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Original poster

Mobile phone for a 5yo?

19 replies

lazycat · 03/01/2013 18:55

Ex-husband is thinking about getting dd a mobile phone. She's 5, and I think that might be too young. What do you think...?

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notengodinero · 03/01/2013 18:56

Why the flip would a five year old need a mobile phone????????

MerylStrop · 03/01/2013 18:57

Just no

donnie · 03/01/2013 18:57

why, who does he need to call?

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sausagesandwich34 · 03/01/2013 18:59

is it so she can speak to him when she isn't with him?

I wouldn't allow it

he will eat into your time with her and become very intrusive

GoldPlatedNineDoors · 03/01/2013 19:04

Sorry but I think a five year old doesnt need a mobile.

In fact, I think kids dont need a mobile until they start going off on their own unacompanied.

exoticfruits · 03/01/2013 19:04

Far too young!
If he wants to phone her use the house phone.

exoticfruits · 03/01/2013 19:05

There is no way they need one until they are going out independently.

GoldPlatedNineDoors · 03/01/2013 19:06

Should have added - though - he is her parent too, and is as entitled to get her one as you are to say she shouldnt _ neither trumps the other. But you can (and I would) insist it stays at dads house.

weegiemum · 03/01/2013 19:14

Eh, no!

My dd1 has one. She's in first year of high school and travels independently on service buses to school, guides, meeting her friends, her accordion lessons.

My ds has one. He's in p6 but the eldest in our family on the school bus and it's pretty much to call me if they're delayed and since Santa was nice enough to bring him a PS Vita the phone has been ignored.

We've agreed dd2 can have one at the age ds did - October half term of next year (she'll be almost 10). She's not really that bothered tbh!

5 is like crazily too young. Sounds like over-compensation to me

Greythorne · 03/01/2013 19:18

Do you have a landline? Does he have the number? Can he contact your DD by landline?

Bonsoir · 04/01/2013 14:58

The only situation in which I think a five year old might need a mobile is if he/she spends a lot of time away from both or one parent and wants to call in privacy. So in the case of separated/divorced parents or a child who spends a lot of time with GPs when parents are working, I think it is good to reassure a child that he/she has a way of getting in touch with parent(s) that does not involve another adult.

logitech56 · 04/01/2013 14:59

if its so she can get in touch with him, without having to go through you, then yes, thats fine. Its not to young.

lynniep · 04/01/2013 15:07

blimey. my 5 year old wouldnt know what to do with a mobile phone. we have a hard enough job trying to get him to speak to grandma on the landline!

ChippingInLovesChristmasLights · 04/01/2013 15:13

No, she doesn't need one. She's 5. If he's a decent Dad then there's no problem with him ringing your landline or mobile to talk to her and if he's not then you don't want him having a direct line to her. You would be the one left making sure it's charged, that she isn't calling long distance numbers or texting to enter competitions etc

Of course, you can't stop him buying one - but you can stop her using it - so you might as well tell him 'no' now.

monkeyfacegrace · 04/01/2013 15:19

My DD got a mobile from her paternal grandparents for her 6th birthday.

I was not happy.

However, it stays in her room. She occasionally calls them at silly oclock in the morning. Makes me Grin

Hasnt caused an issue here as dd isnt that fussed.

foxy6 · 04/01/2013 15:26

what does he want to get her the phone for?
My ds 5 would live one for playing games and listening to music on. he wouldn't actually use it as a phone with smart phones doin 101 different things other than make phone call he could think of it as a good gift for entertainmant . I know My sister in law has given her Dd 3 her old I phone for these reasons. I don't think I would though its a lot of money for a smart phone for a small child to have .

ponchopink · 04/01/2013 15:27

No no no

HeadFairywithacapitalHandF · 04/01/2013 15:27

no way is a phone appropriate for a 5 year old... if he needs to contact her he calls the landline. What other use would she have for it? unless it's running up expensive bills :o

Harrysmummysarah1 · 04/01/2013 15:52

Can't think of any reason a 5 year old would need one :S

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