...to think that kids really don't need mobile phones?

[Arana]

I've noticed a lot of occasions where a child (usually between say 10 and 16) has committed some misdemeanour, and is to be punished. So often though I hear "oh I can't take away DS/DD's phone, they need it for emergencies."

What sort of emergency does a 15 year old need a phone for all the time? For a true emergency (fire, car accident etc) there are phone boxes (there's still plenty around), and I'm sure nobody would object to someone borrowing their mobile phone to call an ambulance.

Mobile phones make life more convenient I'll admit - it saves you coming home first if you want to pop round to your friend's house etc, but surely part of the punishment of having your phone taken away should be curtailment of the lifestyle it enhances?

My kids aren't old enough to (allegedly) need phones, but from a personal point of view if I leave my phone at home when I go to work, it just means I have to keep my commitments, and make a phone call using a land line if I have to change anything important.

I can't believe how old I feel writing this, but I never had a mobile phone until I was 17 (30 now) and I feel like kids are in more danger from having mobiles (exposure to unsolicited texts, photos, bullying) than I ever was from NOT having a phone.

V v few phones not Internet enabled

Really so are you really telling me that a parent has no choice but to buy these phones

I managed to find one just fine ebay has thousnads for a start and every network, compay have a basic phone

FWIW I agree with you about the internet for young children you are being quite snippy about it though

I think it is perfectly possible- assuming that both parents and teens have common sense- to use mobile phones in such a way that they make life practical without hampering initiative or judgment. And if neither parents nor teens have common sense, you're going to have trouble anyway, with or without technology.

Neither of my children has ever phoned to moan about issues that they ought to be dealing with themselves- but I do appreciate a phone call to let me know that they have missed the bus.

I don't like the idea of tracking, but I do like the idea of dc being able to use their phone to sort out practical problems.

Mrsjay well like i said i dont have anything agaisnt cheap phones that simply text and phone but i think its stupied to have a small tween or a young teenager with a phone that cost hundreds

That is clery for staus and not
A saftey issue

And in my view it means the parents are either weak or trying to be matey or trying to keep up with the jones

If somone can tell me why a child would need anything other than a basic phone i will eat my hat but until them snippy i will be

OP, I totally agree with your post. I really believe that young people have fewer social skills today, due to the over reliance on mobile phones. There are so few emergencies unless you count speaking/texting to the school friends they have been with all day, and will see tomorrow. It's leading to an increasing insular, selfish way of living where young people are so self absorbed and an arrangement can be changed at the last minute. Not to mention the harm, exploitation and bullying that goes on. It's really depressing. There is a time and place for a mobile phone but that does not mean it's an essential piece of kit for every day.

I'm quite happy for mine to have phones that do more than phone or text

I'm not matey nor do I do it for popularity

I just don't have any problem with it at all

"I think it is perfectly possible- assuming that both parents and teens have common sense- to use mobile phones in such a way that they make life practical without hampering initiative or judgment. And if neither parents nor teens have common sense, you're going to have trouble anyway, with or without technology.

Neither of my children has ever phoned to moan about issues that they ought to be dealing with themselves- but I do appreciate a phone call to let me know that they have missed the bus.

I don't like the idea of tracking, but I do like the idea of dc being able to use their phone to sort out practical problems."

Well said Cory.

I wonder how many of you who say that phones aren't necessary actually have preteen/teenage children who travel by bus to school. DD doesn't misuse her phone, they aren't allowed to be used in school, she doesn't spend all her time texting her friends. She did get laughed at for only having a basic PAYG phone. She now has a slightly better phone, but not an expensive one.

DC have phones because I find them useful, not as privileges, anyway.
Do what you like OP, I doubt I'll have an opinion on it.

We live in an age where parents are considered extremely responsible for their children, especially their safety. And where every misdemeanor or petty crime is considered much more unforgiveable so us parents feel that we have to be more controlling. Also, helping strangers is viewed with suspicion.

Society has changed.

