Cell phones and kids

[FourScore]

Poll question: Cell phones and kids

I have a question about cell phones and kids.

My child is entering middle school next year. At the orientation meeting, the school discussed their cell phone policies. During that discussion, it was revealed that about 2/3 of the students possess cell phones. I have been adverse to getting my child one because, first of all, I am a stay-at-home parent who drops him off and picks him up from school every day, so he doesn't need one. Secondly, if he needs to contact me for anything, the school provides a phone for the kids to use. And thirdly -- and probably most importantly -- I'm concerned about possible long term health repercussions.

My good friend (a Republican - grrr) has a child the same age as my boy who also wants a cell phone, but she decided to get him an IPod Touch instead (which I also won't do). When I told her why my kid won't get a phone, she started mocking me for being concerned about possible long term health issues surrounding cell phones for kids. She claims it's all a bunch of bull and cell phones are completely harmless.

Where do my friends at DU stand on this?

Would you get or have you gotten one for your child, and if not, why not? And how old is your child.

BTW, another couple I am friend's with got their child a cell phone in third grade, but they both have to work full-time and their child must go to after school activities. They want him to be able to call if he needs to, but he is not allowed to use it to call his friends. Mostly he plays games on it.