What's an appropriate age to get a child a phone? My daughter thinks she's getting one when she turns 8. I think not. I was thinking 12.
I'm thinking about getting a cheap flip phone for my six year old just for safety. I don't care how hard you try to protect your kids, bad things happen. After some of things that have happened lately like elementary school shootings, tornados hitting schools, I think from a strictly for safety/piece of mind standpoint it's a good idea at any age.
Now if she wants it to text, web surf and talk to her friends, that's a tough one! It seems a little young to me. Maybe compromise at 10 or make her earn it?