this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

Original post by WithThisRing

Mar 31, 2003 11:53 AM

Last night at my uncles my aunt was complaining how she bought her 13 year old son a cell phone and when she got the bill it was $400.

Hmm could this be why his bill was 400 dollars... one night he was in his bedroom and he used his cell phone to call her sitting in the living room. It was nothing important, but rather to just annoy her.

he was at his friends house and was using his cell phone to call her. Why couldnt he just ask his friend if he could use his regular phone.

So I have come to a conclussion 13 year olds should not have cell phones.

WithThisRing Posted: Mar 31, 2003 02:15 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

We almost got into an accident and FI yelled at the guy and the guy had the nerve to yell at us and tell us we dont belong on the road so FI yelled back well at least we are obeying the law and not like you jerk who is driving while talking on his cell phone.

the guy said nothing.

mims107 Posted: Mar 31, 2003 04:13 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

I agree that calling mom from the bedroom is irresponsible...

not ALL kids should have them, but this is a different age.. this is the information age, and kids will use and have technology. The problem is.. if they want it, they are going to have to find a way to pay for it, (within reason). I do think that a cell phone with a basic limited monthly plan, and none of the fancy extras would be a good 'allowance' for a teen, as long as they take it in a lesson on responsibility and keep it to a minimum.

A lot of families are getting one of those friends and family plans where it is FREE to call from one of the phones to the other. This is a great idea for teens.

Scoop Posted: Mar 31, 2003 05:38 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

Modern technology is getting out of hand. I completely agree that a 13 year old does not need a cell phone at such a young age. Until they can afford one on their own, they just shouldn't have one.

swags1016 Posted: Mar 31, 2003 05:54 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

My girlfriend was teaching (8th grade) all the sudden a phone starts ringing during her class. She walks over to the girl and holds out her hand (cell phones are not allowed in my school though they all have it). She answers it. The voice on the under end says 'who is this?' She answer Señora B. so and so's teacher. Well this is her mother can I talk to her please. So my girlfriend says ' I am in the middle of teaching and you are disturbing the whole class. Could you please call the main office and leave a mess for your daughter?' So the mother says 'well she was not feeling well this morning and I figured I would check in with her in between my manicure and pedicure!'

Can you believe that!

WithThisRing Posted: Mar 31, 2003 05:57 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

OMG

I would have been so furious....

i agree cell phones should be a responsibility. if you are old enough to have them you should be responsible to pay the bills on them

jennbaby Posted: Mar 31, 2003 06:30 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

If I had a 13 yr old he would not have a cell phone!!!!

WithThisRing Posted: Mar 31, 2003 06:32 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

apparently its the thing where he lives. all his little friends have them.

what could 13 year olds possibly have to say to each other that is so important that they need cell phones

Jenn524 Posted: Mar 31, 2003 06:34 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

I really don't think there's a need for a teenager to have a phone until they start driving. Not that they should talk on it while they drive, but it's good to have in the car with them in case they get stuck somewhere. I don't understand why parents who feel the need to get their kids phones, don't get them the emergency phones or prepaid phones. This way the phone bill can't get out of hand. Did this kid's parents take the phone away from him?

WithThisRing Posted: Mar 31, 2003 06:35 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

LOL Jenn no silly girl why would they do that for??

My uncle is having a fit and my aunt is saying oh its no big deal he needs the phone.

WithThisRing Posted: Mar 31, 2003 06:36 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

I agree definatly a teenager when driving especially if they are driving by themselves

Jenn524 Posted: Mar 31, 2003 06:42 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

When I was younger (12 or so), I begged my mom to have a phone in my room. She said I could under 2 conditions: 1) I had to respect my phone curfew and 2) If the phone bill went over a certain amount the phone was taken out of my room for a month. ONCE, and only ONCE, I went over the limit and my mom showed me the bill and took the phone out of my room for a month. I learned my lesson and never abused the phone again.

WithThisRing Posted: Mar 31, 2003 06:44 PM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

i begged my parents for a phone in my room. i never got it, but we got a cordless so i kept that in my room. LOL

yabbobay Posted: Apr 01, 2003 07:14 AM

Re: this is why 13 year olds should NOT have a cell phone

This has to be a case by case issue...DH's cousin was with a friend who had a seizure (never had one before) and she freaked out...she didn't know what to do...now the friend carries a cell phone with her...but I have no problem telling her that it is rude to talk on your cellphone when you are sitting at a restaurant eating...

as for driving and talking...I am definitely guilty of that one...but before we pass judgment...how many of you respect the speed limit...even the slow lane goes faster than 55...