Community Corner

Mom Talk Q&A: When to Get Kids a Cell Phone

This column will explore questions and seek answers for and from Sayville residents.

Moms Talk is a new feature on Sayville Patch that is part of a initiative on our Patch sites to reach out to moms and families.

Sayville Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Sayville.

Each week in Moms Talk, our of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

Moms Talk will also be the place to drop in for a talk about the latest parenting hot topic. Do you know of local moms raising their children in the Tiger Mother's way and is it the best way? Where can we get information on local flu shot clinics for children? How do we talk to our children about the Tucson shootings? How can we help our children's schools weather their budget cutbacks?

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today.

What is the right age to give kids a cell phone?

Our Mom Council Weighs in:

Alycia Broderick: My kids aren't at that age yet where they are even asking for a phone but I think middle school aged children are responsible enough to carry a phone. Of course, if the child is a bit younger and needs to be picked up at sports/activities/clubs a lot, I think a cell phone with restrictions would be acceptable too.

Donna Haakonson: I say at whatever age the child is in a situation that you would want them to be able to reach you immediately, and vice versa. Maybe 12 or 13 when they are becoming more independent and involved in more social/ extracurricular situations. Definitely not elementary school age. I also feel that there is no need to have all the bells and whistles on their phone. A basic phone that makes phone calls or texts. More elaborate features can come later when they prove they are responsible enough.


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