Why do parents buy cell phones for children?

I got my kids a cell phone to share so that they can call me when their activities are over so I don't have to wait for them there. This way I can get more done. That's the only time we use that phone and it is not a family plan - it's a simple disposable phone that you pay for the minutes with a card.

My children all have a cell phone, and now that they are older I am so glad that they do, why?, because one has a car, another a motorbike, another works late and walks home in the dark, and the other 2 leave the house early in the morning---for me it's all about safety, plus lovely texts from them, expressing their love and me being able to reciprocate

I got my daughter a cell phone so that she will never be stranded anywhere. I want to be sure if she is in danger she can call either the police or myself. If I don't know her whereabouts... perhaps she is running late getting home and I am worried.

I don't know why unless it is for emergency use. I made it through childhood, college and into my 20's without one. I have let my daughter use our cellphone once on a field trip to keep in case of an emergency.

I don't know at what age I would start my children with their own phone, but it would likely be something like a firefly... http://www.fireflymobile.com/

I got my first cell phone when I was about 21, and my dad paid for it. But it came with strict rules. If I went over on minutes, I had to pay and he wanted to know why!
I don't understand these kids who have their cell phones and use them to email, text and talk to their friends. I don't see my children needing a phone until they are working and can pay their own portion. We have a family plan for my hubby and I, we call back and forth while he is at work and use it to call friends and family instead of long distance on our landline. But I took off the texting capabilities and internet access to cut down on the already outrageous cost.

Mike,
I have. :=O

...probably for safety and convenience for the parents. Both of my grandchildren recieved cell phones when they became teenagers. Before either of them was driving, they were able to let their parents know they needed to be picked up from whatever extra-curricular activity they were involved in. Now, they each have a cell phone to let their parents know that their original plans have changed and where they are and when they'll be home. They both have rules concerning their phones and know there are penalties if they don't follow those rules.

sorry ... "i" before "e", except after "c": received.

Neither of my kids have cell phone, but boy do they want 'em. My neighbor got her daughter one for her 11th b-day...too young. My high schooler will probably get one soon though...I want to keep track of him.

My kids both have cell phones. We bought them for safety reasons and to communicate with our busy schedules.We have rules that go along with them and make sure that we monitor monthly. So far we have not had any problems with our kids abusing them.

I understand that it is a safety issue for many people, but having grown up without one, I don't see it as a neccessity for children. I will not allow my children to have them (when I have kids that is).

Some for safety and some out of guilt.

wow. Thanks.

I think the main reason kids cell phone is communication is now done by the phone or some sort computer like object. I believe if a child could use a pay phone it maybe would not be such a trend but here most pay phones are gone and school charges then students to call home even if the child sick or hurt themselve mildly non hospitalization. My child had a disposable phone to call me cause her friends parent did not have phone for me to make sure she got there safe and to tell her when to come home if something important came up but i have plan has free incoming and no text out or internet connection.

I have a cellphone. I only use it when I travel. The rest of the time it sits in my purse and goes dead from lack of use.
My children are grown and totally addicted to cellphones. I keep asking them not to use the phone when they are driving but they never listen.

My children have cell phones. I like to keep in touch with them. It makes me feel better to know that they are only a phone call away. We have a family plan and their phones only cost $10.00 a month, and I think it is some of the best money we have ever spent.

because my Daughters friends have them, and i dont want them calling my phone all the time. plus when she is out doing something with her friends i know where she is and if she needs me to come get her, so yes i guess it is for safety as well.

I agree that kids need to be in touch with the family but WHY do they have to be on the phone every second? It appears they're attached to their ears. For instance, wherever you go you see kids driving--but not really driving, they're talking on the phone. I was in a movie theater and a teenager behind me is chatting away loud enough so he could hear his caller and so I could too, I guess. Moderation please!

None of my 4 have cells phones. Reason #1...they are too young but that doesn't stop a lot of parents. My oldest is in the 2nd grade and many of his friends have them. Kids aren't even allowed to have them in school but it doesn't stop the parents from providing them. There is even a ring tone that my son has told me that is made so that adults cant hear it. That way the kids can text message each other in class. I believe it is out of control with kids.

On the other hand I have though about when my oldest gets a little older to do the Disney phone. It makes it so parents can see where their child is directly on a map. He wont be able to tell me he is going to a friends house and then goes to the mall instead.

My husband and I have a family plan. It is cheaper for us to share the plane the each buy our own.

My kids aren't old enough for that question yet! LOL! But there are a few kids in my daughters 2nd grade class that have their own cell phones. I think that's a bit young to have one, but that's just me.

the most important reason these days is because unlike when we were young, payphones are scarce and sometimes even schools have a problem with letting kids use the phone to call home. I would want to be sure my child could reach me anytime it was necessary.