Re: Kids and mobile phones
Asked by elizabeth

Question:
 

I just want to know what peole out there think about giving their children their own mobile phones. My daughter is starting high school next year and I have asked loads of parents

about this and all of them have either already given their kids a phone or plan to give them one at the start of next year. It's just crazy. Not only is it sending the wrong message,that we can not survive unless we are hooked into the system, but it's also not a great thing for their long term health. And don't get me started on the big brother conspiracy theory! I know that there are ways to block phone numbers and put a dollar amount on the calls they make but I just think it all a bit much.

BUT, I don't want her to be the only kid not to have one. She is a self confident girl and I think she'd be able to take taunting in her stride but do I risk it a such an impressionable age. I am being too out dated, and I am only 35 (yes every year I get younger), or should I uphold my principles?

By the way, my daughter has never asked for one even though most of her friends seem to already have one.

My Advice:

I gave my son a mobile phone when he started high school just in case he need to phone me if i was late picking him up. It is prepaid so I can limit and monitor his  
calls. I have had not problems with this and he is now 15  and in Year 10 and he is happy with this arrangement  and he never ask for one before that and if  they need to ring friends they can do it from the home phone.