Gifts for 1st grader?

[Maebeary]

Due to snow and cold, attendance was down in my classroom, today. Out of 22 students, 14 were in attendance. At the end of the day, I had students draw a picture of their favorite Christmas gift and write a sentence or two about it. Two children drew pictures of cell phones. I was in shock. These little guys are 6 or 7 years old. Is it just me or is this a bit much? They were very excited about their gift!

:snowball:

[Maureen]

I hate to tell you this but they're getting younger and younger when they get these things.:-?

Bruce got his first (my old one) when he was 13 going on 14 and it was on the STRICT understanding it was for emergency purposes only, like to tell me if he was in trouble or needed picked up or something.

He's now 16 and it's joined to him at the hip, although he doesn't take it to school with him. No need as he's with everybody he texts anyway!!

[sugarplum fairy]

In my opinion, first graders should not have cell phones. People are trying to make kids grow up too fast. Let kids be kids for a while. Geez!

[novelist]

:snowball:Kids grow up too fast these days. I don't think a child in first grade should have a cell phone. My niece's daughter is 9 years old. For her birthday in Sept, she was able to get an email address. Of course, it's monitored by her parents. I'm not sure how that works, but I think it means that any email can't be opened unless approved by one of her parents. It's so sad. Kids don't get the chance to be kids these days. They're on the computer, or playing video games much more than playing outside. When I was a kid, I was ourtside all the time. There was plenty to do, and I don't rememvber complaining about not having anything to do!

[Annette1990]

My daughter who is 6 years old and in the the 1st grade has a cell phone. She is pretty responsible I feel for her age. She knows there are rules. I told her while giving her the phone I can take it back as quick as I have given it. I set rules for both her phone and computer. She follows them and I personally haven't ran into any trouble. I feel better just knowing that she can call me anytime if needed. Seems as with all the crazy things that go on these days (ie: school shootings etc) I just feel better as a parent knowing we both can have contact with each other at all times. I also got her a computer this year for Christmas. I feel fine when she uses it. She mainly plays learning games, reading and spelling, math etc. I regulate what she does and also have installed a cyber nanny type program to block out adult content and bad stuff. Of course I want my child to be protected from any predators, harm..bad stuff in general. But I also want to teach her responsibility and want her to stay on top of the world of technology.

[pbrbullrider]

A cell phone for the little one LOL nothing wrong with Annette i gess, but my god where was i when they had that neat stuff by god i dont even own a cell phone today.


You are such a good mommie Annette keeping that child away form predators and adult content stuff, and also responsibility. thats what all mommies should do i see lots of moms dont care about there child and makes me sick.

Jeff G. "bullrider"

[ducktapehero]

My 3 year old has a cell phone. Well technically it's mine but he claims it's his.

[auntieclaus]

Wow, we didn't give our sons cell phones until they were 16 and driving. It was more for my sanity so that they could call me when they left where they were and I could gauge what time they would be home. However that was 5 years ago and things are becomming accelerated with technology and the age which kids are ready for it.

[Montana's Santa]

Young children with cel phones and computers need to be closely monitored to make sure they're free of predators -- and not being negative themselves... a lot of bullying is being done by text and computer these days.
If your child has a computer, make sure it's set up in a public place where YOU can pay attention to what is on the screen... most incidents involving children and computers occur because parents aren't attentive.

[purplecrush]

Both my kids have cell phones, but they are 9 and 11. I got a great deal on them and we are on a family plan. I trust them completely. I like the fact that they CAN get ahold of me wherever they are at...football practice, friends house, school. Its more for my sanity.

[christmascreations]

My dad gave my 9year old a cell phone 2 years ago. We had a problem when he figured out how to download games but my dad has had all that blocked since-gave him a real lesson in 7 yr olds(his age at the time..lol). He uses the cell phone to call long distance family members on the weekends mainly. And believe it or not he hasn't used it in weeks because he has been busy with baseball and school work. But I DO agree with all the school shootings and what not BUT the problem is they can't bring the cell phones in school so for us it doesn't serve that purpose UNFORTUNATELY!!! It would even be great in case the busses get into an accident or breakdown but all the rules negate cell phones!!

[purplecrush]

Yeah, they arent supposed to have it in school, but my kids put it on vibrate/silent and keep it in their pockets. They have never used it during school time.