Should teenagers have cellphones?

  • 105 results
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

This topic is locked from further discussion.

Avatar image for mfleury87
mfleury87

66

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#1 mfleury87
Member since 2008 • 66 Posts

I graduated in 2005, and I had my first ever cellphone my senior year-- my parents always we're against the idea of me having a cellphone until my senior year. I had a job during my high school where I could have paid for my cellphone, but didn't want to spend money on a cellphone bill. Not only that but I probably had to have a co-signer as well, but what really bugs me-- is teenagers having cellphones.

Granted the world has changed in five years, today I downloaded the PenPal app for my iPhone, and the way it sets up, your messages are sent randomly to anyone around the country, and world. I thought it was a neat App and I especially wanted to write foreign people. Well I got a message from a 12 year old in class. A 12 year old with a cellphone!

I don't know I grew up in a different world, and it sure has changed in the past five years, but I just don't see why a 12 year old should be having a cellphone! It's ridiculous if you ask me, what do you guys think?

Avatar image for needled24-7
needled24-7

15902

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#2 needled24-7
Member since 2007 • 15902 Posts

i don't think anyone younger than a teenager should have one, i don't see a need for them to.

my friend's sister is i think 10 (or somewhere around that age), and her parents got her a blackberry, and my friend said that her sister gave it back to them and said she wanted a better one :|

Avatar image for tsduv21
tsduv21

2942

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#3 tsduv21
Member since 2007 • 2942 Posts
I think older teenagers should probably have them. In case that they take the wrong train, and get lost you can go and pick 'em up.
Avatar image for markop2003
markop2003

29917

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#4 markop2003
Member since 2005 • 29917 Posts
My answer is "meh", it's not that they should have one (as in if they don't they're deprived) and it's not that they should be restricted from them. If they want one and they can afford it then sure they can have it.
Avatar image for Murj
Murj

4557

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 14

User Lists: 0

#5 Murj
Member since 2008 • 4557 Posts

What else are they going to sext on? Ideally they should have all have two phones.

Avatar image for Strider_91
Strider_91

6570

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#6 Strider_91
Member since 2007 • 6570 Posts
Mid/high teenagers should, 16+ They can come in handy, and i always have mine.. Although doesn't really apply to the question :lol:
Avatar image for microsoft4life
microsoft4life

946

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#7 microsoft4life
Member since 2005 • 946 Posts

I don't care if they have one or not. It's not my business.

Avatar image for mfleury87
mfleury87

66

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#8 mfleury87
Member since 2008 • 66 Posts

I mean yeah I am not a Nazi or anything, but whenever I have a kid, he's not going to have one until he's 16. 12 is just insane!

Avatar image for Ring_of_fire
Ring_of_fire

15880

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#9 Ring_of_fire
Member since 2003 • 15880 Posts
A full functioned cell phone? Only when you're in junior or senior year of HS. But, there should be cell phones that are limited for younger teens to be in contact with their parents, now that pay phones are seemingly on the way out.
Avatar image for XilePrincess
XilePrincess

13130

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#10 XilePrincess
Member since 2008 • 13130 Posts
12 is not a teenager, 12 is a child and children shouldn't have cellphones unless they're solely for communicating with family should the child actually NEED to have that constant ability to call a parent or sibling. I got my first cellphone when I started highschool. I was going from being half a kilometer from home at my elementary school to going into town for school in highschool, and that's the reason I got the phone. It wasn't anything fancy, I never text and rarely call, it's basically just there in case I really need it. I've also been on a prepaid plan for the whole time I've had a cellphone, no $60 monthly bills for me or my parents. I would completely support a parent buying their child a cellphone for the reason I got one, safety and crucial communication. There is no reason that a person of any age needs to be glued to their phone sending a couple thousand texts a week, though, and probably making their parents pay the bills.
Avatar image for markop2003
markop2003

29917

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#11 markop2003
Member since 2005 • 29917 Posts
A full functioned cell phone? Only when you're in junior or senior year of HS. But, there should be cell phones that are limited for younger teens to be in contact with their parents, now that pay phones are seemingly on the way out.Ring_of_fire
I like that idea, comes under the same rule as PC parental controls, as soon as they're able to crack the system they're mature enough to use the device.
Avatar image for MetroidPrimePwn
MetroidPrimePwn

12399

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#12 MetroidPrimePwn
Member since 2007 • 12399 Posts

If they're responsible enough to not charge their parents two-hundred thousand dollars in texting bills, yeah.

Avatar image for -Water-Wings-
-Water-Wings-

1099

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#13 -Water-Wings-
Member since 2006 • 1099 Posts

When I was 12 I use to pretend sticks were cell phones.. I didn't get a cell phone till I was in Gr. 10 and I have to pay the bill so I never go over.

Avatar image for btaylor2404
btaylor2404

11353

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 35

User Lists: 0

#14 btaylor2404
Member since 2003 • 11353 Posts
Yes. My step son's 15 and I like being able to get ahold of him whenever my wife or I want. So in our case yes. Now when he starts driving we'll have to really watch it.
Avatar image for pianist
pianist

18900

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#15 pianist
Member since 2003 • 18900 Posts

If they use them responsibly, sure. But frankly, I don't see it as an urgent need. Heck, I still don't have a cell phone, and I'm doing just fine. I may never have one.

