In this house, we’re a bunch of geeks technology aficionados. Ken buys gadgets like I [would love to] buy shoes. As I type this, he is playing with his newest gadget, a micro reverse adapter for his camera lens that allows him to take crazily close-up photos.
So when BlogHer gave me an opportunity to review the latest LG Connect 4G Android smartphone from MetroPCS, I knew my family would enjoy testing it out.
Although we’re more familiar with iPhones, the LG Connect 4G has some seriously cool features, including a crystal-clear 4î touchscreen great for viewing pictures or video and doing some online browsing — or blog reading! It has a big brain in its little package: a 1.2 GHz processor, which is powerful enough for using multiple applications at the same time. Since we’re photographers, we do have professional cameras, but they are too big to carry around all the time. Most of our in-the-moment photos are taken with our cell phones; the LG Connect 4G is ready for photo-taking with a 5 MP rear camera and a front facing camera. (If you, like me, have ever tried taking pictures of yourself with only a rear camera, it is far more difficult than it seems, so I like having the front facing camera!)
For a limited time, MetroPCS is offering the LG Connect 4G smartphone for $249 (+ tax and after instant discount and mail-in rebate). MetroPCS has one of the most affordable plans out there and is the only no-contract service provider offering 4G LTE service. They also allow you to choose any plan you like and change devices or plans any time to fit your needs.
We first gave Brandon a cell phone when he was 14, but that was because he lived mostly at his mom’s house, and it was often hard to get in touch with him. When we met Lindsey at age 14, she came with a cell phone; we felt that was too young but didn’t want her to feel as though we were taking everything away when she’d first moved away from everything and everyone she had known. Kathryn is almost 12, and we’re not planning on giving her a cell phone anytime soon, but I have a hard time deciding exactly what the magic age is for a cell phone. One of my friends has an “extra” cell phone that she gives her daughter only on days when she’s in homeschool enrichment classes so she can easily contact her mom in case of emergency. We’ve considered doing something like that as well, especially since we no longer have a home phone.
What age do YOU think is most appropriate for kids to have a cell phone? Answer this question in the comments, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card! (See rules below for details.)
Rules:
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
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d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 8/20/12 – 9/20/12.
Be sure to visit the MetroPCS brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
I’m a big fan of authentic conversation and always appreciate hearing what you have to say. Thanks for reading.
123 responses to “Smartphone Review & Visa Gift Card Giveaway!”
The age at which a child should have a cell phone depends on the child, I think. It has been very helpful to me for my 13 year old to have a phone so that if he is at an event, birthday party or practice, he can call me to let me know he is ready to be picked up.
My oldest is only 8, so I don’t really know what a good age is. But I do think that many, many kids who have cell phones are way too young. I like the idea of giving your kid the extra cell phone when they’re away from you, but I just don’t think a young teen should have their own.
I think it depends on the maturity and trust level for the child. I would say when the child is driving. Then they can call in case of an emergency. Before that, there is nowhere they would go where they would not have access to a fun. Yeah, I’m conservative about this!
I think it definitely depends on the family, the child and the situation. I got my phone when I started driving for emergencies, etc. I know some that are giving children phones earlier because they have a lot of outside activities, etc and need to be in touch with parents about pick-ups etc. All things being equal I would say 16, but there are situations when they might be warranted earlier, with additional restrictions.
I like the idea of having the extra phone to hand out as needed once they’re out and about more often. However, for their “very own” cell phone, I would say whenever they get their driver’s license. They have more independence then and are out at jobs or activities, where it might be important to have a cell phone.
Age 10 because this is old enough for them to use as emergencies and will probably be a little more responsible than a younger child
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/sandyhills25/status/237612017161228290
My oldest is 9 and has asked about having a cell phone, but I don’t think he’s old enough. I would say 12 years old.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/237618096620326912
My son is 10 years old, and he will get the phone next year
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/237626980047151104
i would say age 12
https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/237631937609605121 .
https://twitter.com/bfooduf/status/237650381142900737
http://elisb1234.blogspot.com/2012/08/smartphone-review-and-visa-gift-card.html
I would say 12-13 years old.
That’s a really tough question. I think it depends on the kid as well as what his or her home life is like. I taught 8th grade in a public school for 6.5 years and I saw a lot of students come through who got into trouble because they misused their cell phones. I don’t think I’d want to give a middle schooler a phone. But at the same time, if my child had to walk home from school or has several hours of unsupervised time after school, I would want him or her to be able to call me at any time. I guess the key is setting boundries and teaching appropriate and inappropriate behaviors with cell phones.
