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Cell Phones for 'Tweens? You Make the Call Millions of young kids have their own numbers, but that doesn't mean your child should join them At what age do you say yes to your child's request for a cell phone? A lot of parents have long since acknowledged that cell phones are a staple of teen life, but what about 8- to 12-year-olds? That they want one is obvious. Whether they need one is moot. Giving your 'tween a cell phone is an "option of choice and should come with a set of responsibilities," says Robert Bidwell, Kapi'olani Adolescent Specialist. "It also should involve an assessment of your child's maturity and track record of making good choices." Finally, parents should ask themselves the simple question, "Is it really necessary for my preteen child to have a cell phone?" If the answer is "not really," parents should seriously consider waiting until their child is a teen. Many parents, however, are saying yes. More than 6 million 'tweens have their own cell phones. Projections for the number of preteen cell phone owners by the year 2010 are in the 10 million range. The wireless industry is answering the call, as it were, with colorful, kid-sized phones that have features aimed at preteens. Is 8 years old a reasonable age to own a cell phone? And if so, what problems should you foresee? The decision can be emotionally charged, raising issues of safety, stature, and status. Robert Bidwell, M.D. Kids want cell phones because they look cool, they imply a degree of maturity, and they convey status. Perhaps most important, phones let them stay in near-constant touch with friends. Of course, having a cell phone also forces kids to stay in touch with parents. Some phones even include a tracking feature. Dr. Bidwelll recommends that parents who say yes to cell phones need to talk with their kids about: Using good cell phone etiquette Guarding themselves from exploitation, bullying, and invasion of their privacy Avoiding out-of-control calling and text messaging that can lead to painful phone bills In some cases, says Dr. Bidwell, parents must use "old-fashioned parental authority to say no." It's up to you to make this call. When Do Parents Think Kids Should Get Their Cell Phones? An online poll at About.com asked parents when kids should get their first cell phone. It drew more than 3,700 responses. 6-7 years 3% 8-9 years 5% 10-11 years 35% 12-13 years 22% 14-16 years 16% 17-19 years 6% When they can pay for it themselves 4% When they start driving 3% 'Tweens and teens shouldn't have cell phones 1%