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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to think 8 is too young to get a mobile phone for Xmas?

36 replies

SingleMum01 · 26/10/2009 17:10

Apparently its the in-thing at the school and a friend's DD's are asking for them for Xmas. I think its far too young. I can understand having them when the kids go a bit further than the back yard/friends in the street but 8 seems far too young for me. Although I'm the mum of a son, so maybe girls are older than that at 8? Comments?

OP posts:

hannahsaunt · 26/10/2009 17:15

Ds1 (9) hasn't mentioned owning a phone. Not allowed anyway at our primary school.

shockers · 26/10/2009 17:16

There have been numerous studies that claim to show the negative effects of mobile phone use on young brains. Why take the risk?

Jamieandhismagictorch · 26/10/2009 17:22

YANBU. DSs will not be getting one until they are able to pay for it themselves.

alypaly · 26/10/2009 17:28

no YANBU its ridiculous.What would an * year old really need a mobile phone for.

alypaly · 26/10/2009 17:30

Mind you, im not one to talk as i dont have mine permanently glued to my hand. Lifes too short to be texting all the time. Just MNing instead

cece · 26/10/2009 17:33

100% agree with you. Some of DD's friends had one the xmas they were in Year2

Earlybird · 26/10/2009 18:02

Agree that 8 is too young.

What do you think is an appropriate age?

cece · 26/10/2009 18:04

I have said to DD (who is the eldest and has asked for one) that we will discuss it when she goes to secondary school.

kitkatsforbreakfast · 26/10/2009 18:05

no way! Who would they call? And why? Totally daft.

Anonniemouse · 26/10/2009 18:12

My DD got one at 10 when she started Middle School but only because there were a few issues with after school clubs being cancelled and the set up is more like secondary school with them being expected to take responsibility for themselves. She has only used it once and she only takes it if she has an after school club.

ReneRusso · 26/10/2009 18:18

YANBU. My 9 yr old DD is desperate for one, and the answer is no, so far. I think when she goes to 2ndary school and is catching buses by herself, it would be useful from a safety point of view.

MoreCrackThanHarlem · 26/10/2009 18:23

8yo dd has just been given a phone.

She texts friends/grandparents, and at Christmas will be performing at a theatre in the city for 7 weeks, and I want her to be able to contact me if she needs to.

So it depends on the circumstances, imo.

Watchtheworldcomealivetonight · 26/10/2009 18:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

blametheparents · 26/10/2009 18:38

Prob get DS one for Xmas after he has started Senior school.
He has not asked yet (age 8, year 4), but suspect that a lot of kids will get one as they start senior school and I can only put up with the nagging for so long - ie Sept thru Dec before I know I will cave!

Original poster

SingleMum01 · 26/10/2009 19:28

I think if circumstances dictate then fair enough, ie, if your DD/DS is away from you , ie, with other parent, away, and may want to get in touch with you.

My DS knows we will discuss this when he goes to high school along with the laptop request! Better start saving!

OP posts:

GrimmaTheNome · 26/10/2009 19:32

Either when they are travelling to school independently (which is usually secondary) OR if there are separated parents. In the latter case, if the child is very young I'm sure theres some way to set it to only allow specific numbers (parents, close family members).

Not for 8 year olds to chitchat.

Jamieandhismagictorch · 26/10/2009 19:47

I travelled independently to school on two buses (30 minute journey) and never once needed to use a phone box, let alone a mobile phone (which, admittedly were not invented at that time).....

I shall be telling my sons that in a real emergency (ie not one involving them unilaterally deciding they are going to be half an hour late), they should ask a nice lady who has a mobile to use hers.

Jamieandhismagictorch · 26/10/2009 19:49

They will also be navigating by the position of the sun and making fire with the use of cotton wool, Vaseline and a piece of metal

Original poster

SingleMum01 · 26/10/2009 19:54

Jamieandhismagictorch(I remember the programme too!) - LOL. Sticks and a mirror I find are better for making fire!

OP posts:

Jamieandhismagictorch · 26/10/2009 20:35

floatyjosmum · 26/10/2009 21:57

think it depends why, my ds who is 8 has one but only takes it out when playing.
we live on a quiet estate and he goes off on his bike, him having a phone means i can ring him and tell him to come home or find out where he is.

have to say though thats the only time he uses it and he doesnt ring his friends on it - has about 5 numbers in it in case he needs someone quick!

WartoScreamo · 26/10/2009 22:07

I work a phone company and was only reading this morning an article on recent studies about non-malignant brain tumours being linked to mobile phones.

piscesmoon · 26/10/2009 22:15

Much too young-I would be very worried about their young brains-it isn't worth the risk IMO.

mumeeee · 26/10/2009 22:17

YANBU. 16 is the rule in our house although DD2 did get one at 15. DD2 didn't have one until she was 17, she just wasn't interested before then.

MillyMollyMoo · 26/10/2009 23:06

My 9 year old is having one this year and I never thought i'd be the type to buy one but she has a friend who goes to a different school she wants to keep in touch with and she has had such a tough time socially I'd buy her anything to help her keep and develop friendships.
I bet the £10 credit lasts a year though.

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