If I had to choose an age, I’d probably say 14 would be okay. (but I would definitely take the phone from his or her possession during homework time and at bedtime, as well as check messages and minute use whenever I wanted)
My son is 9 and a classmate showed him his phone. I think this is too young. I hope to wait until he is about 12.
I think no sooner than age 13 or so. It shouldn’t be necessary at all until a child is old enough to go places without a parent, and even then they’re usually around another adult or in a place where phones are available. I hope our children won’t have phones until they’re driving. My parents told me I could have a cell phone when I had money to pay for it myself. I did get a job, but all my money was used for more important things. I still don’t have my own cell phone (although my husband does), and I’m married and 21! 🙂
My thirteen year old still does not have a cell phone (she’s not happy about it). I like the idea of having an extra and letting her use it whenever she’s away from home for an extended period of time. My husband and I both have resisted much of the new technology for the reason that it can be somewhat stressful just having to learn more after we’ve just mastered the more recent gadget. I think it has something to do with teaching an old dog a new trick, LOL!
I think that in general, kids who are old enough to drive should have limited use of a cell phone, for safety sake. I also think kids who are really involved in after school activities could benefit from the limited use of a cell phone. however, I think it’s ridiculous for kids to bring them to school, etc. As a teacher, I can verify that it contributes to cheating, bullying, and worse. While at school, if a kid needs to call home, they can always use a school phone, and this has been true at every school I taught at. I think a cell phone for kids needs to be monitored by the parents, as in collected each evening and usage checked by parents. I don’t think it needs to have text or internet. When a kid is old enough to drive to and from their own job and pay for their own phone and any features they want on it, that’s when I think they’re ready for that freedom.
We also have an extra cell phone as we don’t have a home phone. I don’t think it is a specific age but more about when kids will be out and about without parents. This has worked really well in our home!
I think like most things, it should be determined not by a specific age, but by the individual readiness and need. We gave our oldest a cell phone when he was 15 because of a job he was working during the summer with no ready access to a phone. Of course, texting had yet to take off, so that wasn’t an issue. Our younger son, his before he started driving so he would be able to reach us in an emergency. We had texting and vm blocked until he was 18 to avoid the temptation while driving. Our oldest daughter got her cell phone a little earlier in 8th grade since we were finding that she was at practices and such where there’ve might not have immediate access. Again, the vm and text were blocked and the phone turned in at night. Now, she is 17 and just had an auto accident this week. I was very thankful she was able to reach us quickly. I also found with my oldest daughter the need to give her a limited amount of texting and a vm as she has gotten older with texting such a common place form of communication from youth leaders and employers. However, in the case of her 14 yr old sister, there is yet to be a real need, so she does not have a cell phone. However, with her sister graduating this year and her taking the wheel not long after, I can see on in her future maybe in the next year or two.
I am doubting that there is a magical age for a child to have a cell phone. I think there are some 14 yr olds that would show more maturity than some adults! And there are some 16 yr olds that could not handle having a phone very well. Evaluation of your current circumstances, children, and motivation for providing a phone will help you make a wise decision.
I think using the extra phone we have for 10$ a month is good for when my older kids have occasion to need a phone. Otherwise I think that waiting until a child can contribute to the cost of a phone and the calling plan gives them the responsibilty of a cell phone not just the privilege. Of course different circumstances will dictate different decisions on when a cell phone is needed for a child. I am still wondering how i ever grew up, went to college, entered the working world, married and had a couple of babies before ever having a cell phone. 😉 blows the mind! 🙂
To clarify, we pay for the 10$ not the kids. . It sounded like I was charging them to use the phone when they needed it. 😉
I think around 15 with limited emergency use.
I think when the child has either 1) a job or 2) a driver’s license then it’s appropriate.
I tweeted the giveaway: https://twitter.com/ilikeyourcamel/status/238070934391640065
I know my son couldn’t get one until he could afford to buy one himself..which is 16 when he got his first job… Thanks kmassman gmail
I would say 11-12 would be a good age for a child to have a phone.
