To Cellphone or Not To Cellphone?

This Christmas many kids will be asking for one certain thing: their own cellphone.  Whether you are looking in a store or at cheap phones online, many parents will be considering getting their children cellphones.  Its funny how with each generation the age for owning a cell phone seems to be getting younger and the price cheaper.  My parents didn’t have cell phones until after I got my first one, I actually talked them into getting them.  My grandmother never imagined their would be cell phones let alone having them be given to children.

I got my first cell phone when I turned 16 since my dad wanted me to have it in the car.  It was a cell phone that didn’t work though unless it was plugged into the car!  Back then even sixteen years old was young for a cellphone, but nowadays kids are getting them much earlier.  I can see the point both ways in giving younger kids cell phones although you have to consider that they are young and maybe not the most responsible.  Kids loose things, break things, misuse things – but then again so do adults.

I think a basic cell phone is enough for kids.  They don’t need all the fancy features and Internet, just making and receiving calls and I’ll even throw in text messaging.  I know when my kids get a little older I will like being able to call their cell phones rather than bothering the parents of the kids houses they are at to tell them to come home.  I am going with maybe 10 years old being a good age, although since my boys are young still I can’t be too sure what age I’d feel comfortable with them having cellphones.

So at what age do you consider a good age for a cellphone? What features do you think they need?

Mom and More Disclosure:  This post is in association with Dialaphone, but my opinions remain my own.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.