Radio question of the day: 07/20/06

Do you think children under the age of 16 should have cell phones?

Only the type of phone that calls 911 and home. I don't think that they should be taking to friends

your right!

My brother is 14 and just got one the other day. My other cousin who is 15 just got one too.

He's involved in every sport imaginable - and my parents are always busy too, so its a good way for them to keep in contact during the sports seasons, especially in the winter when he needs a ride home, or when riding the bus, its nice to get ahold of him.

He also has a part time job working for my dad that is allowing him to actually pay for the payments himself, and he actually bought the phone himself.

He's very responsible and mature.

I think it depends on the kid and the situations really.

I like the Firefly (I think that's what they're called) phones. They only allow calls to certain people, so say parents, siblings, one or two friends, and that's it. Great for busy kids who need to call for rides and such, and not so much the distraction that cell phones otherwise might be. I only got a cell phone when I started driving to school, which was 30 minutes away, and it wasn't even mine - it was my mom's. I didn't need one otherwise, and I don't think most kids do either, though there are exceptions, I'm sure.

Originally Posted by lookingglass

Only the type of phone that calls 911 and home. I don't think that they should be taking to friends

Click to expand...

...I agree!

My belief is that the child cannot pay for the cell, then they shouldn't have one. If they have no idea as to what it costs, they will abuse the privilege and rack up a big bill, cause they don't have to face the consequences (paying a big bill)

I like the firefly ones too. You get to program certain numbers in and that is the only numbers the phone will call. Mom dad home brothers and sisters and 911.

I agree with alot on this one...only a phone that calls home or 911 (the Firefly is a good example)

Originally Posted by babyharley

My brother is 14 and just got one the other day. My other cousin who is 15 just got one too.

He's involved in every sport imaginable - and my parents are always busy too, so its a good way for them to keep in contact during the sports seasons, especially in the winter when he needs a ride home, or when riding the bus, its nice to get ahold of him.

He also has a part time job working for my dad that is allowing him to actually pay for the payments himself, and he actually bought the phone himself.

He's very responsible and mature.

I think it depends on the kid and the situations really.

Click to expand...

I agree. I got 1 at 16, and I was pretty much the only 1 in my school that had 1. (I'm almost 30 now, so that was a long time ago) The main reason was for driving, my dad lived 1 1/2 hrs away, and I went to visit, also I worked, so I had to drive back & forth to work. One time I broke down 1 hr away from my house, on a hwy, and thankfully I had it to call my dad & AAA. But like Kenz said, I paid my own bill, got very good grades, worked, did cheerleading, after school act, etc. , it was a privledge that I earned. And, I never abused it. So I would say a good age would maybe even be 14, if necessary. Once kids are in HS there are alot of reasons they could use them, and as long as it's earned not abused, I don't see why not.

Originally Posted by katiemae1277

My belief is that the child cannot pay for the cell, then they shouldn't have one. If they have no idea as to what it costs, they will abuse the privilege and rack up a big bill, cause they don't have to face the consequences (paying a big bill)

Click to expand...

I agree with this!

My children (when I have them one day) won't have a cell until they're 16 and driving. I won't mind paying the bill, since so often now family plans are so cheap. However, the moment that cell phone bill is higher than it should be they will be reimbursing me for the difference in the bill. If this becomes a habit, they can either get their own phone and plan and pay for it themselves, or they will be switched to a 911 / emergency only phone.

My parents gave me one at 17, right after my car had stranded me in the middle of nowhere (thankfully a nice couple drove by within a reasonable amount of time and let me use their phone and stayed with me), and our agreement was similar to this.

No, and at the age of 16 instead of buying them a cell phone I would have the On Star system installed in their vehicle. This way they would have the capability of making phone calls in an emergency situation, but not gab on the phones to their friends while driving.

Originally Posted by Miss Mew

I agree with alot on this one...only a phone that calls home or 911 (the Firefly is a good example)

Click to expand...

I agree with that also

Originally Posted by babyharley

My brother is 14 and just got one the other day.

He also has a part time job working for my dad that is allowing him to actually pay for the payments himself, and he actually bought the phone himself.

He's very responsible and mature.

I think it depends on the kid and the situations really.

Click to expand...

I agree with babyharley. If the kid pays for it themselves, I have NO issue with it. If the parents are suckers and don't care how much they shell out, then fine with me also.

I started using a phone at age 8 to call my friends, back in the dark ages when all we had were rotary phones that were attached to the wall by a short cord. If I abused the priviledge, I lost the ability to make calls.

Then again, it didn't cost my parents three times the cost of a regular landline for me to use the phone.

I totally think it depends on the child and the situation.

I think in the future cell phones will come with GPS devices, so that I can track my children by giving them a "gift".

They won't even notice the surveillance.

I think it depends on the kid. I'd want my kids to be responsible. But I do like the idea of them having the emergency ones. My boss has one for her son but I don't honestly know when or where he uses it if at all!

Originally Posted by squirtle

No, and at the age of 16 instead of buying them a cell phone I would have the On Star system installed in their vehicle. This way they would have the capability of making phone calls in an emergency situation, but not gab on the phones to their friends while driving.

Click to expand...

Well said, I agree

Yup, I think they should. I'm 16.

I got my first cell phone when I was about 13 I think - I pay for it myself (part-time job)

I love being able to call my Mum or my Nana and ask for a ride if I'm lost or out of money or whatever.

I had a mobile before I was 16 and paid for it myself! I think if they can and will pay for it then great!