Avatar image for deactivated-5c8e4e07d5510
deactivated-5c8e4e07d5510

17401

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#16 deactivated-5c8e4e07d5510
Member since 2007 • 17401 Posts
Why shouldn't they? :?
Avatar image for Ontain
Ontain

25501

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 7

User Lists: 0

#17 Ontain
Member since 2005 • 25501 Posts
sure. just a basic cheap one that only calls my number and 911
Avatar image for cyberdarkkid
cyberdarkkid

16777

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 9

User Lists: 0

#18 cyberdarkkid
Member since 2007 • 16777 Posts
If they can afford one sure, even if some people abuse them they can come in handy.
Avatar image for scorch-62
scorch-62

29763

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#19 scorch-62
Member since 2006 • 29763 Posts
Yes, if not just for having extracurricular activities and such at school.
Avatar image for deactivated-5b31d3729c1fa
deactivated-5b31d3729c1fa

11536

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 11

User Lists: 0

#20 deactivated-5b31d3729c1fa
Member since 2007 • 11536 Posts

yes, but nobody under 14 should have them. it's just sad if they do.

Avatar image for akbar13
akbar13

2186

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#21 akbar13
Member since 2009 • 2186 Posts

I have a cell phone to communicate with my mom and friends...

Avatar image for Mousetaches
Mousetaches

1293

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#22 Mousetaches
Member since 2009 • 1293 Posts
In middle school i didnt have a use for one, so i only had a cheap little one that could pretty much just dial 911 and my parents number and not much else. However, now I'm a sophmore and it is my life-blood. Not because I need to text my friends or something, but because without it I could never tell my parents where I'm going (through text, because they like to watch movies and stuff and my mom is deaf in one ear and half deaf in the other so its hard to communicate any other way) as well as organize events with my friends (which a normal telephone isn't useful for due to it being tied up by my dad on business calls or my brother and his girlfriend). So basically, times have changed and it is essential to my life now. People can live without cell-phones, its just much more boring
Avatar image for 8-Bitterness
8-Bitterness

3707

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#23 8-Bitterness
Member since 2009 • 3707 Posts
yes they should, when we go out we gotta communicate... and pay phones or standard phones arent so convenient sometimes
Avatar image for Gonzafan
Gonzafan

1490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 11

User Lists: 0

#24 Gonzafan
Member since 2008 • 1490 Posts

They should not have cellphones at schools and universities.

Avatar image for shadow13702
shadow13702

1791

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#25 shadow13702
Member since 2008 • 1791 Posts

I had one since I was 9.... Ofc I didn't call as much till I got a bit older. I think all teens should have oneconsidering thatitwould be harder togo places with friends

Avatar image for Dogswithguns
Dogswithguns

11359

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#26 Dogswithguns
Member since 2007 • 11359 Posts
No, cuz all they do do is text and talk.... instead of doing their homework.
Avatar image for deactivated-5e0e425ee91d8
deactivated-5e0e425ee91d8

22399

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#27 deactivated-5e0e425ee91d8
Member since 2007 • 22399 Posts
younger than a teen, thats a bit stupid. once the point is hit where they know its a tool to be used responsibly or are able to buy and pay for it themselves is when they should get one
Avatar image for zeldaluff
zeldaluff

3387

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#28 zeldaluff
Member since 2008 • 3387 Posts

My parents got me a cell phone once I started going other places after school.

Although once I was at some kind of show, and I saw a couple of eight year olds texting each other. They had pretty decent phones too. I think that's a bit sad :roll:

Avatar image for Curlyfrii87
Curlyfrii87

15057

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#29 Curlyfrii87
Member since 2004 • 15057 Posts

Sure they have the right to, but i preferteens who don't have a cell phone attached to their ear. :x

Avatar image for Darth-Caedus
Darth-Caedus

20756

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#30 Darth-Caedus
Member since 2008 • 20756 Posts
Sure, I don't see why not... I don't get the obsession with them though...I've made like 2 texts and a handful of calls on a cell phone in my life...I don't get how so many teens can get so addicted to them:P
Avatar image for Aspen706
Aspen706

4560

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#32 Aspen706
Member since 2010 • 4560 Posts
I am 17 and have never owned a cell phone.
Avatar image for voluptuoushrewd
voluptuoushrewd

255

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#33 voluptuoushrewd
Member since 2010 • 255 Posts

Well, teenagers should be allowed to have a cellphone... Restricting them from it would be pretty stupid considering that society relies on cellphones. Almost every adult has one and, sure, you don't want your little baby to grow up too fast but you're going to have to let go sooner or later. Postponing the process will only make it more difficult.

Since adults rely on cellphones, expect your children to follow the same trend. Until adults stop relying on them, so will your children. But, that's not the case now is it?

