Both of my girls have cell phones.  I got them when they were 12 or 13, mainly for safety reasons.  I'm a single mom & when they are away from home, I want to be able to checkup on them & make sure they are okay. We have unlimited texting.  Texting for teens today is like me staying on the phone for hours at a time when I was a teenager.  Teens don't talk anymore, they text.

Most companies have a family plan, which is what mine are on. Of course, since we all have cell phones, I don't have a land line anymore, but my cell phone bill is cheaper than when I had cell phone & a land line. 

My 26 year old has his own cell plan. Hubby and two girls and I are on a great family plan. The girls got their phones when they started high school. A safety feature for me....If the bus was stuck in a ditch, for the many bomb scares, and school evacuations, if they would be staying late and needed a ride home....then it was off to college, and I had them call as they were leaving for home, or when they got back to school parking lot. They pay for the unlimited texting, and the extra iphone charges. The girls text constantly. Even when we are shopping, one will text.."Mom, where are you"....Aisle 3!! I text...

There have been quite a few lost phones, and ones stolen out of lockers, but anytime there is a problem, or question, I'm on this end, so my mind is at ease. Since the 18 year old walks to school about two blocks each day, she calls me, or her sister and talks until she gets to the commons. That way, she feels more secure being alone. I hear more from them now, than when they were living at home!!

Magic Age.....when they show responsibility that they deserve one, or if you are in an area where there is a child safety issue.

Funny....I just posted about this on my blog last week.  I am holding out as long as possible with my middle schooler. It seems an expected thing...just like buying the notebook at the beginning of the year.  Read what others have said about this at my blog here...interesting.

Although it's been 2 years since I wrote this post and I have since purchased an unlimited family text plan ($24.95/month is waaaaay cheaper than paying per text when you have older teens!) (okay, and a mom--me--who texts!), it's got our family cell rules in it.

Click here to read it.

I have found an excellent cell phone provider for kids.  My teenager had the unsafe habit of giving her number out to anyone.  I was really worried about some of the incoming calls.  I have since gotten her a phone with Kajeet (sprint network).  They have excellent on-line parental control software, so I can control all incoming/outgoing calls and text messages.  It's too easy to get the unlimited family plan and then the kids become addicted to talking and/or texting all the time.  This way she is limited and I don't have to worry about safety.  The cell phone is a necessity to contact her and visa versa for safety reasons.  GPS is also available if needed.  Now I don't have to worry about sexting, bulling or strangers calling her (or her calling strangers).  Take a look at Kajeet.  They don't require a contract and have very affordable monthly plans.  The phones start at $24.99/mo.  Use this link for 15% off www.kajeet.com/coupon.  They will probably be running some holiday specials soon.