If you saw a ten year old girl with an iPhone....
Replies
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I would think she has pretty cool parents and mind my own business. I would've killed for a iPhone when I was 10, instead I got a Ghostbusters inflatable proton pak. Awesome in it's own mind, but not quite as good.0
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I think that is too young to have a phone, but I wouldn't say anything about it. I sure as heck wouldn't berate the child for it. Simply uncalled for.
^This.0 -
My children are 15 & 12. They both have iPhones (hubby & I have Android phones). We are in a neighborhood in a rural area. In this day and age I would not feel comfortable with them running around the 'hood' to & from friends houses if I could not reach them.. usually if they are running around out front I will sot on tje porchn& read to keep an eye. There are an unreal amount of children in my neighborhood who are completely unsupervised. They do insanely stupid &##!? That will probably end up with me helping them home with a broken or bloody something. We try to keep an eye on them & discuss safety with them. They are not allowed to use any of our stuff without helmets regardless that they do not use them on their own.
My children know that hubby & I can check any text messages @ anytime. If they erase their history they lose the phone. At night they are plugged in to charge in the kitchen.
We had huge school bus issues @ the beginning of last year & if my daughter didn't have a phone we would not have known she was ok. Bus deiver got lost. Well over an hour late. The school had no clue. Parents of kids with phones were letting parents of kids without know.
You cannot be too careful. Turn on tje news. How many missing children are they talking about. I knlw a phone won't keep my child 100% safe but I feel that knlwing I can reach them is important or more important they csn reach me in an emergency.
I agree 100% anything you can do to better monitor your child's safety is a bonus and as long as there are restrictions in place, then it's an asset to your family. My oldest got her first phone at 7 years old (it was a used bb that I no longer needed on pay per use basis) because she had been sexually assaulted on her way home from school by a 16 year old boy on the bus. The bus driver told her to stop screaming, without looking to see what was going on, and had she had a phone that day it might not have stopped the incident but it could've prevented some of the damage caused afterwards when he emotionally tortured her the other 20 minutes on the bus (her total ride is 1.5 hours) until he got off (threatening to kill her if she told anyone, etc).... She could've called me, her father, her grandparents, 9-1-1, anyone for help really instead of living through the rest of that nightmare! She has since proved to be very responsible with her phone and has since been given a monthly plan to talk to her friends (all of which have their own cell/ smart phones) and text them. The phone is shut off at bed time and left in the living room and is off during school hours (short of another emergency).0 -
Ten years ago I babysat a ten year old with what then was a top of the line phone. When I was 16 I thought it was BS that this kid who lost everything got a tiny expensive phone and I didn't have one. And then I grew up. It's not my business what sort of phone a parent determines that their kid needs. Will my ten year old(when I have one) own whatever the expensive top of the line phone of the time is? Probably not. But they will likely own a phone that texts and calls and that's about it. Because that's the society we live in. And I honestly don't see what the big deal is. As long as you teach kids what is and isn't appropriate and when they should and should not use their phones.
As for that person who confronted your daughter? Sounds like they have a lot of growing up to do.0 -
Thanks Everyone...i appreciate the thoughts and comments.
The phone is for her safety and it's closely monitored by myself. She does not have restrictions on it, but she's never misused it, misplaced or or abused her privileges.
The main reason she has an iPhone is because *I* have an iPhone and as a result when she's with her father and not with me, we can Facetime. Which makes me feel more at ease and makes her feel more at ease.
Thanks again.
Lauren
That's all that matters.0 -
I wouldn't make a single comment, it is none of my business if it is theirs or if they are playing with their parents.
Honestly I would be jealous, cause I don't got one:grumble:
If I have kids they will have phones as soon possible, the kind that can only call me or emergency numbers, when I know they wont call 911 for the heck of it. But by ten they will have regular phones.
I would want my kids to be able to call me at any time they need me, bus for school doesn't show up, strangers approaching them, fell and got hurt, or what ever reason they have. Having a phone is about safety, an iphone may be a bit much but I think all kids should have phones.0 -
It's not my call what parenting decisions you make in regards to your child's phone use, so it really doesn't matter what my opinion might be. That person was completely out of line to berate you and your child.0
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Would you b*tch her out for it? Assume it wasn't her phone?
Would you think her parents were too permissive?
Would you say anything or make any judgements at all?
My daughter just texted me to let me know that someone just gave her hell for "playing with her parents iPhone" when she told them it was HER phone, they then, IN FRONT OF HER, made some rather derogatory comments about my parenting choices and how permissive parents make bad children.
I almost wish I was there so I could give that person a piece of my mind.
Lauren
I've seen this happen before...the kid was using her phone to sauce another friend about how she shouldn't talk to a mutual friend they had or she was going to stop talking to her lol...so I kinda agreed with the person at the time lol. If the kid was being a little snot then yes, I'd make some judgement. Otherwise I probably wouldn't notice they were on the phone.0 -
It's nobody's business, but I would be thinking she is probably spoiled by parents with too much money.
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I think that is too young to have a phone, but I wouldn't say anything about it. I sure as heck wouldn't berate the child for it. Simply uncalled for.
