At what age would you/did you give your child a mobile phone?

[Bomper]

My ds (who is currently in Year 2) was telling me that lots of children in Year 3 (ie 9 year olds!!) had mobile phones, and asked if he could have one when he was in Year 3. The answer was a resounding NO!! I think 9 is far too young but maybe I am an old fuddyduddy. Does anyone agree? Have you given your children mobile phones and if so, how old were they?

Sorry got that totally wrong!!! DS is in Yr 3 now!!! God he's been there since September, you'd think I would have got it by now, and the other children are Yr 4. Doh!!

Say no, no no!!!

dd was 11 and in the end of Yr6 and she and ds1 used to walk home together and there were times when she was having to walk home alone so we felt it necessary.

ds1 had one when he was 11, also end of Yr6 as he is now the one who is the eldest at middle school and walking home with ds2. ds2 keeps pestering for one and he gets told no. I don't see the need for him to have one until he is having to walk home alone which will also be the end of Yr6.

They only have cheapo ones so they aren't a target for bullies.

DS has access to my old one for texting {he is 10}

But he hardly ever uses it - partly cos the battery keeps running out loads of his friends have got their own ones ie new ones

class 6

We may get him one in new year he will be nearly 11 then

dd often goes out alone with mates to twon etc and ds1 goes off to the park alone with his mates too so they take them then too.

Don't let ds2 out alone yet, he's only 9.

9?! Blimey Bomper, I'm with you on this one, far too young. I hate seeing school aged children with mobile phones.

I was 17 when I had my first mobile, paid for by myself, topped up myself etc. I think it's such a tough thing to argue when lots of children have them, but I would try and hold out till 16 at least.

(I am a fuddy duddy though!)

My eldest 2 bought their own when they started work. The 14 yo and 16 yo don't have one !!

dd is 14 and ds1 is almost 12 btw.

dd bought one with her birthday money two yrs ago when she was 12

4 months.

An old, non-working one, of course... top-favourite teether (closely followed by the defunct tv remote)

when they can afford to buy it themselves and top it up themselves.

dd topped hers up from her paper round wages.

ds1 has never topped his up in the last year - that's how much he (doesn't) uses it.