I mean children as small as 4th grade have personal mobiles for friends. Isn't it tooo much?
OK listen everyone has their own answer for this question. No its not important or yes its important; all for their own reasons. No its not necessary but, a good safety feature! I gave one to my daughter this year she is only in the 1st grade crazy? Maybe, but, I like the idea when she is not with me say at a friends house, in school, any situation. And say she feels the ned to call me ON AN IMPORTANT basis like she is scared or whatever she can call me or even text me. I take it from her so she don't go out of control call her friends every second that's what the house phone is for ) But i like the idea that if i have a bad feeling i can call her! Hope that helps.
I absolutely think it is too much -- a 4th grader should never be alone long enough to need a cell phone even for an emergency. I can see when they get old enough to take off for a bike ride or something like that. but otherwise it's ridiculous. Even my 8th grader doesn't have one she just takes mine if she is going for a bike ride or walk with a friend.
Obviously it's not NECESSARY; kids survived just fine before cell phones existed. However, I would think that a very simple phone with very limited capabilities would be a good thing for even a small child to have. A phone that would allow them to call mom/dad/911 would be a good thing; I'd CERTAINLY disable texting, picture messaging, and anything that would allow them to download things that cost money at that age.
It is not necessary for kids that age. Children must be old enough to be responsible with such a device. I would say 6th grade, give it a try. However, they must be aware it never goes to school.
