There was an interesting post today at my old tromping grounds, The News Tribune, about when kids should get cell phones. The article seemed to conclude this event should probably happen around 6th or seventh grade.
Okay, for some odd reason, they aren't posting the article online...dummies, but here is the same article from the Associated Press in a Pittsburgh paper.
We gave J. a phone in 6th grade, just before her 13th b-day because a. she was going to her first public school b. it was in a rough neighborhood and c. she had to walk to a friend's house after school.
Soo, we've been at this for three years, and so far, so good. (she's IMing her friends and texting more than actually using the phone.)
One suggestion I'd make to parents...draw up a contract, and get unlimited texting.
2 comments:
This is interesting because I was just surprised to learn that my niece bought her 10-year-old son a cell phone. Turns out they are joining the trend of the landline-less and are getting rid of their home phone. He's not supposed to take his phone out of the house for now -- it's there in case he gets home from school and his older sister hasn't made it home yet etc. Still, he's quite proud of it. Since his last ipod melted after going through the washer and drier, I'm hoping they bought an insurance plan...
That was about the age that J. started asking for one. We finally gave in at 12, just before 6th grade.
He's not supposed to take it out of the house? I wonder how long that is going to last?
Yeah, IPods and dryers don't mix well. I keep expecting J. cell phone to end up in the wash if she forgets it's in her back pocket.
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