Do children really need mobile phones ?

[Proudpakistaniguy]

Should children have it? I have seen that parent are being forced to buy smart mobiles/tablets , laptops and others video game console for their children . What is prefect age for a children to keep a mobile phone with internet etc ?

 

[Divergent]

My children aren't having a phone till college and the model depends on grades.

 

[Talwar e Pakistan]

I started when I was around 10. I recommend it, as long as you maintain proper control over it.

 

[SorryNotSorry]

I think yes. So many kids now play around with smartphones and tablets even before they utter their first word. It provides mental stimulation and they will most likely be using tech for the rest of their lives- their grown up careers may even depend on it in the future. So why not?
Downside- it might ruin their eyes due to excessive use.

 

[Proudpakistaniguy]

My children aren't having a phone till college and the model depends on grades.

have you got children?
or you talking about future children?

actually many parent complained to me that their kids don't sit and talk to them and always just play with their mobiles phones even when they are sitting with them . Some parent don't know how to use this modern technology so they wish kids talk to them instead of to be in virtual world with strangers

 

[Kitten]

My children will get a phone (whatever I deem appropriate) to keep in contact with me while not nearby (at a friend's, etc.).

They'll get a smart phone as soon as they can buy one and pay the monthly contract themselves.

Cost, not necessity or utility is the kicker for me. I don't really have any problem with kids having phones since it'd be hypocritical for an addict like me to judge them.

 

[Proudpakistaniguy]

I started when I was around 10. I recommend it, as long as you maintain proper control over it.

I think mobiles is more common these days as compare to past so these days kids insist parent to get one and they often want latest ones..funny is even infants want to play with mobiles these days as a toy

My children will get a phone (whatever I deem appropriate) to keep in contact with me while not nearby (at a friend's, etc.).

They'll get a smart phone as soon as they can buy one and pay the monthly contract themselves.

Cost, not necessity or utility is the kicker for me.

When you will get kids then you will have every mobile phones as smart phones
Kids are least interested in just talking or texting with phones but use as music/video player plus games, internet etc

 

[Kitten]

When you will get kids then you will have every mobile phones as smart phones

No way! I'll get them an 80s "brick" just to be a post-hipster hipster.

Yeah, it'll probably be all smart phones by the time I have kids, I hope. Damn costly though.

Kids are least interested in just talking or texting with phones but use as music/video player plus games, internet etc

Which is why I think a tablet would be more utilitarian. Less costly too because of a lack of contract or data charges. It's a one-time cost versus the ongoing concern of a phone.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

My children will get a phone (whatever I deem appropriate) to keep in contact with me while not nearby (at a friend's, etc.).

They'll get a smart phone as soon as they can buy one and pay the monthly contract themselves.

Cost, not necessity or utility is the kicker for me. I don't really have any problem with kids having phones since it'd be hypocritical for an addict like me to judge them.

Ah...wait until peer pressure starts rearing its head.

Most have had their own iPads since before kindergarten.

Kids in 1st grade have iPhones. I haven't given my kids a phone yet. I'd give my oldest my iPhone and just get another...but I'd have to buy a monthly data plan...which she'd probably exceed in 15 minutes. I'd have to shut off the 4G..but she'd turn it back on. Meh what a headache.

 

[Path-Finder]

In my opinion No. Phones are the biggest barriers between human to human contact. Phones are great but humanity is greater.

 

[Blue Marlin]

they only need ipads/tablets.

 

[Divergent]

iPads, laptops, game consoles and notepads I have no issues with, restrictions on YouTube and some criteria on Internet can be blocked through providers. Kids should be exposed to technology BUT phones etc in college me thinks.

They start and finish at a set time and anything comes up school reception provides phones.

They should go out and partake in social activities, camping, sports and other clubs. It's healthy

 

[Darth Vader]

It Depends on The Age and the Kid
As for Kid under 12 they really dont need phones
As For Console and Computers
Games Yes but for 2 Hours Each Day
As Some Kids excell in sports while some tech
Every child has there own abilities
Instead of just handing every one tablets i. The age of 4 is wrong it effects the thinking
After age 17 is OK
Best solution is to turn of wifi

 

[Jungibaaz]

It's really not necessary, I'd advise against it until at least 15. Kids ought to find alternative and better means of entertaining themselves, and even socialising, it's always better in person. And if you do give them a phone, don't just assume that just because your kids are tech savvy that it's enough for them to use it responsibly.

Also, while social media is great and kids should be able to use it as their peers do, you as a parent should limit the time they spend on it. A few years ago, all that you could do on a phone in terms of social media was facebook and whatsapp, today we also have twitter, instagram, snapchat and more. And if nothing else, all these can serve as a massive waste of time if it were simply up to kids to use them as they see fit, it's also directly relevant to the responsibility angle too.

 

[Kitten]

Ah...wait until peer pressure starts rearing its head.

Most have had their own iPads since before kindergarten.

Kids in 1st grade have iPhones. I haven't given my kids a phone yet. I'd give my oldest my iPhone and just get another...but I'd have to buy a monthly data plan...which she'd probably exceed in 15 minutes. I'd have to shut off the 4G..but she'd turn it back on. Meh what a headache.

So if I'm reading you correctly you're saying don't have kids, adopt a dog instead.

They should go out and partake in social activities, camping, sports and other clubs. It's healthy

And give an introvert like me a panic attack!? I'm the kind of person that goes to parties and talks to the house owner's cat until I feel it's no longer inappropriate to leave.