Mom's Talk Question: When Should Children Start Using Cell Phones?

From the malls to the classrooms, you see children texting friends and parents on their cell phones.

According to a 2009 survey by the Pew Research Center, about 23 percent of parents said their children received their first cell phones when they were 12 years old.

In similar research, Pew found at least 75 percent of American teenagers today have a cellphone, often purchased by their parents so they can stay in closer touch. And parents are more likely than other adults to have a cellphone, for the same reason.

How old was your child? Have they begin asking for one? Is the age dropping?

Take a minute and type in a comment about your experience, what was the right age, what isn't. You'll be helping a Mom who may be approaching this threshold and could use some Mom-to-Mom advice.

QUESTION: When Should Children Start Using Cell Phones?

ANSWER: You tell us. Login in the upper right hand corner. It's free and only takes about 20 seconds. Then comment on this article. Share your views and get some advice. Suggest future questions for discussion.

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for parents and their families right here in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.

Every Wednesday in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our communities will have a new resource for the thousands of issues that arise while raising children.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question from the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch's Mom's Council.

The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Moms Council will share their insights along with you.