Moms Talk: Cell Phones for Kids

From the malls to the classrooms, you will see kids texting friends and parents on their cell phones.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, about 23 percent of parents said their kids got their first cell phones when they were 13 years old.

Several schools are modifying their technology policies to accommodate students’ cell phones on campus. The Roseville Press Tribune reported on how teachers are trying to take advantage of mobile technology without letting it become a distraction in classrooms.

We checked in with our Patch Moms Council from the Tri-Cities area about this topic. Here's what they had to say about when parents should give their kids a cell phone.

, Newark, mom of two: My kids both had to have a cell phone. They saved to purchase a two-year plan, buy their own phone and pay monthly fees of $20. We are now approaching our two-year mark and are trying to figure out our best plan as a family.

They have, for the most part, been very responsible with payments.  We did need to shut down Internet service as they were downloading YouTube stuff and thus the charges were increasing. We also shut down picture sharing. This is a very dangerous situation with phones.

Our policy is to have the phones out of their rooms in the evening charging in a central location. This is when we spot-check texts and history of use.  So far…no problems.  They received their phones when they were in sixth grade.

Karen Vargas, Newark, mom of two: My kids got cell phones when they started walking home from school in sixth grade. I went through Metro PCS, unlimited everything and no contract, whatever their phone allows them to do is what is in the plan.

, Union City, mom of three sons: I cringe when I think of the day when my boys, who are all now under the age of 7, are old enough to ask for one of these things!

Let me tell you that I only got a cell phone for myself about three years ago, and often don't answer it or take it because I don't want to be reached. As a third grade teacher, a few of my students who walk home have a cell phone to call their parents while they're walking.

I don't know if there is a perfect age, really. I think it depends on the situation. I'm thinking probably high school would be appropriate, but I'm sure all of my boys' friends and cousins will have one by junior high. I guess we're old fashioned. We don't have a game system, either!

Jennifer Hill, Fremont, mom of four: Our oldest received his when he started junior high and would be riding the public bus home from school and then walking from the bus stop home each day. Our second received hers in fifth grade when she was rehearsing for a school play and walking home without many other kids around at odd hours after school, or waiting for a ride and needing to give us an ending time to pick her up. Luckily our cell provider had a $10 deal to add a line so we just went with that and shared minutes.

We didn't add texting until recently (and they are both in high school!) If a provider doesn't offer a cheap deal like we had, I would go with a pre-paid phone/plan to make it easier to manage usage and costs.