad of three writes that his 8 year old and 12 year old have "kids" phones with four programmable numbers. Since he and their mom are divorced, they like that they can all reach each other when needed. Their 15 year old has a phone with all the bells and whistles and responsibility, but she contributes to the bill.

We cover the basic monthly cost for her. She pays $5 monthly and any extra charges due to downloading or excessive messaging. She earns some money for babysitting, so we feel this is a good way to teach her financial responsibility and self-discipline. All three have after-school athletic, musical and educational activities, and my wife and I are active also, so this plan allows all to stay in touch and feel safe.

Though most parents proudly write that their kids have met the responsibility given, some have been burned by scary, irresponsible three-digit bills.

Writes vclough: Teenagers and cell phones can be an expensive combination. I learned firsthand that if they do indeed need the phone for emergencies only, then they don't need to have the text feature and ability to download ring tones. My 16-year-old daughter just got her cell phone...and she will help pay for her phone and any overages that she creates. This will teach her to be responsible and it will also allow her to see firsthand how quickly minutes are used and how quickly unnecessary charges can accumulate.

And at least one mom admits she gave her 14-year-old son a phone as a reward:

Well, he is an honor student, an all around good kid, and I have noticed over the past year, (he has) matured a lot...how could I not give him a cool phone??? I am an adult and I have and want cool toys.

Whatever the decision process for buying a phone for your child, meta.valent asks us all to look at the flip side of this debate:

When do you STOP paying for that kid phone? 20? 21? 23? After college? Should a cell phone be contingent on college enrollment?...There's both an ENTRY strategy and an EXIT strategy in this "calling of age" phenomenon.

Good point, and one for another post....