Age limit for mobile phone?

[HighlandWorrier]

Does anyone think this would be a good idea like the purchase of cigarettes, age of sexual consent etc is regulated? DH and I were discussing how it is not doing the youth of today any good. They are losing the art of conversation, spelling and grammar are becoming sloppy due to text speak and then the rudeness of not listening as always glues to their phones. DH strongly opposed DS, 11 having a phone but after peer pressure and my persuasive skills gave in. It was more so I had a means to contact DS when he's out and about. Now we have him constantly messaging, making silly videos and now being called by girls, so it begins

DH thinks 16 is a good age which I think is a bit OTT but perhaps a 13/14 minimum limit might be sensible. I know it is highly unlikely that an age limit would be imposed but interested to hear other views.

Yes I do, but seeing as there isn't an age limit yet, I firmly believe parents need to set them. Why wait for the government to bring in an age limit that you think would be safe, when you have given in yourself, against your husband's wishes?
I don't mean to be goady, but I'm a teacher and the amount of issues that are caused to students' well being though phones being given to kids at 10 and 11 is shocking.

Well.... There is ana he limit in a roundabout kind of way.... They would not be able to get a contract.

Even if there was an age limit, parents would still give their kids phones.

Just to add, I have 11 year old twin dds and they have known since they were younger that they won't be getting phones until they're in secondary School which in Ireland will be when they're 13. And then, only when I'm happy that they have good friends and have settled into school happily. I've also explained that their mental and social health is everything to me and that they'll be grateful to me when they get older. They have never once complained about the rule as I'm not a strict mum, and they know I'm looking out for them. They have tablets to play on with strict parental controls.

Yes I know I contradict my views by giving in at 11. It's so hard when all their friends have one and you're being guilt-tripped! That said, an age restriction would make it easier for parents to say NO! There would also be something nice about waiting till you're a teen to get your first phone. I know some younger than 10 who have been allowed one which is even crazier...

I totally understand Highland it's often only when we've given in that we realise the problems things bring.

I just think that the more parents didn't give in, the less pressure there would be on other parents!!

But just because your son has a phone but doesn't mean you can't seriously restrict his usage! Girls contacting him at age 11 and non stop messaging and videos would be a massive no-no for me. I would take control back and only allow him a small bit of innocent limited usage from now on. But that's just me.

“They are losing the art of conversation, spelling and grammar are becoming sloppy due to text speak and then the rudeness of not listening as always glues to their phones.”

I’ve had a phone since I was 11. I’d like to think I can hold a conversation. Can’t spell for shit but I highly doubt there is corrolation there.

Many people seem to view the choice as between 'no phone' and 'smart phone on contract with internet access and all apps'.

We have gone a middle route. DD2, y9, has a phone but currently no data and PAYG. The phone is helpful for making arrangements and being out and about. But we avoid the social media angst. She's happy enough at the moment because she sees arguments amongst other girls at school cause by social media.

I'm an English teacher and I can absolutely verify that students' conversation skills, imagination and dialogue skills have plummeted since the advent of smartphones.

Although smart phones with internet access at 11 sound like a bad idea.

My 12 year old has had a non smart phone since the beginning of secondary but he very rarely uses it. It mostly lives at the bottom of his school bag with a flat battery.

My DC got mobile phones at age 6 (long commute to school on public transport - not UK). They can spell, converse in two (even 3) languages and refuse most social media after reading the small print.
I'm strongly opposed to government interference in my family life just because some parents can't handle theirs.

"Many people seem to view the choice as between 'no phone' and 'smart phone on contract with internet access and all apps'."

This.

My DS had one at 11, but it was basic phone, he had to pay for contract out of his allowance (£4 pm) and had 250mb data, and that data had to last, (he turned it off a lot and used WiFi mostly)
He also wasn't allowed it after 8pm, had to be charged downstairs, and couldn't have it back until leaving the house for school, or after breakfast at weekends.
All app installs had to be authorised first.
All messages were periodically checked.l and he had to tell me how he knew any of the contacts.
If he and phone call from an unrecognised number, he had to give it to us to answer or let it go through to voicemail, and we would screen it.
He had to sit through CEOP videos and the like every so often.

Harsh? Don't care, my child was not going to be sexually exploited or bullied! (Or br a bully)

Now he's 15, it's a bit more relaxed, but he still can't have it overnight, and messages are checked periodically, and he is always reminded of safe use

We got dd on when she started secondary so we coukd contact her

I think a minimum age is unnecessary. Most parents are able to be sensible. Those that aren't are likely to just ignore any rule put in place anyway.

Mobile phones are useful. My kids and I both feel safer carrying them. Teaching your children good morals and how to be safe using their phones is a better idea in my opinion.

As for spelling and grammar, by the time most kids get a phone at 10/11/12, SPaG should be pretty well established and schools obviously expect a good standard in schoolwork. Put some rules in place about when it can be used and check their phones if you feel it necessary.