At what age do you think kids should get pricey gadgets?

[TravelingGal]

The reason I bring this up: http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/11/24/5521767-santa-kids-make-ipads-no1-on-holiday-lists

I get that kids love gadgets. I'm curious as to when you think kids should receive them. I don't have an answer, really, so I'm interested in yours!

 

[Haven]

When they can afford them.

I know that won't be a popular response, but that's what *I* believe.

 

[TravelingGal]

That is what I believe - for now. I said something about cell phones awhile back and someone told me to just wait...that I will want her to have one when she's younger than I initially thought I'd get her one. So I reserve judgment on that one and am interested to see what others say on this topic because I don't have a kid old enough to get this stuff yet.

 

[zoebartlett]

I think it's best when kids buy something that *they* can afford. Kids definitely feel entitled these days and it really bothers me when parents give in. If we have kids, I KNOW I'm going to be the harda** and my husband will be the pushover.

 

[Haven]

Haha, yes, I know--who do I think I am to have an opinion when I don't have children?

I can tell you that, as a child raised in a family with parents who stuck to their beliefs and values in the face of all the pressure that comes with raising your children in the oh-so-ordinary suburbs of a big city, it is possible to stick to your guns *even* when you have teenage children. I fought my parents tooth and nail for so many things that they believed did not belong in the hands of children, and they always won. Because they were the parents. It's possible, I swear!

 

[TravelingGal]

Well Haven, I actually don't think your answer is going to be the unpopular one, because I think someone who buys their 5 year old an iPad might be grilled here.

But this is an honest question...because while people who post here might say the answer is when they can afford it, I see a LOT of kids with all kinds of upscale gadgets. So there must be reasons - even if it's just that the parents are well off and $500 is not a lot of money and so what if it makes the kids happy. Or the kid did something and worked hard to deserve it. Or mom needs a break and distraction is a legitimate reason.

I think when you don't have kids, or when kids are young, it seems strange to give kids these gadgets...I'm interested in what parents who have kids who are a bit older (say, 5 and up) think.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Not a parent, but I have strong views on this. Gadgets, like iPads/iPods, cameras, etc. - when they're old enough to be responsible for them (i.e. old enough not to break them!). Cell phones - when they're old enough to drive. For obvious safety reasons. I do NOT see the point of a 13 yo having a cell.

But I'm an old-fashioned fogey who didn't get a cell phone until college

But no seriously, I was talking about this with my high school teacher the other day - he said phones in class have become a real problem since when I was a student there. It's gotten to the point where it's no use banning them. So he lets his kids check their phones on vibrate and if it's their parents, to step out and take the call. We were discussing that at least when you're a bit older (i.e. college) and you get your first phone, you have hopefully learned some self-restraint and social skills not to be on your phone 24/7. At high school and younger, though, I don't think those skills are necessarily all there, and it becomes far easier to become one of those teens who text at home, school, dinner, etc.

Apparently, applying to education programs to be a teacher is bring up all these feelings I had on the topic of kids and education that I suppressed during law school

 

[Haven]

I'm definitely interested in hearing people's responses, as well. I live in a crazy area where most kids are running around with iPods, wearing expensive brands, and just generally far more decked out than I will ever be. (If they start wearing diamonds, I'm moving.)

 

[qtiekiki]

The age will depend on the family, I supposed. We (my sister and I) got the red and white nintendo system when I was 9, so that's in the 6-12 years old range. Nowaday, kids are tech-savvy fairly early on. I mean, Meena knows that there are games on my iPhone, and she knows how to unlock the phone. We never showed her how to do it; I just found her playing with my phone one day. I imagine that kids in tech-savvy household, where the parents have lots of gadgets, would want them earlier than a less savvy household. I am not sure what's right for us yet. Honestly I haven't thought about it since we are not at the age when the kids are asking for things yet.

 

[Steel]

When they can treat them with the respect that the price tag requires.

Back in my day we had a conker between two of us and we were happy.....

 

[TravelingGal]

When they can treat them with the respect that the price tag requires.

