View Poll Results: Cell phones, Ipods, computers ect Certain age that it is right?

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  • 9-10

    1 3.45%
  • 11-12

    0 0%
  • 13-14

    6 20.69%
  • 15-16

    4 13.79%
  • 17-18

    4 13.79%
  • 18-19

    0 0%
  • by maturity level

    9 31.03%
  • when they can buy it

    3 10.34%
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Thread: Right age for children to have gadgets?

  1. #1
    God/dess kryssy's Avatar
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    Default Right age for children to have gadgets?

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051127/...ds_and_gadgets

    As a mother to 3 children I have wondered quite a bit about what or when the right age is for children to have cell phones, IPod, their own computer ect. My oldest daughter is 9 years old and has asked for a cell phone. She is never at home by herself, however is very mature for her age. I have seen children her age at her school with cell phones and other devices like those mentioned in the article. I also despise seeing a 16-19 year olds with little driving experience talking on a cell while driving. I believer their attention belongs on those things around them and not on a conversation.

    So, what do you think about this?

    Is there an age that you feel is a good age for gadgets?

  2. #2
    Veteran Member Kharisma's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    I too am a mother of three and my oldest will be six next month. I would say for cell phones, they dont need them til after they are driving and away from you on a regular basis and need a way to get in touch with you. I think that for computers and ipods, ect... that depends on maturity and how you think they will do. I dont see the point in a child that spends a lot of time at home haveing a cell phone when there is a house phone availible.

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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    I've been wondering the same thing myself this year. My 9 year old daughter is also asking for a cell phone for Christmas. I've actually considered picking up the $20 pre-paid phone I saw in the dollar store the other day for her. I'm not sure that I will though, in fact I probably won't at least not this year. My 14 year old son will be getting a cell phone this xmas and he'll be added to the family plan. My son also has his own computer and ipod already. As far as computers go, I'm looking into buying a laptop and when I do I'll give my daughter my desktop. I'll probably also pick up an inexpensive mp3 player for her this christmas as well.

    I think it should be based on maturity and need.

    edit: also, instead of cash, my 14 year old will be getting a Visa Buxx card this year.
    Last edited by LoveSexMoney; 11-28-2005 at 07:01 AM.

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    Member Stephen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Really depends on the Child,

    With Family Plans and restricted phone plans Getting a Child a Cell phone is not as much of a problem, you can restrict the numbers they call, the numbers they receive calls from, and how long they can spend on the phone. if you have an active child who does extra curricular things like sports, giving him/her a cell phone so they can call you when it is over saves you having to show up early and wait, AND gives them a way to call and check if someone else says they are there to pick them up.


    Computers. Never too young. my niece, 3 years old, uses a Computer, though it is only games like Dora the explorer, she is learning the location of Keys, how to use the mouse. and which ever skill the particular game is working on.
    Again there are many restrictions you can put on a Computer for your child, Programs like
    http://www.netnanny.com/, you can visit sites like http://www.software4parents.com/ to find other things to keep your childs computer under control, I think until a child is doing extensive writing assignments they should not have a computer in there room, probably 14-15 before they should be permitted to have one in there room, and even at that, restrict the time it can be online,


    Gadgets like the Ipod, or an MP3 player in General, basically when they stop loosing things regularly and they really want one, then they can have one. I personally would go with a cheaper MP3 player at first if they keep it for a year then move to something as costly as an Ipod.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    I got cell phones years back for my daughters when they were around 12 and 13. They were prepaid and the reason was that they spent a lot of time at the mall and I wanted to them to be able to get in touch with me if they needed me to pick them up earlier or if something was wrong etc.

    As far as the rest...they both had computers as soon as they hit 5th grade because it helped with their homework. Youngest daughter has had an IPod since they came out but she was already an older teen by that time.

    You know your child best. If you feel they can handle it, go for it. But keep a vigilant eye on them, that's all.

  6. #6
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    I have a 3 year old...I know that I will not get her a cell phone until she's become a proficient driver and will be going by herself on the road (in Illinois, now, the "alone" driving age is now 18 ).

    She will not have her own computer. There are too many "pitfalls" in that. She has a leap pad, and she is allowed to play on the family computer which is out in the open...but I refuse to put a tv/vcr/computer, etc in her room. It will never happen.

    Personally, I just don't see the need for anyone under the legal age of "going out" having a need for a cell phone. But, it does depend on maturity level and how responsible they are to be able to handle the responsibilities of having a cell phone.
    Last edited by VenusGoddess; 11-28-2005 at 08:50 AM.

