To be seriously pissed off that my ex has bought 8 year old DS a mobile

[bettiboo]

Oh, and hasn't seen him for nearly 3 weeks, or contacted him in 3 weeks. Today has taken him out for a treat. Told me he would be back at 9.30pm, then text at 10pm to say show hadn't finished yet and that his battery was about to go. Then, hey presto DS rang from new mobile phone!!!!!! I'm f raging! I can't help feeling this is all a one-up on me! What a twat. Oh and he hasn't given me any maintanance either - clearly that's gone on treat and new f**ing mobile phone! While I avoid the bills coming through the door so that I can pay for DS extra tuition etc. Grrrrrr

All secondary school children need a mobile- they are under 16. They travel to and from school without an adult. A mobile is a godsend.

Well generations coped without so need is a but of a strong word!

I think a mobile phone on handfor use when a child is out alone is fine but not their own until later on in childhood. Although I don't know what actual harm it does.

Personaly I take the view that when I have kids i dont see why they couldnt seriously i mean this have one from 3 years of age. The old argument who are they going to call or what are they going to use it for could equally be said of an adult. Add to this smartphones today do alot more than call text and internet.

I'm with you bettiboo it is ridiculous. Children don't need mobiles.
Far to much precious parenting going on here.

"Well generations coped without so need is a but of a strong word!"

Well now they don't have to do they?

Can't stand that argument, really can't, times change and you move with them don't you?

Fwiw I don't think 8 is too young. My ds has one so he can ring his Dad whenever he wants without having to go through me. His relationship with his Dad is HIS business and he shouldn't have to ask to ring him. He didn't choose for me and his Dad to split up and was the last thing he wanted so the least I can do is give him control over his ability to contact his Father.

I totally agree with your point of view OP because this guy is paying no maintenance so you are left buying the boring but necessary stuff and he swoops in with a lavish gift... eurghh I'd be murderous.

But in general I can understand why a child needs a mobile phone if theyre parents are separated.

Its good for them to know they can contact the parent at any time without having to ask permission. Plus, as in my case.. you dont want to have any unecessary dialogue with your nobbish ex just so you can speak to your child.

Whoever said no child under 16 needa a phone is slightly dippy.. what about if theyre in town with their friends, or at the cinema and have missed the bus etc etc

i think you are being unreasonable. I bought my dd a phone when she was 8 so she can text or ring her dad when she likes, she never does though, and it hasn't made him better at ringing her either. But at least she now knows that I can't stop him contacting her and she can't throw it back in my face later.

But, whe she stays with him, I can trace it online to make sure he doesn't do a runner with her and he can't stop me contacting her. She also uses it to text her granny and old friends.

I understand the one up manship thing, but as far as presents go, it's pretty useful.