This.
Second this.
Third this!0 -
Nope, never know the circumstances someone is in. Really I don't think its anyone's business for yours no matter how old the child is.0
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please teach your child to take a photo of these type of jerk faces in the future.
if her actions arent harming her or others around her, there's no reason for an adult to approach her like that, especially when another adult isn't around.0 -
my kids all had cell phones living in the boonies it made sense when they were out and about i knew exactly where they were and when my son fell off his bike knocking himself out and breaking his tailbone his friends none of whom had cells could call for help,
also when they missed the bus we knew and could walk and meet them, and they had no excuse to not call home and checking in. depending on their age it may be a cast off but it worked, for babysitters too taking the younger ones out, back then not all of them had a phone i felt safer knowing i could contact one or all of them if needed.0 -
i wouldnt say anything...my oldest got her 1st phone when she was 9... and each year i get her a better one as long as shes 'earned it'0
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If you listen to my now 21, 19, 14 & 12 year olds they were the ONLY kids in 6th grade without a cell phone let alone an iphone. Of course the iphone wasn't out when the oldest were in 6th grade. I, PERSONALLY, think it's not the best choice to give a child an iphone or droid. Even if they use their Christmas money to buy it. They just have no idea the level of responsibility associated with that phone. ALL my kids (except the 6 year old who won't have a phone for many many years) have to pay their monthly bills. They use their allowance, paychecks, birthday money, etc. I want them to learn to be responsible with that monthy obligation.
All that being said, I would go nuts on someone for tearing into my kid over a decision that was clearly MINE. I have friends whose 10, 11, 12 year olds have iphones. I don't say a word. Not my place. But if I did feel the urge to say something it would be to the parent(s) not the kid!! Geesh. Some people just don't understand boundaries!0 -
I think that person should have kept their opinion to themselves.
I don't think cell phones are inherently evil. It's up to the parent to teach the child what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to technology.
If a parent uses features like...
*Blocking texting and calling EXCEPT FOR PARENT during school hours would allow their child to learn and focus
*Using online access to the phone to see what their child is texting
*Regularly reviewing pictures that are sent to make sure the child isn't receiving anything inappropriate
*Downloading apps like dictionary or maps can be useful - some teachers (like me) allow the use of dictionary features because our schools have limited budgets for dictionaries
*Audio versions of novels children are reading in school to improve comprehension (yes - I've seen this happening more and more in my classes)
These are acceptable uses and some interesting practices parents use. It's up to the parent what they want to do.
Now in school, iphones or any phone can be a big problem if they distract your child. I've seen it where I have to ask over and over and end up talking to a parent as their sons/daughters grades drop. That's where I worry. They are more interesting in texting a friend and gossiping. I've had kids break down and suddenly cry because their boyfriends broke up with them on the phone! Yep. This happens and they do hide them really well and can check when the teacher turns.
But, it's entirely up to the parent to monitor/educate their kids about iphones/phones. Kids need to learn the constraints of phones when it comes to work so it's good they learn right from the start. They need to be aware that texting/talking on the phone isn't acceptable all of the time. I do like that they can be used for safety (GPS kid location available) and kids can call 911 for help. We've had a bunch of girls who got followed this year and multiple warnings of predators. I can guarantee that having a cell phone to dial 911 in those situations is helpful.
Phones can be tools, safety networks, or nuisances - it's up to the parent.
As for what they did, that's ridiculous. They shouldn't have said anything as your daughter is not their child. That's just wrong. They are not the parent of your child. They had no business saying anything to your daughter. It's not like your daughter was calling the hounds of hell to invade earth or hacking into the local missile silo system. They were just annoyed that she had an iphone (probably jealous).0 -
my daughter has a phone and has since she was 10....she spends the summer with her dad and i want to be able to talk with her wothout having to deal with him and its nice when she is at her friends house i always now where she is....people have said things to my daughter to she tells them now to call me if they have an issue...lol....really come on i had a pager growin up so that my mom could find me...tech has just gotten better...0
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My son was a toddler when Columbine happened. That changed things.
Sept. 11 people called and left messages when they knew the worst was happening. That changed things.
I went to work with civilly commited sex offenders, with committed "Mentally Ill and dangerous" people. That changed things.
No one should ***** out a child or criticize their parents in front of them. We all make our choices and do the best we can with what we have. I'm truly seething on your behalf.
On a more important note, good for you for doing your best, and also checking to see if you're maybe off base (I sometimes am). You are the mom your child needs.0 -
I wouldn't say anything.
I didn't when one of my daughters kindergarten classmates came to her 6th birthday party with his iphone.
I also didn't say anything when his mom came to pick him up and called him to come in from playing outside instead of going to get him.
