I never thought I’d be the one to get a kid so young a cell phone. Ever. But it has happened. Over the weekend we bought our almost 11 year old daughter a cell phone.
No, she wasn’t begging for one. She never even asked. It just seemed necessary. She goes to camp, retreats, playdates, youth group, and homeschool classes where she may need to get ahold of us. With pay phones being hard to find and everyone else having a cell phone, she wouldn’t be able to reach us without borrowing someone else’s phone. If there is an emergency, I want her to be able to get ahold of me and vice versa without having to hunt for someone to borrow a phone.
I was talking to a friend at church yesterday and she told me the reasons she bought her daughter a cell phone. Her daughter is a popular babysitter and sometimes when she would go to babysit, the family wouldn’t have a house phone. They would obviously take their cell phones with them and she would be left with nothing. No way to get ahold of them in case of emergency or even a way to call 911. I strongly believe in still having a working home phone in case of emergencies, but that is a story for a different day. Cell phones won’t always work.
With that being said, we opted for a TracFone for our daughter. We went with the basic Alcatel 392G “The Big Easy Flip” Prepaid Phone With Double Minutes. I didn’t want her to have internet and all the apps on her phone. I also didn’t want to put her on our plan since it is only going to be used in emergencies or when she’s away from us.
We opted for this option because the minutes automatically double on that phone, so if you purchase 60 minutes, the phone will load 120 minutes. It also gives you 90 days to use up the minutes, where many other brands only gave you 30 days. The 60 minute, 90 day card we bought (which doubled to 120) was only $19.99. That works out to be about $7 a month for 3 months. Cheaper than adding her to our plan. There was no activation fees at all and if we decide to not purchase more minutes, that’s fine, too.
Before we gave it to her, we went over phone safety. We went over who to call in case of emergency. If there was a car wreck or other urgent emergency to call 911 before calling parents. If she can’t get ahold of us, to call Grandma. If someone was bleeding (minor), to call Uncle Chip for first aid instructions or to send him a photo. My brother is an EMT 🙂
This was not an easy decision, but I think it’s right for us for the time being. It was well worth it when I got her text last night saying they made it to the retreat and she was having fun. And another one saying she loved me. Oh and that she forgot her tooth brush 😉
What are your thoughts on kids and cell phones?
Susan C says
When my son finished fifth grade, we did a similar thing. He was going places and would eventually be riding the bus home daily. I was glad he had one the day he was able to text me and tell me the bus had broken down but he was fine and would be late.
Susan C says
I feel exactly like you about cell phones. I have always thought there was no way I would ever get my kids cell Haines until they are in middle school or even high school. But with the way folks are getting rid of home phones, and with the increasing amount of outside activities our kids are involved with, it is quickly becoming evident that I will have to change my stance. Our kids are close in age; 10, 8.5, 5.5, and 2.5. I foresee the 10 year old & 8 year old getting phones long before they turn 13. I still don’t need to do that just yet because their camps are local, but when they do start attending away camps, they will be connected!
Susan C says
(Sorry for the typos. Autocorrect hates me as much as voice recognition!)
Cathy says
We bought our 11 yr old a similar phone … My husband was so sure that there would never be a good reason for an 11 yr old to have a phone – until I had to work late one day – and he forgot to pick her up at school. (She was o.k. and he showed up about 45 minutes late) After that we decided on a trac-phone too for her. We got a different style – but her use is still limited by the minutes she has. She and I actually text a lot – just to stay in contact and I love that I can tell her when I will be late picking her up w/o disturbing her in class.
Aubrey says
I am so glad you wrote about this! Your reasoning sounds like you really thought it out and made the best decision for your family. Kudos! We do a lot of cell-phone related stuff at Smart Kids 101 (like etiquette) — our upcoming Babysitting updated materials includes babysitters having a cell phone with them, exactly for the reasons you described. I am so glad to read someone else who is joining in this conversation. It’s so important as our technology adapts the way we live. Great post! #typeaparent
Jen says
My first thoughts of getting our daughter a cell phone was her first sleepover. I was nervous of course and opted for her to take a cell and hide it in her bag. I wanted her to be able to reach us at any time she was uncomfortable because you just never know. Now I am glad I did because she is very active In activities and such and this allows me to keep in contact and for her as you said to use in an emergency. She has an apple and I like it because there is also the track device I can log into. I think these days cell phones are pretty much necessary. Especially with other options becoming obsolete.
MommyOctopus says
I didn’t even think about the tracking option with an Apple. That may be something we look into in the future. Thanks!
Susan Maccarelli says
Sounds like the right decision for your family. I think those are all valid points and I don’t like that people judge others on the right age to get or not get cell phones. I guess it is what ear piercing used to be :o) I love my tracfone!! SOOOO much cheaper than a regular plan for someone like me that just makes short calls now and then. #typeaparent