Jeez it's a mobile phone not a weapon of mass destruction. Have a phone don't have a phone, PAYG or contract, 3G or no 3G . Who gives a flying fuck. Your choice, but not giving your child a mobile does not make you a better parent .

hobnobsaremyfave. Great post, sums it up for me

My 9 yr old had to have one because he used to have to catch a school bus to and from school alone and I felt better knowing he had something. He lost it no end of times though and forgot to take it. i do wonder how useful it has really been...he is 11 now, I don't threaten him with it because he doesn't seem bothered! (it's a cheapy shit one though)

'there are phone boxes (there's still plenty around)'

OP, do you live in Australia? The situation might be different there, with a box on every corner. Unlike the UK.

Hardly any phone boxes around this town. I know of two, neither of which are on DD's route to/from school.

She has a phone, PAYG, but which allows for music to be downloaded, working our cheaper than getting a basic phone AND MP3 which was what she wanted.

It's been useful as she can let me know if she's running late, or if something's cropped up. She's not stupid with it, and her credit does last. She prefers seeing her friends and talking face to face rather than texting.

DH has just given one of his cast-off phones to our 8 year old and put him on a contract! Very silly.

Personally I think they create a false sense of security. You can never be 100% sure that your child is telling the truth of their wherabouts or if a text message that it is even your child at all.

Very true, I agree.

Why the frigg would you need. Phone theire are crb staff

Another case of false sense of security! - CRB's are not a guarantee, they do not prove you have never done anything you shouldn't have only that you have not been caught, they are also only really valid on the day they were carried out as you could be due in court at the the time a CRB is applied for but not actually have been in court or found guilty of anything until the day after the checks completion date and thus within 24hrs be out of date with a clear CRB that wont be picked up on until your CRB renewal at least 12 months later or a change of job requiring a CRB check.

I can see the plus sides to kids having basic phones but there are just as many downsides even with them. My nephew (13) has a phone (has done for a few years), if he's out and about with mates he never answers it because he always claims he can't hear it ringing which often leaves his mum running round at night asking people if they have seen or heard from him as she can't get in touch with him so it is only of use when he wants to contact her and so doesn't always give piece of mind and thats when he hasn't lost it or forgotten to take it with him meaning he can't even reach her which he does frequently and is on around phone number 3 due to losses. School also has a no phones during class time policy, anyone caught using one has it confiscated so isnt of much use inside school hours.

My niece (16) has a BBM on contract as the standard monthly fee covered free BBM which all her friends use (my sister didn't want her being bullied for being the only one at school without it) and X amount of free texts. Twice she has ran up bills of several hundred pounds and spends most of her time arguing with people - same for facebook she has an account on that and all that goes on is bitching and falling out, 13 (or even 16) is too young an age limit if you ask me.

Thus I think at times they can actually cause more hassle than they are worth.

My DSD's friend was bought one earlier this year, she is 10 and in primary school and gets picked up and dropped off at the school gates by her mum so I really don't see the point in that at all, seems like a waste of money. My kids are too young to worry about it right now but I expect depending on circumstances at the time that I may allow a basic one on starting high school.

That has got to be the ultimate paranoia.

How do you know if it's your child sending the text.

I'm boggled.

I think this is a bit of a non-issue, nothing wrong with not giving your kids a mobile phone... and nothing wrong with giving them one. Purely personal choice.

Many children have long journeys to scondary school.I think it is only common sense that they have a phone incase of transport not turning up or breaking down.

I agree Catwoo. We have only relented about a basic mobile phone because he has a relatively long bus journey to secondary school. It's for reassurance really!

As I said, I can't understand why you wouldn't give your child a phone. They are part of life now- why would you not let your child have something that's good fun and makes live easier? In my early childhood, I had a heavy gqberdine mac that got soaked, was heavy and smelled funny- but it kept me dry. It was fine- but my children have hi-tec micro fibre jackets- because they are better!

My argument is with the "they need phones for safety" brigade. No they don't. Having a phone does not make you safer. And it is completely daft to say it does. Making sensible arrqngemnts, keeping them and learning how tonlook after yourself as an independent human being makes you safer. Having a phone makes you more dependent and less able to deal with the world.

seeker - of course mobiles are an aid to safety. That's one of the reasons they have caught on!

How?

what if you are stranded in the dark because your connecting bus hasn't turned up. How does contacting a parent to come and collect you not make you safer?