There is some recent research that may connect cell phone use during the younger years with increased risk of brain cancer later on. We don’t have all the answers, but based on what we know, limiting your child’s exposure is important.
But the real question is: Why does an 8-year-old need a cell phone? It opens a lot of doors to potentially dangerous things. When I was growing up, there was a phone in the middle of the house, and if I was talking to a friend, I knew that my parents could hear even though I tried to talk really quietly. Once you give your child a cell phone, he or she can text anyone or talk anytime when you're not around. You have no way to control it who she communicates with, or who communicates with her. A child in second gradestill needs a parent to be involved in their life, place limits and keep them safe. An adult should drop him off at school and pick him up. I can’t really think of a situation where a child at this age would need a cell phone.
I tend to get asked this question more about kids in middle school. There aren’t any exact rules, but for some children and some families, a cell phone may be fine. That’s especially true for a child who's responsible, has lots of activities, who’s doing well at school, who may be dropping something off at the library and wants to call you when he or she is finished. Just remember that you are giving your child a cell phone as a privilege, not a right. If your child starts breaking the rules, or not doing well in school, it’s your right as a parent to say that there are consequences and we are taking this privilege away from you. This is your responsibility as a parent; it’s a scary world out there.
Tanya Remer Altmann
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i used to think a ten year old didnt need a cell phone. then one day I was downtown and my cell phone died and I had three kids in tow lookiing for the nearest pay phone. We walked seven blocks and only found one because I had the forethought to check in the lobby of a hotel, something a child wouldnt think of.
the fact is, there ISNT a pay phone on every corner anymore and a quarter like we used to carry as kids is useless in an emergency situation.
IT IS A SCARY WORLD OUT THEREF (quoted from above)
My three kids all have cell phones and have for two years. We had one temporary loss where a phone fell out of a plane. It was recovered and returened to us.
Its your call when your child is responsible enough to keep track of something like that. Most companies will disable any internet / media access.
Most kids over 11 are texting more than talking so the phone isn't near their brains. they also know that cell phones cost money and that any calls of duration must be terminated and transferred to the house phone. but in today's scary world, they can call me, I can call them and we are both more comfortable with this line of communication as they get older and begin to venture away from home more often. Eight may be a little young.
"i used to think a ten year old didnt need a cell phone. then one day I was downtown and my cell phone died and I had three kids in tow lookiing for the nearest pay phone. We walked seven blocks and only found one because I had the forethought to check in the lobby of a hotel, something a child wouldnt think of."
Not considering the several spelling errors and typos, where do your kids go all alone to deadly need a phone?
A cell phone can be a great way to teach a kid responsibility if the parents pay for the basic stuff, but the kid has to either get a job or do extra chores in exchange for texting, ringtones and wallpapers.
Gosh I was unaware that rudeness was an option on a Mom friendly website. Geez, the poor woman is just asking for advice!