Avatar image for oldmanriver1
oldmanriver1

726

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#34 oldmanriver1
Member since 2009 • 726 Posts

Yes, makes life so much easier having a phone, with regards to organising stuff with friends / calling your parents when you need to. Probably not absolutely neccessary but really useful all the same.

Avatar image for Kenny789
Kenny789

10434

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 29

User Lists: 0

#35 Kenny789
Member since 2006 • 10434 Posts
Of course they should. I mean why shouldn't they? Having a cellphone is really handy at times. I agree that some children have cellphones way too young but it doesn't mean they shouldn't have it. If the child wants one and the parent agrees, who's to stop them?
Avatar image for Ringx55
Ringx55

5967

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#36 Ringx55
Member since 2008 • 5967 Posts
16+ IMO is the age for a cellphone. Providing you also have a job so you have responsibility about not going over your limit on things.
Avatar image for awesomeface
awesomeface

3661

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#37 awesomeface
Member since 2007 • 3661 Posts
Only if they can afford them. It's just sad when I see a 12 year old texting, but if you get a job and buy one with your own money, fine.
Avatar image for fastr
fastr

2100

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#38 fastr
Member since 2010 • 2100 Posts
NO! This always annoys me when I see some 8 year old with a cell phone, seriously, DON'T DO IT! WTF are parents thinking? if you really feel your kid needs a phone, so you can get in contact with them when you need to, say it's a problem child or something, then get them the one where YOU program in like 3 numbers they can call, no texting, no net, none of that other stuff, just they can call you and you can call them.
Avatar image for metroidprime55
metroidprime55

17657

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#39 metroidprime55
Member since 2008 • 17657 Posts

Granted the world has changed in five years, today I downloaded the PenPal app for my iPhone, and the way it sets up, your messages are sent randomly to anyone around the country, and world. I thought it was a neat App and I especially wanted to write foreign people. Well I got a message from a 12 year old in class. A 12 year old with a cellphone!

mfleury87

The sad part is that not only does a twelve year old have a cell phone but he is texting in class, people need to start caring about their education more.

Avatar image for dk00111
dk00111

3123

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#40 dk00111
Member since 2007 • 3123 Posts
14+ is fine in my opinion, but 12 is a bit too young.
Avatar image for metroidprime55
metroidprime55

17657

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#41 metroidprime55
Member since 2008 • 17657 Posts

I hate it when kids get girlfriends/boyfriends young, I feel so lonely, I am fifteen and everyone around me has gone through at least ten girlfriends/boyfriends and all I want is one and they just blaze through them, I wish girls would actually look at me.

Avatar image for TAMKFan
TAMKFan

33351

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 172

User Lists: 0

#42 TAMKFan
Member since 2004 • 33351 Posts
Why not? If someone wants a cellphone, that's their choice.
Avatar image for jubino
jubino

6265

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 11

User Lists: 0

#43 jubino
Member since 2005 • 6265 Posts

I think teenagers should, especially when they get their first cars and licenses. Parents need a way to keep track of their kids.

Avatar image for ariz3260
ariz3260

4209

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#44 ariz3260
Member since 2006 • 4209 Posts

If they can afford it, sure

Just not when they are driving. They drive bad enough as it is even without the usage of cell phones

Avatar image for Daavpuke
Daavpuke

13771

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 50

User Lists: 0

#45 Daavpuke
Member since 2009 • 13771 Posts
Depending on the level of maturity, I could vouch for a 12 year old to own a cellphone. What did spiderman say about the subject again? something with power and responsibility? I don't know, I don't listen to wrestlers with often flashbacks.
Avatar image for metroidprime55
metroidprime55

17657

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#46 metroidprime55
Member since 2008 • 17657 Posts

Depending on the level of maturity, I could vouch for a 12 year old to own a cellphone. What did spiderman say about the subject again? something with power and responsibility? I don't know, I don't listen to wrestlers with often flashbacks.Daavpuke

It was actually Peter Parker's uncle who said "With great power comes great responsibility."

Avatar image for coolkid93
coolkid93

6749

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 56

User Lists: 0

#47 coolkid93
Member since 2007 • 6749 Posts
Yes for some.
Avatar image for bloodling
bloodling

5822

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#48 bloodling
Member since 2006 • 5822 Posts

I dont see any problem with it, but I agree that it's really weird, and for that reason I wouldn't let young teenagers have one.

Well if it's a girl and all her friends have one then I guess I have no choice.

Avatar image for Mochyc
Mochyc

4421

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#49 Mochyc
Member since 2007 • 4421 Posts
Sure, why not? It's not as if cells are that expensive these days (unless you get him/her a crackberry or iphone).
Avatar image for amirzaim
amirzaim

1720

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#50 amirzaim
Member since 2007 • 1720 Posts
Teenagers usually have the cellphones because they want to keep connecting each other with their friends and they have ability to handle the device with good care. Children are also need but they are not allowed to carry expensive devices like PDAs, blueberry smartphones, iPhones and iPads and other expensive phones because children always show off to the other and some of them try to steal the phone if the children doesn't take care of it.