Is a 8 y/o too young for a cell phone?

eeyore0773	Personally I think 8 is too young. My daughter got her first Cell phone when she was around 12. The main reason was for her to be able to call home incase of an emergency or for a ride home. I dont take this lightly though, we have a family plan, and everyone has a certain amount of minutes they may use, I keep a close eye on how many minutes are used. She knows that if she abuses her cell phone it can be taken from her just as easily as it was given to her. I think though if the cell phone usage gets abused than the trust issue has been violated, and should be taken away. I tell ,my daughter it is a privilege to have a cell phone, not a necessity, and so far she has not abused her cell phone privileges. Its up to the parent to enforce the rules.

kazzadanni	Yes definately. No 8 yr old is really responsible enough to look after a cell phone. It would be just like a toy to him/her . I really can't understand why a child so young would need one as they should never really be without an adult supervising them anyway. My 11 yr old granddaughter just got one, she is very responsible but l feel that she is really even a little young but all her friends seem to have them these days. They seem to be a trendy thing all kids want or think they need.

Topaz	I think its too young. Not even one of those emergency ones. Way 2 young!

Dino	Unless the 8 yr old is involved in after school activities and needs to contact someone for a ride home or there are shared custody issues, I would seriously think this one out. 8 year olds (most of them) are not responsible enough to take care of a cell phone, like remember where they left them, be careless with them etc. If it seems as if it is a must, I would definitely go with the pay as you go cell phone, so you don't get surprises with text messaging charges or downloads for ring tones etc that will knock your cell bill through the roof if not in responsible hands.

jenna	I think it depends. If the 8 yo is alone often - say if heshe has 2 working parents - then yes. But if it is just for the fun of it, then no. A reasonable age is whenever the child starts driving.

Jaybo	Yes yes yes. You can get them one that only allows emergency calls or calls to specific numbers. Otherwise, they are way too young to be making social phone calls.

missliza62	I would think so. It's not like he would need to call you if his car breaks down. You should pretty much know where he is without him needing a cell phone for any other reason but to look cool to his friends.

fucose_grl	Yes. What use would they have for it. Truly, I mean really think about it. What do you NEED as cell for? The NEED is less for that of an eight year old other than spoiling. I think that seriously we as families have lost the manual on "How to Raise a Healthy, Well Adjusted Child, who is productive in society".

MiaDiva28	if not for emergencies yes

tanya m	funny you ask this question b/c my son is 8 and i'm definitely going to buy him a cell phone in a couple of days..do whatever you want it's your child..

PDH	The only real reason for an 8 yr old to need a cell phone would be if they spend a lot of time somewhere that it is difficult for them to contact parents, or for the parents to contact them. Other than that, it would only be for status. Most 8 yr olds aren't responsible enough to have a cell phone.

Rox	yes

Designchc	Yes; Unless the child is going somewhere you feel a tad bit uneasy about (Ex-spouse's house). Then they should have one to call you in case of an emergency. Five year olds with cell phones crack me up. What are they going to have when they are older?

niÃ±aBoo	there is a cel phone with only 2 digits specialty for kids, the company programs the numbers u request, like 1 digit wth moms number and the other 1 with daddys number (or grandmaÂ´s #)

jhaedis05	Yes it does seem to be the case, but maybe not. My niece has a cell and she's 7. I was shocked and highly irritated that my sister purchased a phone for her, but after seeing how my niece used the phone I was somewhat relieved. I say that it depends on the child. Don't judge the child based on their numerical age rather look at the individual.

cey12000	I believe so. My daughter is nine, and I won't get her one. I think it depends on the child. Is he/she very talkative to friends on your regular phone? Is he/she ever with any friends or family members without you and you can't get a hold of them? They have those family plans now where it's not that expensive to add on a line or the pre-paid ones.

Sewer Gas	Your kidding right? What? Your not? Are you the eight year old? Because an adult should know the answer is no without thinking.

lyn	I THINK SO,BUT PARENTS ARE ON THEM ALL OF THE TIME, SO THEY'LL PROBABLY THINK THEY'RE OK. NEXT WE'LL SEE THE PRE SCHOOL'ERS WITH PHONES.

OnTheProwl007	I don't think so it's a fad for younger children to have cell phones but to be on the safe side I would purchase a pre-paid phone that way you don't have to worry about high bills and excessive usage

Orleanslady	depends on what he would need it for. is he away from you for long peroids? if so it wouldnt hurt. my son has one and he just turned 10.

steelnpleasure	Why would an 8 year old need a cell phone? You as the parent should either always be with him/her or know exactly where they are at all times.

cchambers123	yes they need to be older to have a bit more sense of appreciation for things

â™¥	i think its an okay age in case for any emergencies but instead i think it should be a pre paid phone so there wont be any overcharges or surprises lol

Last Ent Wife (RCIA)	My 9 year old stepdaughter wanted a cell phone and I told her no, but her cousin (same age) has one. I think it depends on the level of maturity of the child. They also have those "kid" cell phones available (at Verizon I know they do) that only have speed dial to 3 or 4 numbers you program in. That might be a good stepping stone to a "real" cell phone.

â—Šjunior c/o '11â—Š	yea

'Tis I!	ONLY in America would this even be considered a legit question....

PRS	YES!

eddie	Yes, he never should be alone anyways

natalie*	unless they really need it, i think 8 is way too young!

[blahh] â„¢	yes