Reply #6: I think once you know you have the option, it

[JerseygirlCT]

feels risky to do without that option once they're out and on their own more often.

Mine didn't get one until later into HS. And even then, it was about my convenience, not his. As a parent, I now find I'm nervous if mine is not with me when my kids are somewhere else. It's the "what-ifs" that get you.

I'm not sure why younger kids would need one. Presumably, they're either at school or with someone safe at that age. Middle school is where it gets tricky. For me, that was easier, as I worked from home then. I was there, if he wasn't in school.

But my take on that age, too, would be at school or at home... and at home there's a landline to use.

I'm not going to diss other parents' choices, though. That's just my take on it.