  7. #7
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    VG, I agree. My 14. old little sister wants a cel. phone so bad. And keeps telling my dad it's for emergency purpose incase she gets stranded somewhere, lol...right. I don't see the need for a 14 yr. old to have one, if she does then she'll have to work for it when she turns 15. Not necessary. She's gonna use it to yap to her friends, and probably talk to stupid boys. haha. If anything she should have a calling card incase she gets stuck somewhere. So pissed at me that I convinced my dad not to get it for her. LOL.

  8. #8
    God/dess Rhiannon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    I think that 14 or 15 is a good age for a cellphone. That's when they really start getting into extra curricular activities that they need to stay after school for, and they start hanging out with friends more. You'll need to stay in touch with them, and they will be able to contact you if something's happened. My Ex and I agreed a few years back, that our kids (my 2 oldest, 13 and 11) would get cellphones when they were 14, provided they don't abuse the privelege like go over their minutes, let their grades slip, stay out longer than they're supposed to, or anything else. The Ex has always been more lenient than I, so I had to get him to agree to enforce the same rules with them.

    As far as computers go.. Never too young. My two oldest each have their own computers. Their internet access is restricted and closely monitored. They get about 2 hours of internet time each day, and buddylists are restricted so that they can't get messages from those they don't know. You have to be so careful these days. We started them very very young on computers, and they each had their own when they were each around 8 I think. Delia will have her own in a couple of years, but for now, she uses both my Husband's and mine more than we use them. LOL

    Keylogging software is a great invention. We don't use it, because like I said, their access is very closely monitored. But if kids have computers in their rooms where you won't be watching them, It's a great idea.

    Personally, I don't get the whole IPod thing. So I couldn't tell ya when a child is ready for one. I don't have one because I really don't see a point to them. My best friend got his Son one last Xmas though, and he will be 16 this Xmas. He doesn't have a cellphone.

    Moderation is key when it comes to the gadgets and phones, though. Just make sure they're not burning out their brains on the stuff by using them too much and doing nothing else. Cellphones have been known to get kids in trouble that's true, but no one knows your children better than you. Whenever you feel they're ready for something like that, give it a try.

    Saph, I'm getting my neice (she's 10) a Visabuxx card this year. Aren't they the greatest? I normally send her cash, but I love the idea of this and figured I'd give it a shot this year. This year is my ex's Xmas , so I'll probably send my oldest 2 cards as well, so they can just get what they want. I'm still thinking about that because they've named off a zillion things that they do want. LOL

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Quote Originally Posted by VenusGoddess
    Personally, I just don't see the need for anyone under the legal age of "going out" having a need for a cell phone.
    For the worst case scenarios. Having lost a child, I guess I just would want everyone to be prepared. When my daughter was killed, she didn't have her cell phone on her..she forgot it. They weren't able to find me for 3 hours although if she had her phone on her, they could have pressed Mom in the Contacts and I could have been there right away. Would she have lived? I don't know...but I just would not want anyone else to ever be in my position...EVER!!

    Didn't mean to scare anyone but things do happen and the best thing we can do is arm them with the necessary tools in case of emergency. Even if you do this, there's no guarantee, as in my case, but wouldn't it make you feel just a little more secure? You can't put a price on that IMHO.

  10. #10
    God/dess Rhiannon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Quote Originally Posted by DylanAngel
    For the worst case scenarios. Having lost a child, I guess I just would want everyone to be prepared. When my daughter was killed, she didn't have her cell phone on her..she forgot it. They weren't able to find me for 3 hours although if she had her phone on her, they could have pressed Mom in the Contacts and I could have been there right away. Would she have lived? I don't know...but I just would not want anyone else to ever be in my position...EVER!!

    Didn't mean to scare anyone but things do happen and the best thing we can do is arm them with the necessary tools in case of emergency. Even if you do this, there's no guarantee, as in my case, but wouldn't it make you feel just a little more secure? You can't put a price on that IMHO.
    Oh my Goodness. I'm so sorry, Dylan. And I totally agree with you.


  11. #11
    God/dess PaigeDWinter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    I had a computer when I was about 6. My real dad worked for IBM so it was a kind of perk. I was taking DOS classes soon after. I grew up using computer games, educational games, writing programs... there wasnt a lot more to it than that for a kid back then. When I was in 10th grade I got myself my first pager. My dad hated it. I was being trendy, not responsible and using it to keep in contact with my dad. I didnt have a cell phone until I was 22. I didnt start using the internet until I was 19. Schools didnt use PCs a lot when I was in. Elementary schools MAYBE had computers with typing tutors and games like Carmen Sandiego and Oregon Trail.... I dont think my brother and I were able to play non-educational games until we were 8 or 9... King's Quest, etc... My high school had a typing class, that was about it... and computers for research in the library. We weren't allowed to hand in typed homework or reports until college.