Back in my day we had a conker between two of us and we were happy.....

I think that's an interesting answer steal. Some kids will be mature and respectful enough to appreciate the device at X age, others won't.

 

[Dreamer_D]

For me it is about what they will use it for.

I do not plan to have video games in our house, the kids will not have TVs in their rooms or computers -- if they want to use the computer it will be out in the open where I can see what they are doing, thank you very much. They do not need a cell phone until they are well into their teens, and then it will not have internet access or texting capabilities.

Call me a luddite but I do not think any of these things beenfit kids. I actually dislike video games and texting/internet phones for adults as well, so why would I want my kids using them?

My aunt and uncle have a 10 and 14 year old and have all the same types of rules I outlined above. The kids moan, but tough crap

 

[Steel]

For me it is about what they will use it for.

I do not plan to have video games in our house, the kids will not have TVs in their rooms or computers -- if they want to use the computer it will be out in the open where I can see what they are doing, thank you very much. They do not need a cell phone until they are well into their teens, and then it will not have internet access or texting capabilities.Call me a luddite but I do not think any of these things beenfit kids. I actually dislike video games and texting/internet phones for adults as well, so why would I want my kids using them?

My aunt and uncle have a 10 and 14 year old and have all the same types of rules I outlined above. The kids moan, but tough crap

I agree with your post but had to highlight the bit about telephones. Can you even buy a modern cell phone that doesn’t have internet or text capabilities. I have one or two in the attic from the 90's that weigh 3lbs each and have an actual aerial - make me an offer and I might sell them to you - otherwise you might find it difficult to find a cell that does not moonlight as kitt from knightrider.

 

[Dreamer_D]

For me it is about what they will use it for.

I do not plan to have video games in our house, the kids will not have TVs in their rooms or computers -- if they want to use the computer it will be out in the open where I can see what they are doing, thank you very much. They do not need a cell phone until they are well into their teens, and then it will not have internet access or texting capabilities.Call me a luddite but I do not think any of these things beenfit kids. I actually dislike video games and texting/internet phones for adults as well, so why would I want my kids using them?

My aunt and uncle have a 10 and 14 year old and have all the same types of rules I outlined above. The kids moan, but tough crap

I agree with your post but had to highlight the bit about telephones. Can you even buy a modern cell phone that doesn’t have internet or text capabilities. I have one or two in the attic from the 90's that weigh 3lbs each and have an actual aerial - make me an offer and I might sell them to you - otherwise you might find it difficult to find a cell that does not moonlight as kitt from knightrider.

I don't know! This issue will not come up for another 10 years, so we shall see at that time I suppose. I bet you can find one, though I have never looked, or mess with the phone in some way to block it...

 

[TravelingGal]

For me it is about what they will use it for.

I do not plan to have video games in our house, the kids will not have TVs in their rooms or computers -- if they want to use the computer it will be out in the open where I can see what they are doing, thank you very much. They do not need a cell phone until they are well into their teens, and then it will not have internet access or texting capabilities.Call me a luddite but I do not think any of these things beenfit kids. I actually dislike video games and texting/internet phones for adults as well, so why would I want my kids using them?

My aunt and uncle have a 10 and 14 year old and have all the same types of rules I outlined above. The kids moan, but tough crap

I agree with your post but had to highlight the bit about telephones. Can you even buy a modern cell phone that doesn’t have internet or text capabilities. I have one or two in the attic from the 90's that weigh 3lbs each and have an actual aerial - make me an offer and I might sell them to you - otherwise you might find it difficult to find a cell that does not moonlight as kitt from knightrider.

I don't know! This issue will not come up for another 10 years, so we shall see at that time I suppose. I bet you can find one, though I have never looked, or mess with the phone in some way to block it...

I've heard there are companies that have phones that block capabilities for you...internet, text, and calling numbers other than what you approve. Who knows what will be around 10 years from now, but I think there will be ways.

 

[Steel]

I don't know! This issue will not come up for another 10 years, so we shall see at that time I suppose. I bet you can find one, though I have never looked, or mess with the phone in some way to block it...

Maybe by then we will have reverted to tin cans and string....

BTW: 9 more posts to 15k. Make them good ones and you might get a warty pin. Nah - only kidding. I got nothing.

 

[diamondringlover]

I know with my older son he didnt get a cell phone till he was 16, but that was back when they were expensive, my younger son got one at 11...they both always had TV's in their rooms and gaming systems, we didnt get a computer till my older soon was around 14 or 15, my younger son has a computer in his room, but he dosent use it much he tends to use my laptop so I am able to see what he is doing for the most part. But I will also say that I am pretty darn lucky my boys are really good kids, my oldest is getting ready to turn 25 and he has seldom caused me any worry at all, my youngest is 13 so far so good, hopefully he doesnt turn into a nasty person as the hormones take over, but I dont think he will. So my answer to the question is when they are responsible enough to take care of them

 

[MichelleCarmen]

My kids are getting ipods this year and I think it's totally ludicrous. Obviously I'm not buying them soooo, all I can say is we'll see what happens. The only plus I see is that they like to listen to music as they go to sleep and now each can listen to what they choose. They love the Beatles and the Smiths.

One thing I WOULD like to point out is even though I think they're both too young, they are at a tough age to buy for. They're too old for kids' toys but too young for teen toys. There's not much out there that they like except books and we can get those at the library (because my older son will finish a book in a day!). Both are HUGE on arts/crafts but we have tons of stuff already and they each have journals scattered all over the house. The only reason to buy more markers would be because the cat picks them up and carries them off and has stockpiled them under our couch.

If this topic is broached here on PS again after the holidays, I'll let you all know how it goes. I hope the kids learn a new appreciation for music with their ipods. I don't even have one. Maybe santa will bring me one.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

I will probably do what my parents did. I got a budget and my wish list had to be in that budget. An I Pad would have totally been out of the question.

Once they are in their early teens, I am ok with them having some gadgets. I had a walkman at age 12 and loved it, so I don't a problem with my kids having a smaller i-pod, like a nano.

For the phone, my parents got us our own line once we were talking so much they were sick of hearing us (cell phones were not a realistic option back than). So I will play that one by ear.

I see myself getting one computer that will be shared by the kids.

I agree no TV or video games in the bedroom, but my husband has a play station, so I am guessing there will always be a shared gaming system in the house.

Lastly, to the next generation, these gadgets are just a normal part of life. I frequently see kids under 2 unlocking, clicking an app, and than playing a game on an i-phone in my clinic. So it is already becoming normal to them. It will be interesting to see what will be normal when they are teens.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Well, my DD already has her own dvd player. Does that count as a pricey gadget?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Well, my DD already has her own dvd player. Does that count as a pricey gadget?

Does she let you use it sometimes?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Well, my DD already has her own dvd player. Does that count as a pricey gadget?

Does she let you use it sometimes?

she got is around 14 months (I think). More for MY sanity than her pleasure. We only use it on airplanes. I am barely allowed to touch it D!!!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I will probably do what my parents did. I got a budget and my wish list had to be in that budget. An I Pad would have totally been out of the question.

Once they are in their early teens, I am ok with them having some gadgets. I had a walkman at age 12 and loved it, so I don't a problem with my kids having a smaller i-pod, like a nano.

For the phone, my parents got us our own line once we were talking so much they were sick of hearing us (cell phones were not a realistic option back than). So I will play that one by ear.

I see myself getting one computer that will be shared by the kids.

I agree no TV or video games in the bedroom, but my husband has a play station, so I am guessing there will always be a shared gaming system in the house.

Lastly, to the next generation, these gadgets are just a normal part of life. I frequently see kids under 2 unlocking, clicking an app, and than playing a game on an i-phone in my clinic. So it is already becoming normal to them. It will be interesting to see what will be normal when they are teens.[/quote]

Both my kids were using computers under the age of 5. For them, that was norm and thank goodness they were taught that as they began taking tests on the computer in Kindergarten! FWIW, they were given a brand new computer system when around 3 & 5. That seemed like it was a good "investment" as both are very skilled at using it. Can type, etc.

 

[NovemberBride]

I agree with the posters that said when they are old enough to take care of the item and use it responsibly. No, I wouldn't buy an ipad for a 5 year old, but I might buy one for a responsible 12 year old. I don't have a philosophical objection to older kids or early teens having a cell phone, ipod or laptop as long as they are used appropriately. There will be rules regarding use, such as I won't allow the child to have the phone at the dinner table, and internet use will be monitored, but I am not of the belief that giving kids these types of items spoils them and that withholding them makes them better people. I think that the values you teach your children are much more important than the material goods that you give them. I will make sure my children know that they are lucky to live in a family where they are afforded such luxuries and that not all children are as lucky.

Tacori -did you think the DVD player was useful for your DD when she was younger? We have a long international flight coming up when my DD will be 18 months and I was toying with the idea of getting one to keep her entertained.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Tacori -did you think the DVD player was useful for your DD when she was younger? We have a long international flight coming up when my DD will be 18 months and I was toying with the idea of getting one to keep her entertained.

A TOTAL lifesaver. I saw ads for $49 so they have come down in price. We have a Sony b/c it has the longest battery life (almost 6 hours). This will be the first time I will offer her actual movies (disney). Before it was episodes of her favorite shows. Flights are boring so every little bit helps. I let her watch it in the airport as well.

 

[E B]

When they can treat them with the respect that the price tag requires.

I agree with this. My twelve-year-old wouldn't be able to afford a cell phone, but if he's a responsible kid who gets good grades, he can have a cell phone (or the future equivalent). It'd really just depend on the age of the kid, his/her level of responsibility, and the gadget.

 

[atroop711]

when they could afford to replace them if they lose or break them. Of course the kids want the IPAD but no way in hell is my 10 yr old getting one. The closest she's getting to an IPAD for xmas is the KINDLE. I'm excited to get her the KINDLE (the WI-FI one). She's going to FLIP!!!

 

[Maria D]

I got my daughter her first cell phone at age 11. I had only worked part-time (or not outside the home) prior to that but when she turned 11 I got a full-time job and she became a "latch-key" kid. She had to walk home a mile from school and I wanted her to be able to call me (and I wanted to be able to call her).

At the time, the hot phone was the Motorola Razr and it had just come out in pink metallic. What 11 year old girl wouldn't want a cool pink Razr! I had a free upgrade coming to me so I got her one -- the plan itself was $10 a month. It actually wasn't pricey at all, but I still felt like maybe I shouldn't, was I "spoiling" her? That seems so antiquated now as kids are texting in elementary school. I'm happy to say she took great care of that phone.

Since then there's been some pricey gadgets -- including a Macbook at age 13 but she saved up for half of it herself. I don't think Xbox counts -- my husband uses it more than she does!

 

[JulieN]

I was gonna say, when they can afford it.

But when they can afford to replace it works for me, too. You buy them one, and if they break it or lose it, they don't get another from you.

 

[redfaerythinker]

I would usually say at the age when most of their classmates are getting them. I got a phone when I started high school, because I was going to be alone for at least an hour and a half and my parents would have needed to be able to get ahold of me if they were going to be late, etc. There would have been no need before that because I was in an after-school program at my elementary school. As far as other electronics, I had a tv in my room, but it had no cable. It was just for movies, and I never really used it. I did have a computer, but again, no internet. My parents worked full time so it wasn't feasible for all of us to share the computer in the hour or so each night that we had available each night.

In my family the only big gift giving holiday was Christmas. Birthdays got you a book and a cd, or the equivalent. At Christmas I was given one "big-ticket" item, and then a bunch of smaller things. The big gift started at around 100 dollars when I was young, an American Girl doll for example. And then they got bigger as I got older, A super nintendo, or a wii. The biggest present I ever got was in high school and it was an $800 dollar flute. Any other electronics I would have had to pay for myself. Although I have to say I grew up as each of these things were introduced year by year. I have no idea what kids do today when everything is right there for the wanting.