Mom, I Want a Cell Phone

Moms Talk is a new feature on Sunset Hills-Crestwood Patch to reach out to moms and families.

SUNSET HILLS-CRESTWOOD PATCH invites you and your circle of friends to help build an online community for mothers and their families right here that could include parents from not just one school's PTO but all of them. 

Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms will take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

Moms, dads, grandparents and families who make up our community can share info about local kid-friendly resources, the best pediatricians, nearest 24-hour pharmacy and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

Moms Talk will be the place to drop in for a talk about the latest parenting hot topic. Let's talk cell phones.

What's the right age to give a kid a cell phone?

Here's what mom Angela Haas said:

"It used to be that a child would not get a cell phone until they were way into high school. Obviously that has changed a lot. Now children as young as 4th grade have cell phones. I believe this is way too young, but then high school is a little too late.

"I believe a good age for children would be when they start middle school. Generally, this is when they break away from after-school care and are expected to be able to take care of themselves for a couple of hours. Having a cell phone to text or call and say they made it home or off the bus, is great.

"Middle-schoolers also are hanging out with their friends more, without direct adult supervision, so it's nice to know you can call your middle schooler and check on them when you want.

"I believe this age is best, they are more responsible and are expected to behave more responsibly as well. So the likelihood (and worry) of losing a $200 phone is less, although we know it will happen at times." --Angela Haas is a Crestwood mother, employed outside the home, officer in PTO and member of Mom's Council. 

Here's what mom Cathy Sherwin had to say:

"My kids are 10, 14, 16 and 17. All go to different schools and all have cell phones. My youngest got hers when she turned 10 and was about to start at a different school and would be walking home. I do think a cell phone is more for a parent's convenience, and it has been very handy trying to coordinate schedules."  --Cathy Sherwin is a Crestwood mother of four with a job outside the home and member of Mom's Council.