    I personally worry when I see kids with poor handwriting skills but excellent typing skills LOL. And I wouldnt give my kids cell phones until they were 16. That's just me. As for fun things like computers and games, video games, etc... sure... its the entertainment of the time.
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Thanks, Rhi.

    I'm not out to be the "Mom Brigade" here, LOL.

    I find it hard to post in a lot of the Mom forums out there because most frown upon the stripping world and I didn't feel like having to hide it. It seems like most of us have kids in this forum and we can all impart a great wealth of information to each other. There should be more threads like this one.

    Good for you Kryssy for asking questions. You're a good mom!

  13. #13
    God/dess Rhiannon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Quote Originally Posted by DylanAngel

    Good for you Kryssy for asking questions. You're a good mom!
    I agree! It's always good to get other views from those in the same lifestyle. People outside of it judge too much on the lifestyle and pay no attention to the questions. We're condemned before any of that.

  14. #14
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Well, I can see everyone's point, but I just don't see the need for MY daughter (mind you, this is 11 or so years away, LOL) to have a cell phone. Of course, when I was younger (play some 80's music with bad hair, please) I always called my parents from the friends house phone or a pay phone.

    I guess my biggest argument is that your child can go somewhere you've told them not to, and you'd never know. I know how I was as a child...and if I had a cell phone, I'd have been in big trouble. Now, we had a cell phone in the car and I had the freedom to use it when I was driving the car as long as I didn't gab away for the length of the drive, but had it just in case something happened.

    Anyways...it depends upon what your securities and fears are for your child...and then you have to go by that...

  15. #15
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Wow i put 17-18! But i think a computer should come along much earlier for school work! Just block all the crap out.

    Cell phone....hmmm, 17 or 18 without a doubt imo.

    Pamela

  16. #16
    Featured Member DSUsb19's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    With techonology booming, it's really hard for parents and guardians to keep up. I know that computers started becoming the norm when I was younger and I remember the first computer we ever got as a family, it was a Gateway back in like 1994 or 1995. My parents were dumbfounded, but since my sister and I were in school we had more experience with it. It's easy for kids to pull the wool over their 'rents' eyes because new things are coming out at such a rapid pace and today's kids are more technologically adept. I know how to get around on the net and erase my tracks. Most people do. It's just a matter of erasing the history log and opening files instead of saving.

    Just to give you an example, my grandmother is 84. For my 21st birthday last month she sent me $100 and told me to buy myself a nice gift and put the rest towards a laptop. She has no clue as to how expensive those things are, what they are capeable of, or anything. She still doesn't use the answering machine my dad got her years ago because it's too high tech.

    There's a lot of pitfalls with these new things, and kids can learn how to manipulate you pretty well. My mom got me a cell phone for x-mas when I was 15. It was for emergency purposes only, or if practice ended early. When I started driving, I would only use it if it was an emergency, to call to ask her if I could go somewhere I hadn't asked to go earlier, or to call and tell my friends I was on my way. Did I really need a cell phone? NOPE. How did we all survive before those things came along? Nowadays you can't go anywhere without seeing someone with a cell phone jammed in their ear going "what?! huh?!" or hearing that GD Nextel beep. Cell phones have become the new Michael Jordan's or Louis Vuittons, they're more of a cool accessory or something you need to be considered important or cool. I wouldn't give my kid one unless they were an athlete or Lil' Bow Wow. Other than that, not getting a phone before the age of 16.

    As for IPods, I wouldn't give them one until they're old enough to know how to operate it and treat it. Those things are too expensive to just hand to someone who can't take care of and appreciate their stuff. I guess I'm just an old fuddy-duddy. That would be why my g/f's mom says I'm 21 going on 35.
    You know your kid. Do what you feel is right and approach with caution.
    Last edited by DSUsb19; 11-28-2005 at 11:44 AM.
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  17. #17
    Member Stephen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Quote Originally Posted by VenusGoddess
    Personally, I just don't see the need for anyone under the legal age of "going out" having a need for a cell phone. But, it does depend on maturity level and how responsible they are to be able to handle the responsibilities of having a cell phone.

    The Kids I coach ( age 13-17) use my Cell phone all the time to call home, or other calls, I don't ask, they need a phone, I have one.



    Canadian Phone Companies are getting smart with Services, As technology advances you'll see phone packages geared toward families that grow with the children, Internet restrictions, on phones, text messaging monitoring, all the goodies parents want and kidslook to get around.

    my kids will most defiantly have all the little gadgets, mainly because as I upgrade they have to go someplace, I'm one of those people with excellent typing skills and poor handwriting, having had access to computers for near 15 years, and taking a course that involved lots of Computer work and very little writing, I know that my notes are almost impossible to read, fortunately I can leave text messages, or e-mailes to most of my contacts faster then writing a note and sticking it on the door.

    my kids will probably have the same advantage/disadvantage.
    I think a PDA with a wireless keyboard would be a better investment for a child and school then a Computer, a Pocket PC PDA can run Word Excel, and Internet explorer just grand, the keyboard allows them to type, the stylus pen lets them jot down notes or doodle science drawings. it can not play big games, and it is cheaper then a Computer or laptop,

  18. #18
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    DylanAngel, I am sooooo sorry to hear your daughter has passed on.