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/238162024318775296
i think between the ages of 12-13. 🙂
my stepdaughter handled a phone starting at age 8 or earlier. Her mom never kept a phone in service so my husband wanted to keep in touch with his daughter so we started with the firefly phone then moved up to regular planned phone. Each one had restrictions that he put in place such as media, texting, and who she can call.
https://twitter.com/vivaciousgold/status/238322647556038656- tweet
13 probably, i didnt get one until i was driving
https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/238502777775603712
I think a 13 yr. old is responsible enough to have a cell phone.
I am planning on giving my daughter her first cell phone when she enters middle school
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I tweeted your giveaway
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I thin kthis is one of those questions that depends on how active/busy your child is, how mature, safety, etc. So, it depends
Remembering myself as a young man, I would have to say 13-14. However, I’m sure it is different for most kids.
I would say 14.
family74014 at gmail dot com
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/um_lil_cutie/status/239128110967177216
taty_bonell [AT] hotmail [DOT] com
I personally think it is okay to give a kid a cellphone as long as you are sure they will be responsible
I think 10 would be a good age
i think they can have a cell phone when they get a job to pay for it, so around 16
thismomwins@gmail.com
tweet https://twitter.com/thismomwins/status/239422757413208064
thismomwins@gmail.com
We gave our oldest a cell phone at 14. Looking back I think that was a little too young. But he was starting to go on youth trips and things without us and we wanted to make sure that he had a way to get in touch with us and for us to get in touch with him (OK more for the us than for him). But I wish now that we had told him it was for only those times when he was away from us and not his all the time. OH well, live and learn.
I think age 12 is good for a child to have a cell phone
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/239865293499924480
I think a non smartphone is good for up to 18, then a smartphone for college. thanks for the review and giveaway.
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/240339541188280321
When they are old enough to earn it. and NOT from an allowance, from a real JOB!
It really depends on the situation but I know personally that my 10-year-old daughter does not “need” a phone. She may want one but she is always with myself or her dad when out at sports games. I would say 12 or 13.
We actually are dealing with this right now in my house. My oldest got a cell phone at the age of 11 because he was in the after school activities and the cell phone made it easier way to keep in touch while he was getting his help. As well when there were issues with the school bus it was a way to let us know what happening. This year my oldest will be going to HS and my youngest son may be getting a prepaid for emergencies (he is 10 will be 11 soon) because he will be on the school bus w/our 5 yr. old and since the ride is 45 minutes away its a way for them to contact us if any issues would come up.
I think 12 might be a good age, but they can only use it when they are away from home. i don’t need my 12 year old addicted to texting
https://twitter.com/karinaroselee/status/240932812809719808
It really depends on the child, but I tend to think older is better. My daughter was 16 or 17 before she got a phone. My reasoning is that if was driving her wherever she was going, what is the need for a phone. Only when she started taking herself places did I see the need.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/240947207308718080
DDs are still young but hubby and I are in agreement that they should not have cellphones before 12 yr old.
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/241033709887819776
16 at the youngest. When they get a job, so between the ages of 16-18 sounds about right.
I think 12 is most appropriate age for kids to have a cell phone. My kids can’t wait to get one though. 🙂
amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/241787061303123968
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I think at the age of 12 kids should have a phone to contact home or for emergencies especially. It’s important that they have a way to get help if necessary and to stay in touch with mom and/or dad.
I think 13, about the time when they start to be a bit more independent and spend time away from the family and with friends.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/242023488389541890
I would say around 10 or 12 would be appropriate as long is it is montiored/controlled use.
Hello, it sounds like you are doing a great job without any advice; but in my opinion I think 13 years old is the perfect age for a responsibility such as a cell phone. Not only are they over “2 hand fulls old,” :)… (LOL) but in my opinion and experience with pre-teens, this is the age that the little ones become more sociable, wanting to do things like go skating during the weekends and spend the night off as much as possible with there friends. They become a lot more mature between the ages of 13 and 14, and it’s less likely for a careless mistake to happen which could result in loosing or breaking their phone. You can also have helpful “eyes” to help protect and monitor your child; such as an app which keeps track of where they are at (in real time) and tell you if there are sex offenders living around where they are at etc. there is also an app (I can’t remember the name of it right off the top of my head) but you can also put the “app” on phones that aren’t smart phones! I do believe that limitations are necessary so that they aren’t excessively talking (or texting) to their friends instead of getting chores done, homework completed, or getting some exercise outside. I think it’s a good idea not to get them a phone with a camera on it, and if it does have one restrict their plan not to allow sending and receiving picture text so you can try to prevent sexting as much as possible. and last but not least I think
it’s important for them to have a limited amount of minutes and restrictions on their phone so that you don’t get sudden medically dangerous health symptoms from your cell phone bill at the end of the month! LOL I have always said “if you treat them like mature adults then they *most of the time* act like mature adults. That concept has worked for my mother and now for me! Good luck! 😉
I would say 16 years old.
