Kids and mobiles?

[splashtryagain]

In a quandary, my eldest (to be 9) wants a phone for their birthday, just a cheap payg. My wife and I are not completely sure about this as I can't think what she would really need it for over her tablet apart from texting the grandparents. I know it is our decision and we shall make the choice that we feel is right but what do others think? At what age should kids get their first mobile? I know all kids are different but what do you reckon? Are they more likely to be a benefit or trouble?

 

[Doon frae Troon]

A basic one with restricted numbers is probably the best way to go.
He/she will also be guaranteed to lose it in the first month [and then may even claim someone stole it.]

 

[Khamelion]

My daughter had a phone from an early age, 8 or 9, we thought it would be a good idea so we could locate her should anything untoward happen, also it meant we cold get in touch with her and vice versa. Back then however locating a phone was done through phone towers as was only accurate in some places to 2km.

These days I wold have my kids an iPhone and have find my iPhone setup so at any time I could see where they are. Some might see this as intruder or privacy issues, but these days there are way to many creeps and pervs out there, so for the small price of a phone you can have peace of mind knowing where you kid is and knowing you can contact them and vice versa.

 

[virtuocity]

Go for it.

The earlier you can introduce good standards when it comes to mobile phone use- the better.

It's a bit like booze- make it taboo until a child is 16 and then watch them stagger home vomiting from their pals' house.

I would (in the interest of protection) recommend a facility like bemilo. This means you can remotely track who they are phoning or receiving calls from and stop anyone from phoning them unless they are already a registered contact.

 

[virtuocity]

but these days there are way to many creeps and pervs out there

Eh?

 

[Evesdad]

My daughter got her first phone last year aged 10. It was my wife's old iphone, got her a sim with £10 credit. When it's gone it's gone. Have the find my iPhone and find friends app installed so can see where she is etc. she mainly uses it as a music player and to text her friends or via viber or others. It's also a good bargaining tool as if she miss behaves it's the first privalage she loses. So far everything's gone well, she looks after it etc and no downloading viewing anything she shouldn't!

 

[Imurg]

the Boy got his first when he went to Secondary School 2 years ago, mainly as he has to go on the bus and if he misses it there isn't another so one of us can go and get him.
He barely uses it.......

 

[Deleted member 18588]

Eh?

One of the great modern myths that there are more paedophiles etc; than in the past when actually it is just that it is more widely reported. The vast majority of sexual and violent abuse continues to be committed by family members or those closely connected.

But those sort of facts do not fit in with the tabloid led media.

 

[virtuocity]

One of the great modern myths that there are more paedophiles etc; than in the past when actually it is just that it is more widely reported. The vast majority of sexual and violent abuse continues to be committed by family members or those closely connected.

But those sort of facts do not fit in with the tabloid led media.

Exactly the point of my 'Eh?', but this is off-topic, apologies!

 

[Fyldewhite]

It's down to the peer group really. If all the friends are getting a phone then probably good idea. If not then will maybe make them subject of attention and even prone to bullying etc.....you know what kids can be like!! Sounds like I'm just cowering to fashion but in reality, at that age, I think the benefits are minimal. By say 11/12 a smartphone would start to be a must have with today's kids.

 

[splashtryagain]

Seems to be broadly in line with my own thoughts that they are still a touch too young! May get a 'house and car emergency mobile' they can borrow!

 

[PhilTheFragger]

my 3 girls had phones when they went to secondary school, no earlier
now aged 20. 18 & 16 they are very competent and safe, if expensive, users.

They had no need for one earlier as pre 11 they rarely went anywhere without being taken or escorted.

Problem is when friends get them and the peer pressure starts