Did I laugh my *kitten* off after they left? Absolutely.0 -
man i still rock a flip phone. with no internet. sometimes i feel like a paraplegic.
i know a 3 year old with his own ipad. the new one! :noway:0 -
I am in Bergen County NJ all the kids have Iphones they are out in town by themselves or at the malls in groups and it keeps everyone in touch. It is their parents business what they do. As a grandpa I will see ina few years when my granddaughter is 10 what happens0
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But there are always different situations. My son was 9 when my ex and I seperated. His having a phone of his own alleveated a lot of tension, made it easy to call and say good night and I love you, without having to go thru his mother.I just can't think why an 8 or 10 year old would need a phone. Surely they are only out of your sight at school and I don't know of any school that allow phones. Children only need phones once they are roaming unsupervised, and 10 is too young for that.0 -
Would you b*tch her out for it? Assume it wasn't her phone?
Would you think her parents were too permissive?
Would you say anything or make any judgements at all?
My daughter just texted me to let me know that someone just gave her hell for "playing with her parents iPhone" when she told them it was HER phone, they then, IN FRONT OF HER, made some rather derogatory comments about my parenting choices and how permissive parents make bad children.
I almost wish I was there so I could give that person a piece of my mind.
Lauren
I wouldn't judge...If she was just texting it could have been an ipod touch and not a phone. I know plenty of under 10 year olds that have ipod/iphone that only allows texting or the phone minutes are limited and monitored.
people are so quick to jump to them using it negatively but if used properly they aren't evil. Computers have the same if not worse capabilities and those are used in kindergarten!!0 -
I'm not a parent, but I wouldn't give a 10 year old an Iphone, or any internet phone. An Ipod touch, yes, but they only connect to internet through wifi and you can monitor what they're doing.
To be quite honest though, I had a mobile very young - about 8, because my dad worked with mobiles for a living, and it was a second hand nokia brick. I played Snake on it, but hardly ever used it for communication since none of my friends had phones! Truthfully, a 10 year old girl shouldn't be misbehaving on the internet. It's the ones over 13 you need to watch, when they think it's fun to go on chat rooms and pretend to be much older. I've done it, I've had many many friends who've done it, and even kids I babysit for who'll try to do that with me right there.0 -
unless the child has a good reason for having a phone, i don't see why she needs her own? i survived childhood just fine without one... and i had baseball, band, and swim practices, busy parents, and no older siblings to shuffle me around.
i think it's really weird, if anything, to see kids with nicer phones than i have.
i also am reminded of the constant cyber-bullying that's spreading like wildfire, nowadays. being that young was hard enough, now throw in a camera phone, the internet, and instant contact to other students and strangers. just tell your child to be safe and not go posting nude pictures or start sexting (or use insults to another child via her phone).0 -
I am 30 years old and did not get my first cell phone until I was 19. I have a 10 year old daughter who will be 11 in nov. I want her to have a phone because there have been too many times when she is not with me and the adult ( my mother-in-law) never answers her phone. I want to know my daughter is safe and be able to talk to her anytime I want. Yes 11 is too young for an iPhone but smartphones are really all there are now a days. There are a lot of blocks you can put on these phones from AT&T and so on. So although she may be too young.. At least I Know that she will be safe. GPS will be uploaded defiantly.0
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unless the child has a good reason for having a phone, i don't see why she needs her own? i survived childhood just fine without one... and i had baseball, band, and swim practices, busy parents, and no older siblings to shuffle me around.
i think it's really weird, if anything, to see kids with nicer phones than i have.
i also am reminded of the constant cyber-bullying that's spreading like wildfire, nowadays. being that young was hard enough, now throw in a camera phone, the internet, and instant contact to other students and strangers. just tell your child to be safe and not go posting nude pictures or start sexting (or use insults to another child via her phone).
That's great that you had no need for one but many kids have been in situations where they would have helped.
I0 -
I think the big difference is that today's cellphone carriers offer services that your parents never had. The parents sometimes are offered software so they even know what websites a kid visits and can do all sorts of monitoring that didn't exist in the past.
Now, as for the Ghostbusters inflatable proton pak - I would have killed for one of those! Did you have a costume too. Grin.0 -
You don't need a cell phone at age 10. Even 16 is pushing it. When I was a senior in high school, no one in my Senior class had cell phones and we were fine.0
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unless the child has a good reason for having a phone, i don't see why she needs her own? i survived childhood just fine without one... and i had baseball, band, and swim practices, busy parents, and no older siblings to shuffle me around.
i think it's really weird, if anything, to see kids with nicer phones than i have.
i also am reminded of the constant cyber-bullying that's spreading like wildfire, nowadays. being that young was hard enough, now throw in a camera phone, the internet, and instant contact to other students and strangers. just tell your child to be safe and not go posting nude pictures or start sexting (or use insults to another child via her phone).
That's great that you had no need for one but many kids have been in situations where they would have helped.
I
well, i had emergencies and whatnot.. but i managed to find a phone from an office/school/friend's parent/gas station to use. and, generally, most of the times i ever -needed- a phone (like when my SUV got stuck out of town), i didn't even have cell service to use the darn thing.
(ps.. not trying to start a fight.. i just really don't see why kids need smart phones. i will agree that a regular old-school flip phone would've been awesome to have, back then. but having internet connection seems like it would be a huge, unneeded distraction. kids have a hard time paying attention, then throw in access to games and the net... that sounds like an awful combo, imo)0
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