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/242734480702451712
Age 9 because this is old enough for them to use as emergencies.
babitababita@hotmail.com
https://twitter.com/zbabita5/status/243240550378139648
My parents chose the “better to ask forgiveness than permission” option when giving our 9 year-old a cell phone for her birthday. Though we could have taken it away she’s a very responsible girl and has not abused it in the 10 months since. She is homeschooled so maybe that has made it easier – we haven’t had to deal with school-related issues or friends we don’t know calling her.
I think 16, when they start driving.
I think 12 or 13 years old seems like a good age for a first cell phone.
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/244688235513647107
i think about age 12 – 13
i tweeted here;
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/244861327787581442
I think 12-13 years of age is a good time to give them on.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/244873065358585856
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
age 13-14
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/244960323893862400
I think limited use when they are around 15 or so
gina.m.maddox AT gmail DOT com
tweet-https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/245161332477927424
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
16 when they start driving.
I don’t have children at home so that’s a difficult question for me. There are very few places my grandchildren would go where they don’t have an adult nearby with access to a phone. When they are old enough to be out and about on their own would seem to be soon enough so I think I would agree that 16 would be a good age for their own phone.
I’m probably old-fashioned…when they can drive & be out on their own, they need a cell phone…
Depends what kind! Prepaid type, around teenage ~13?
More than that with data/messaging 16?
Depends on the circumstances and the individual child.
tweet
https://twitter.com/maynekitty/status/246214981383774208
My oldest daughter is 8 years old and she doesn’t have a cell phone, yet. She doesn’t go anywhere without parental supervision, so she doesn’t need it. We’ll likely get one for her when she’s old enough to go places without us.
I say 13 is okay.
Tweeted the giveaway:
https://twitter.com/calidreamin87/status/246854633815949312
Age 14 is the best age for a cellphone.
Age 12 seems appropriate to me.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/246946752446472192
I think kids should get a cell phone when they are 16, or old enough to drive.
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/246976257051480065
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/246979990430810112
i’d say 12 and only for safety sake
nannypanpan@gmail.com
I would say 12, good age to start.
tweet
https://twitter.com/mngirlinssp/status/247352720036614145
i would say age 15
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/247713524565028864
I think around the age 10
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/247914327301046272
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Age 13-15. Depending on the child’s level of how responsible he or she is. :~)
i think age 13
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/248099729894961152 .
I think once they’re old enough to help pay for the phone bill, by getting a summer job or babysitting, is a good time.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/whitesoulband/status/248113313769213952
I used to say it was appropriate only when they began to drive, but now I’m thinking middle school is appropriate. They start to have lives then and need to keep contact with their parents.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/MelindaJoy926/status/248137258564194306
Age 15
I think any kid with a phone under the age of 10 is nuts, but to each their own. I think 14 is a good age.
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
TWEET
https://twitter.com/MsCarolsueA/status/248355186748313601
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I think 15-16 is most appropriate to have a cell phone especially when they start driving, make sure they won’t use the phone when they drive.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
Tweeted about this promotion: https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/248707957389406208
I don’t think a kid needs a cell phone until they are at the age where they are doing things on their own away from home…double digit age for sure…11 years old at the earliest maybe…I don’t have kids, so I am unsure how things “work” for kids now. LOL
I tweeted here https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/248804069286768640
Cell phones are important for emergencies and contact with parents. I’d go for limited access (just for emergencies & parent calls) until they’re at least 17 or so. Maybe this seems harsh, but I’ve seen too many young teens get into trouble with their phones, or so obsessed they can’t separate long enough to have a full, active, real live life.
My daughter had our spare to use at 10 when she was at friends houses just in case. But she has had her own since 12 or 13 & i still make sure she is not sending anything she shouldn’t. it is monitored she does not swear & she knows that if she goes over a certain amount of texts or calls in a month it will be taken away even if sh is on an unlimited plan. I do not want her to obsess with her phone & her school work go down, it also teaches her responsibility because she has our trust & she knows not to break it & teaches self control because she constantly watches to make sure she does not use her texting in excess