One of the big debates in our house is what is the appropriate age to give our children cell phones. Yes, we are years away from this (I hope!), but we see our nieces and nephews all with phones, their heads down and fingers feverishly typing during family get togethers. Sure phones are important for kids who may ride the bus, or for divorced parents who may not be able to reach their children. But in my opinion, kids are too spoiled…and don’t necessarily need a phone (especially with internet) before middle school. My husband disagrees…but what else is new?
So I took this new age debate to Marlins Park to get the players parenting perspective. I’m always interested to get the athletes take on anything having to do with their kids!
Marlins Cell Phone Debate from Kristen Hewitt on Vimeo.
If you would like more info on the cell phone debate, and why reading your kids texts may not be the best decision, check out this article I wrote for the Florida Villager, page 24. Here’s an excerpt:
For more fun Miami Marlins content, don’t forget to tune in to Billy’s Bunch this Saturday, May 3rd, only on Fox Sports Florida!
What’s your take? What is the appropriate age to give kids a cell phone? Please share your opinion in the comments below. I always love to hear what others are thinking!
Interesting topic! Back in 2000 I went to England and was shocked to see that practically every kid had a cell phone. Now it’s not uncommon to see the same thing here. If my kids were in the tween years now, I would probably buy them a really basic tracphone, so they could only use it to call me if they needed something. Who knows how I’ll feel about the issue when they’re actually old enough to start considering it. By then we’ll probably have phones embedded in our skin or something 😛
My kids know they’re way around an iPod, iPad and iPhone. The youngest is only 4. I don’t foresee then having their own devices for a while though. Those things are expensive and with the way my oldest takes care of things (as in, she doesn’t) I might as well just throw that device in the trash!
I know Rabia…my kids drop my ipad all the time.
This is a touchy subject in our home as well. My son keeps asking for a phone but I am trying to hold off at least until age 10!
Do it! Why does he need a phone at 10? Tell him to wait til he’s 13!
My daughter got her cell phone at age 11 because she lives with her mom and they don’t have a landline, but it only has talk and text capabilities. My teenage son (14) got a phone for Christmas with a limited data plan. Its nice because he can communicate with his out-of-state friends without racking up our phone bill!
Renee @ CreativeMamaMessyHouse
That makes sense Renee, divorce is clearly a tough one to navigate!
No cell phone here! Or plans. I think a lot more parents feel that way than anyone realizes. It’s a different world they’re living in isn’t it?
OK, I love this! We don’t have an iPad, and I loved seeing that so many players are letting their kids be kids – without technology!
I have several co-workers with school age children (with cell phones) and this is just not something I understand. I’m with the athletes! 10-12 year old’s are not away from their parents enough to justify it. When they’re driving, that’s another story. I know it’s easy for me to say this now (when my kids are 1 & 3) but I just can’t believe how young kids are with cell phones, that they’re allowed to have them at school, and they have data plans!!! Thankfully, this is still a while away for me!
Oh Wow Kristen, firstly what a great VLog bit such a briliant topic. My eldest is only 3 and already I am wondering ‘when will he ask for a phone’? The online world can be so brilliant, like now, but so awful I am almost dreading introducing my children to it. Thanks so much for sharing with the Monday #pinitparty. Have pinned 🙂
I am not a fan of kids having cellphones, but with so much going on in the world today I absolutely think it’s necessary in case of an emergency. It’s important to sit down and talk with your kids about cellphone safety and responsibility. For example, NO cellphone use during school hours..NO walking and texting or texting while at the dinner table…and the list goes on. Most important of all….texting and chatting should not trump face to face communication nor should you use “omg” or “lol” while speaking directly to mom! LOL Nice post! I love your blog!
Kids really don’t need cell phones… adults really don’t either but they sure are nice to have!
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I’m burying my head in the sand for this one… The Girl is only three so god only knows what we’ll have to combat when she gets to ‘that age’. 🙂
I’m with the athletes! 10-12 year old’s are not away from their parents enough to justify it. When they’re driving, that’s another story. I know it’s easy for me to say this now (when my kids are 1 & 3) but I just can’t believe how young kids are with cell phones, that they’re allowed to have them at school, and they have data plans!!! Thankfully, this is still a while away for me!