How Old for a Cell Phone? You Decide

At what age do you say yes to your child’s request for a cell phone? A lot of parents have long since acknowledged that cell phones are a staple of teen life, but what about for 8- to 12-year-olds?

That they want one is obvious. Whether they need one is moot.

Giving your ’tween a cell phone is an “option of choice and should come with a set of responsibilities,” says Deborah Mulligan, M.D., past president of the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Many parents are saying yes. More than 6 million children ages 8 to 12 have their own cell phones. Projections for the number of preteen cell phone owners by the year 2010 are in the 10 million range. The wireless industry is answering the call, as it were, with colorful, kid-sized phones that have features aimed at preteens.

Difficult issue

Is 8 years old a reasonable age to own a cell phone? And if so, what problems should you foresee? The decision can be emotionally charged, raising issues of safety, stature, and status.

Kids want cell phones because they look cool, they imply a degree of maturity, and they convey status. Perhaps most important, phones let them stay in near-constant touch with friends.

Of course, having a cell phone also forces kids to stay in touch with parents. Some phones even include a tracking feature.

Parents who say yes to cell phones need to talk with their kids about:

• Using good cell phone etiquette

• Guarding themselves from exploitation, bullying, and invasion of their privacy

• Avoiding out-of-control calling and text messaging that can lead to painful phone bills

In some cases, says Dr. Mulligan, parents must use “old-fashioned parental authority to say no.” It’s up to you to make this call.

What parents say

An online poll at About.com asked parents when kids should get their first cell phone. It drew more than 3,700 responses.

• 6-7 years – 3 percent

• 8-9 years – 5 percent

• 10-11 years – 35 percent

• 12-13 years – 22 percent

• 14-16 years – 16 percent

• 17-19 years – 6 percent

• When they can pay for it themselves – 4 percent

• When they start driving – 3 percent

• ’Tweens and teens shouldn’t have cell phones – 1 percent

More information

For advice about kids, cell phones, and other media, check out Commonsense Media at http://www.commonsensemedia.org.