Right Cellphone Age - Page 2

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

I never had a cellphone until I was twenty. But then I grew up in a time when Windows 3.11 was an application on MS DOS.

Regarding cellphones I feel that parents in the best position to make decisions on when to give them a cell phone. Some kids are mature enough to use it at an early age. Some kids are trouble makers and are not ready for the responsibility even in high school. Although sometimes parents do make poor decisions.

Personally, I'd balk at giving cell phones to any kid under ten. I think kids in middle school can start having cell phones. Simple phones just to make calls in case of emergency and basic communication with friends. In high school kids can have some more freedom with phone, but parents need not foot outrageous bills. If high school teens want more minutes, unlimited text/data, smart phones, they ought to pay for it. The only real need is basic calls thats it. Also if a child misuses phones, spends too much time calling/texting and ignores other responsibilities the cell phone can be confiscated. Confiscating a phone is a perfectly fine threat for poor grades, skipped classes and other teenage indiscretions too.

In USA phone plans are voice, text or voice & text. They range from 500 minutes to unlimited for voice and similar with text. If you have a smart phone you can get a data plan which also can be pay per MB or unlimited. SIM cards are a rarity in USA, with only few phones actually SIM card capable. Traditionally cell phones have always been contractual, monthly service. Back in the day Tracfone was the only prepaid wireless option, now all major providers have started prepaid services. The way cell phone plans are structured in USA is different from the rest of the world. For some reason we don't do what the rest of the world does.

SMS is known as just text messaging here. Thankfully, it is not used for SMS forwards. For many here it is the primary mode of communication instead of calling. Since many high schools prohibit talking on cell phones, some teens have mastered the art of texting without looking at the screen with phones in pocket.

I don't know how people can chat on phone for hours. I have internet on the Droid. I usually just check for messages, sync my calender or lightly browse. I don't usually email or post anything from the phone as it is too cumbersome. When bored I'll play a lot of Alchemy or Labyrinth.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

In USA phone plans are voice, text or voice & text. They range from 500 minutes to unlimited for voice and similar with text. If you have a smart phone you can get a data plan which also can be pay per MB or unlimited. SIM cards are a rarity in USA, with only few phones actually SIM card capable. Traditionally cell phones have always been contractual, monthly service. Back in the day Tracfone was the only prepaid wireless option, now all major providers have started prepaid services. The way cell phone plans are structured in USA is different from the rest of the world. For some reason we don't do what the rest of the world does.

SMS is known as just text messaging here. Thankfully, it is not used for SMS forwards. For many here it is the primary mode of communication instead of calling. Since many high schools prohibit talking on cell phones, some teens have mastered the art of texting without looking at the screen with phones in pocket.

I don't know how people can chat on phone for hours. I have internet on the Droid. I usually just check for messages, sync my calender or lightly browse. I don't usually email or post anything from the phone as it is too cumbersome. When bored I'll play a lot of Alchemy or Labyrinth.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

I don't know how people can chat on phone for hours. I have internet on the Droid. I usually just check for messages, sync my calender or lightly browse. I don't usually email or post anything from the phone as it is too cumbersome. When bored I'll play a lot of Alchemy or Labyrinth.