The number one reason for children to have cell phones - according to the parents I know - is so that parents know where their kids are at all times.

SHOULDN'T YOU KNOW THAT ANYWAY?!?

Really, my mother always knew where I was. I never had a cell phone and, although I realize this is a "new age" in electronics and communication, I will not be giving my daughter a cell phone for quite a while.

I feel that my daughter has no need for a cell phone until she is old enough to be out and about on her own.  When I am willing to let her go somewhere with her friends - unchaperoned - then she can borrow my cell phone.  When she is responsible enough to pay for a cell phone she can have her own.

I feel that alot of this issue falls back to parental responsibility.  A responsible parent will know where their children are and will ensure that they have access to a phone if necessary.  Why would a six year old need a phone? Heck, why would a 10 year old need a cell phone? Aren't you with your child a this age? If you aren't then they are most likely with a relative or a teacher or coach. All these people have phones. Any one of these people would be willing to let a child use their phone if necessary.

As far as brain development goes...

My household is a cell phone only household. We do not have a landline. In fact, we don't even have a phone line run to our house.  My daughter will be using a cell phone but she will not be glued to it.  I had phone time limits when I was younger and my daughter will have the same when she gets older.  She will not have a phone in her room and she will not be talking to all hours of the night.

My daughter is a very bright child and I would hate for her development to be stunted by a cell phone or any other device.  Whether or not a cell phone will give you cancer or cause brain damage I can't say. I do know that too much TV, too much talking on the phone, etc. is not good for a child's development.  You don't need a degree in biology or chemistry to figure this out.

Limit phone use, if not for your children for your sanity and NO child under the age of 16 (in my opinion) needs their own cell phone.