Phone for 9yr old? Any ideas?

analyst_2

Use a bit of common sense i.e. sense which is common to most of us . . .

Do NOT buy a 9 year old a mobile phone

as others have said, why on earth would a 9 year old need a mobile phone?

If this child is running his/her own business get him/her a landline, it carries much more credibility.

To give a 9 year old a mobile phone greatly increases his risk of attack by those who would gladly relieve him/her of it. A 9 y o is so vulnerable, why would you want to put the child in such, almost inevitable, danger?

Kids should all throw their phones and other isolation toys away and learn interactivity and social skills with other kids so that there might, just might, be a hope that they will grow up to become well adjusted adults.

One can only dream eh?

davetrousers

the_other_mce wrote: »

oh and they will always remember getting their first mobile for the rest of their lives.....

A key moment in the development of a child.

!!!!!!!

hm71_2

Quote:
Originally Posted by the other mce
oh and they will always remember getting their first mobile for the rest of their lives.....

Originally posted by davetrousers
"A key moment in the development of a child.

!!!!!!!"

I'm concerned that getting a phone would be a major milestone in a childs life. It certainly wasn't for any of my children, we just do the hand me down thing with phones. My children are more excited about family events, Moving schools, exam results, new pets etc.. phones are like any fad gadget for kids, getting a tamogotchi wasn't life changing so why should a phone be?

superstar_2

I agree with one of the poster here. Say NO and get him aother suitable present. Why does a 9 year old needs a mobile? It just doesnt make sense, just cos his friends has them, doesnt mean he needs to has one.

Getting him one doesnt make you a great mom/dad. In my opinion, explaining why he doesnt need one or clarifying things with him would be a better option.

Apologies if this has offended you. It was purely 2 cents,

mrcow

analyst wrote: »

Kids should all throw their phones and other isolation toys away and learn interactivity and social skills with other kids so that there might, just might, be a hope that they will grow up to become well adjusted adults.

One can only dream eh?

Erm.....sorry to be the one to point out the bleeding obvious and all that, but.......

......what else is a phone used for other than to interact with others? If you're going to bleat on, please at least make it relevent It makes it so much more interesting for the reader.

muddyfox470

I am only 20, and would strongly advise against any mobile phone, until at least secondary school.

If you buy a phone for him, he will just expect you to keep on topping it up. I can remember getting my first mobile, I was one of the first to have one at school some 7/8 years ago, and that was probably too early back then.

Get a suitable present for him - CD stereo or something, and if he wants a mobile phone tell him that he needs to save up for it, and that he will have to pay for all his own credit (except when you think he deserves some extra) as then at least it will give him some money sense, enabling him to look after the money he spends. A mobile is more than just communication, and for someone that young it's not going to have any benfits. By all means buy a mobile phone now, i.e. that £9.99 LG from sainsburys and loan it to him if he goes out or something (so you can get in contact if there is any problems etc).

The only problem with that LG however is that it doesnt have any distractions like most others do (Snake anyone ) which is good (a phone is a phone), but for any kid, they will quickly get bored as they will see phones as a mulitmedia device, take photos etc. Then tehre will be the rivalry of who has the best phone etc.

I would leave it and try get him something a bit different, and tell him as it is. If he wants a phone let him choose, buy and fund his own

Ian

dangeroussports

Im thinking of getting a O2 Trion with windows mobile 6 (outlook, word) for my son. He needs it so he can communicate with me and his friends. Furthermore it is essential that he contact me.

However the nursery teacher said it wasnt allowed. Do you think it is a violation of my sons human rights and an infringement on our civil liberties?

My son is 4.

I must add that him being 4, it is defining moment in his childhood. Having a quality mobile phone with enhanced communication software is 'a right of passage' rather than being a chav attitude like some have hinted.

You see, children need to communicate and develop their social skills and having a mobile phone can only enhance that.

It is a pity that there arent as many other children with communication devices at that age. I blame their reckless parents in not giving them the tools to develop fully.


I think whoever doesnt provide a mobile phone and access to a credit card for a child is reckless.

mrcow

dangeroussports wrote: »

Im thinking of getting a O2 Trion with windows mobile 6 (outlook, word) for my son. He needs it so he can communicate with me and his friends. Furthermore it is essential that he contact me.

However the nursery teacher said it wasnt allowed. Do you think it is a violation of my sons human rights and an infringement on our civil liberties?

Why do you need permission from a nursery school teacher as to whether your son can own a phone or not?

Do you ask their permission for every decision you make?

Perhaps when you grow up a little you may find the whole decision making process a little easier on the brain?

peterstannard

mrcow wrote: »

Why do you need permission from a nursery school teacher as to whether your son can own a phone or not?

Do you ask their permission for every decision you make?

Perhaps when you grow up a little you may find the whole decision making process a little easier on the brain?

I think the poster was being sarcastic

mrcow

peterstannard wrote: »

I think the poster was being sarcastic

Really? :rolleyes: