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Talk Show: Number of Kids with Cell Phones Nearly Doubles Since 2005
Filed under: In The News, Research Reveals: Big Kids, Research Reveals: Tweens, Research Reveals: Teens
Yo, Mom! Hurry home -- this diaper isn't changing itself. LOL! Credit: Corbis
Do your children constantly nag you for their own cell phones? From the looks of it, many parents are giving in.
A survey from Mediamark Research and Intelligence, shows the number of kids with mobile phones has almost doubled since 2005, according to a report from The New York Times. And while 21.8 percent of girls and 18.3 percent of boys are gabbing on their own phones, the boys are quickly narrowing the gap -- it's about half that of 2005, The Times says.
So, just how old are we talking here? The market research company says most of the children with cell phones were 10 or 11 -- 36.1 percent of kids in that age range had phones [an increase of 80.5 percent], The Times reports.
According to the American Kids Study, cell phone ownership among children is up 68 percent in the past five years. Most kids use their phones to check in with Mom and Dad, but they're also playing games, surfing the Web and texting friends, too.
"This large increase in cell phone ownership, particularly among boys, comes as more wireless providers are targeting parents through feature-rich, kid friendly phones such as Disney Mobile's LG Phone and the Firefly Communications FlyPhone," Mediamark's Anne Marie Kelly says in a prepared statement. "Preliminary data suggests that boys and girls may use their phones differently. Girls are more apt to make calls and send text messages while boys are more likely to instant message, access the Internet and download games, music and video."
Here's a breakdown of what kids ages 6 to 11 are doing with their phones:
- Call my parents: 88.1 percent
- Call friends: 68.1 pecent
- Emergency purposes: 55.7 percent
- Text messaging: 54.1
- Play games: 49 percent
- Take pictures: 47.8 percent
- Listen to music: 34.4 percent
- Picture messaging: 24.2 percent
- Download ringtones: 16.5 percent
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
3-31-2010 @ 4:55PM
Anita said...My 11 year old having a cell phones make it much easier for me to coordinate pick up schedules/dinner, etc. Also gives me a great peace of mind that we can always stay connected. With cell phones so inexpenseive these days, I dont' see why not. It also teaches them to be responsible. I practically got the phone for free with Net10 - bought the basic model that comes with 300 min. and 2 months of service upon activation. I can definitley afford rthe $15 a month and since it's prepaid - I never have to worry about her going over min.. The plan is simple to understand and she actually coming along nicely in learning how to budget her phone use. I like her having a cell phone but no way am I going to do the unlmited plan b/c I do not want her on it 24/7!
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4-05-2010 @ 9:02PM
Candy said...If you are looking to buy a phone for your kids, Kajeet should be at the top of the list. All the parenting awards they have won puts them at the top of the industry. Through the parental control panel, parents can manage how and when the phone is used. Block/allow phone numbers, limit text/picture messages, set the time of day when the phone can't be used (school), and much more. Optional GPS is available to keep track where they kids are or have been. Plans start at $4.95 and there's no contracts to sign. If you decide to buy a Kajeet phone, use promo code "BARGAIN" and you will save 15% off your entire order.
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9-30-2010 @ 4:43PM
Monica said...I was looking for a phone for my daughter who is 11 because it would make thing easier to communicate with her between pick ups from school, softball practices, rides home and other daily activities. I got her a Tracfone. For only about $7 a month and a $20 airtime card she gets 3 months service and 60 airtime minutes. Her Tracfone gives me the safety and security of a wireless phone without the problems of a contract and monthly fees.
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