[*4+1more*]

ok so my DD is now 12 and starts high school next year. She has asked for a mobile phone for Christmas.

It will have to be pre paid and come with some rules(?)

For those that have already traveled this path so to speak.... what type of phone did you get and who pays for the credit and is there a limit you put on it say for example $20 a month and when it is used up that is it till next month...

We are only on one income so there has to be some limit.

Thanks

[~Meand3~]

I do think 12 is young for a mobile phone but it seems like all kids have them these days, i have seen kids way younger than 12 with them.

I would get her one for christmas. I probably wouldnt get her the best of phones though, kids in high school can be mean and if anyone breaks it you wouldnt want it to be a really expensive replacement.

For the credit for the phone i would probably get her to do things around the house and put a max amount like $20, and as you said once its gone its gone. I would probably also explain to her that she needs to keep a surtain amount of credit on there just incase of emergancies.

[~*Erica*~]

I'll be followiing this one with interest.

My DD#1 turns 12 tomorrow and is off to boarding school in January. She is getting for phone for Christmas.

[curlypops]

DS will be 12 in December and starting secondary in Jan next year. He will get a mobile when he starts at the new school.

We will pay for it as I don't expect a 12 yr old to pay for their own phone. He will not be allowed to chat unless it is an emergency.
He will be using it for txting.

The main purpose for us will be so he can let us know if he will be late home from school or if he needs to be picked up.
The school he is going to can do impromptu trips to the city, they also allow the kids to stay at school anywhere up to 6pm. All I want to know is where he is and if he needs anything.

DH and I are very aware of the potential health risks associated with mobiles particularly for children, this is why his *rules* are no chatting, txting only.

[mumto3princesses]

My DD1 has a mobile but it's just for emergencies and she only has it with her if we leave her at her activities or if she's at a friends place. She really only uses it to ring us.

It's prepaid and just a little pink LG one that was under $100, nothing flash. We did $30 credit for 365 days. But I think the credit will need topping up before then. Might last about 9-10 months. We pay for it at the moment. But that will change when she's older if she starts to use it to ring/text friends etc.

[CrazySingleMum]

When they start high school seems to be general rule I see, that's when they start travelling by themselves more and more likely to require phone to contact parents, etc.

As per PP, phone to be used for texting and necessary calls to parents only. Around $30 credit per month, once they go over that, it's their own $$ they use.

Personally, I wouldn't let children have mobile phones in the bedrooms at night, that just seems to lead to late night texting and little sleep.

Prepaid generally a good idea, however check the bundling options that some telcos offer, you get free calls between phones, etc. They might be an option for you as well.

Cheers,
Denise

[tweedy08]

Both my DD's (15,13) have a mobile phone. They got theres for the christmas before starting high school since they have a 40 min each way bus trip. They are both prepaid & I top them up with $20 per month. If they use it up in the first week then thats bad luck they have to wait till the next month or use there pocket money to top up. The main reason I got them is not so they can contact there friends but so they can either contact me or vice versa.

Since they have the majority of there friends with telstra I have them on the 1c text prepaid option so the credit does last them a while

This post has been edited by cath101: 12/11/2009, 07:01 AM

[Dani]

I gave my 8 year old one last year and it's been the best thing - now she's thoroughly bored with them and it's no big deal for her. EXACTLY what I wanted to happen.

I don't let her make calls though - it's only for me to touch base with her should need be. I buy the credit, costs me bugger all.

[curlypops]

Since they have the majority of there friends with telstra I have them on the 1c text prepaid option so the credit does last them a while

wow that is cheap.

[tweedy08]

wow that is cheap.

Yeah it is & teenagers being teenagers texting is the new way to communicate

It is only between Telstra phones so not really worth it if you dont know many peeps who are using them.

Be best to ask around perhaps at what provider there frineds are with. This can prove to be a way cheaper option as you will find most carriers have special deals within there network