Why Does Your 5-year-old Have a Cell Phone?

There exists this ongoing debate amongst parents: at what age do you get your child a cell phone?

Brandon and I have been mostly against any kid who doesn't go do things unattended having a cell phone. Really, why does my 9 year old need a phone when she is dropped off at school, picked up at school, and picked up by me any other time? I can see if they are going to be alone. Back when we were in school, when some of us were walking and staying home by ourselves everyday for a couple of hours it may have been nice to have had a cell phone. Sadly, we are so old they didn't exist then....at least not in a size that a child could carry! Nowadays, whether it's unfounded or not, it seems like a scarier world. Maybe not. Maybe our parents felt exactly the same way we do when we let our kids run to the bathroom at the store when we're only yards away, or play on the playground at their school while their siblings play soccer, or leave them at home alone while we go chat with the neighbors for a second (note: our closest neighbor is a 1/4 mile away!).

Either way, we struggle with the cell phone issue. Lilly asks for one every birthday, Christmas and at random times throughout the year. Sometimes it's, "I REALLY want a cell phone!" And other times it's, "How old do I have to be to get a cell phone?" One time she was feeling particularly witty she added, "You know Mom, if I had a cell phone I could text you during the day to let you know how much I love you!" (She's already trying to out-psychologist me - well it's not going to work! I spent a lot of years earning that degree) I always tell her that she will get a cell phone when she NEEDS one; when she's doing after school sports and needs to call for a ride or something like that. But what is "need" anyway? After all, I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 22! And yet, sometimes Brandon and I comment that we'd just like to send her a text at lunch to ask her how her day is going!

Only time will tell. I suppose as the phone rings more at home with sweet little girl voices asking, "Can I talk to Lilly please?" we will start to consider getting her a phone. As she comes home with the classic, "But everybody has one! I'm the only one who doesn't!" I'm sure we'll feel the pressure.

Anyone else have any great wisdom? Or does your kid already have a cell phone? ;-)