I have four children (ages 13-25).  The two older kids got their first cell phones at age 14 when they could pay for them themselves.  They were prepaid phones. Once they proved to me that they could use it responsibly, they were allowed on my plan.  I let the younger two get them when we were moving to a new state.  Even though my children were never out of my site or allowed to roam freely, *I* wanted the peace of mind that they could contact me if needed.  They were ages 6 and 12.  I have never once regreted my decision.  They have all used their cell phones responsibly and there are rules that come with it.  My youngest son contacted me the other day from his school bus.  “My bus was in an accident. We are waiting for the police”.  It was nice to know he was able to communicate that information to me. He was able to keep me updated throughout the event.  I have also had teens call from college dorms during a lockdown to let me know they are safe.  My children have used their phones to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.  They have used it to let me know that they were uncomfortable at a play date.  My rules are simple – you lose it, you pay for it.  You do not text or talk at the dinner table or during our “family” time.  No data plan. Sorry, the last thing I need is a kid connected to the internet 24/7.  Technology is here to stay, so let us teach our children how to use it responsibly!

Best way to solve that problem is allowing them to afford it on their own at an appropriate age. I bought my first cell phone at the age of 20 after I left the army and had my own job.