    Quote Originally Posted by Rhiannon
    Saph, I'm getting my neice (she's 10) a Visabuxx card this year. Aren't they the greatest? I normally send her cash, but I love the idea of this and figured I'd give it a shot this year. This year is my ex's Xmas , so I'll probably send my oldest 2 cards as well, so they can just get what they want. I'm still thinking about that because they've named off a zillion things that they do want. LOL
    yeah, I like how you (they) can moniter their spending and that the card is replaceable if lost.

  19. #19
    God/dess doc-catfish's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Having seen my nephews use of electronics, there's no way that I would buy my own kid his/her own computer. They can use the family computer, and if there's a video game system (PS/X-Box) in the house, it will be in a common area, NOT in their room.

    I think a cell phone isn't necessary until they are at least 14. I wouldn't want my kid to get the impression that text messaging is a substitute for using complete sentences.

    I-Pods are overpriced and overhyped as far as I'm concerned. I'd get them a cheaper MP3 player around age 12. If they want an expensive gadget that badly, they can earn the money for it once they're old enough to work.
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  20. #20
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Quote Originally Posted by LoveSexMoney
    DylanAngel, I am sooooo sorry to hear your daughter has passed on.


    yeah, I like how you (they) can moniter their spending and that the card is replaceable if lost.
    Thanks, LSM. I too agree with the VisaBuxx. Loved it when they were younger. Now that my youngest is 18, I've sat her down and talked to her about the responsibility of actual credit and such. I want her to be responsible about it. It's scary!

  21. #21
    God/dess MrChristopher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    My oldest will be 11 in February. He, too, has asked for a cellphone. Last year we got him a pair of those Motorola Talkabout walkie-talkies that have like a 4 mile range. He lost it within 2 weeks. That's my biggest reservation right there, honestly.

    Has anyone else seen these Firefly phones for kids though? They are programmable so they can only call numbers you put in there. That doesnt seem like a bad idea for emergency purposes.

    My son has a computer in his room, it's mostly for homework. The PS2 is down here in the family room. He does have a little tv and dvd player upstairs that my mother bought him last Xmas against my wishes, but honestly it's been pretty cool. He's the oldest and the only boy so he usually isnt interested in whatever foofy My Little Pony DVD the girls are watching. Also, we have a library system for games and movies going on. They have to "check them out" from me, one at a time. Sounds harsh, I know, but they were getting lost and damaged far too frequently. It works out pretty well now.

    Overall, i cast my vote for "according to maturity level".
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  22. #22
    Member Stephen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    Everything I have read about the firefly phones has been postive, I have no need for such a phone, but the idea behind it I am fond of and looked at it when it was being released.

  23. #23
    AudreyLeigh
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    My daughter got her first computer at 3... it was my old one and she had age appropriate games... my dad owned a comp store when i was growing up.. started on comps around 5 or 6 so it wasnt a biggie.

    I gave her a personal CD player this summer... she loved it so much that I planned on getting her a small iPod for XMas this year. She just turned 7.

    Cell phone - Im not sure... my girlfriend added an extra phone to her plan for her 8 year old... she has a few phone numbers voice activated. her number and a couple other family members. I thought it was a great idea.

    Saw the Firefly reviews... was planning on geting my kiddo one when she comes back this summer... i think theyre great... but just wish they werent prepaid - may just give my daughter my old phone and add her to my plan...


    Mr. Christopher - I 100% understand the "check out" for movies... I had to do that with my daughter too!

  24. #24
    aussiepunkshocker
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    I got my son his first phone when he was about 9 or 10 (one of my crap old ones.) just so I could check up on him if he was late home from school etc. It's only been in the last year or so that he has started using a phone socialy and wanted a "cool" phone, infact I insisted on upgrading his phone a couple of times when he couldn have cared less. It's only really been this year at his high school that alot of other kids have got phones. He's about to turn 14 and he is getting an Ipod for his birthday. He has had use of the computer for years but I don't think he needs his own yet!

  25. #25
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    Default Re: Right age for children to have gadgets?

    The funny thing in my household is that my 14 year old son, who doesn't know he's getting a cellphone for xmas, could care less.

    My 9 year old daughter however is practically crying as she begs for one for xmas.

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