Cell Phones for Kids?

[Atchley]

I was wondering if anyone thinks this is too crazy. I am planning on buying my DD8 and DS6 prepaid cell phones for our Disney visit. The kids know how to use the phone memory on my and my DH's cells. If they get seperated they could just call us on their phone. I do not intend on keeping up the minutes after our trip. Am I just too paranoid? (Last time we were at Disney, DS(3)wanted to look at something in the store in the castle. We were going to see it and he slipped between some people in this extremely crowded store. When I got where I thought he was going he wasn't there! He went outside the castle and around to the back! He was coming back inside the castle when we found him. It was probably only 3-4 minutes but it felt like forever!!!)

 

[Desnik]

I know some people are against this but I'm all for it! Especially in any crowded area such as WDW. It only takes a second to get seperated due to the crowds. DD is 8yo and she has a cell phone. The Firefly. She takes it with her to playdates, or when we go shopping incase we get seperated. I just feel so much better knowing she has it just incase. It's great because she can only call 4 people, each person has a button, and 911. We preprogram the numbers in. Also with Verizon family share we talk free to eachother and I'm paying only $10 per month extra for it. She's usually with me but for the few times she isn't or we are someplace crowded it just makes me feel better!

 

[NotUrsula]

The problem with this idea is that it is so noisy inside the parks that you often cannot hear to speak on the phone unless you are indoors, and there are some drop spots, too. Not to mention that a panicky lost child may be crying too hard to be understood clearly.

At 6 a child is a lot less likely to bolt or hide than a 3 yo is. I would stick with giving them careful instruction (and role-playing practice) in what do if lost.

BTW, I loaned my old cell phone to my 18 yo niece on an Orlando trip last year, so that she could call me to meet up with us for meals. In a 9 day trip, she left the phone on a ride 3 separate times. I got more calls from the CM's that found the thing than I did from her. (Not that she was too young, but that she wasn't used to carrying one and keeping track of it.)

 

[weirdpaintballr]

If your children aren't old enough to already have cell phones, they won't need them in Disney. I'm 14, I don't have a cell phone, and I have never gotten seperated from my family. You shouldn't worry about them getting seperated, just make sure that they know that they HAVE to stay with you.

 

[tjmw2727]

If you don't have to or want to or need to buy the kids cellphones for any other reason than I wouldn't personal do it just for WDW. At the ages of your kids I think they will be ok if you give them clear guidance as to what is expected and what to do if the unexpected happens. Make sure they know to try not to panic and that you will find them if you get separated (I don't say lost

My dd's know to stay put, I will always backtrack. They also know how to find a cm and they have my cellphone number with them. IMHO that is enough because a CM will be able to call or radio someone who can call me. So DH and I carry a cellphone but my dd's don't. Take a minute each morning and talk about what to do, what the CM's look like in each park and what the CM badges look like vs the visitor badge. If they are near a store that is a good option as they will know to ask the cashier to call me or dh.

I have always played the "what would you do right now" if we got separated game with my dd's. From about age 3 whenever we are at the supermarket, mall zoo airport or even say the dr's complex or hospital. This started when my oldest then about 3 almost got stuck in the elevator as I was pushing the baby out on the stroller. So many people entered the elevator before those of us wanting to get off could that it caused confusion. From that day she knew to stay put and I would find her.

Have a great trip!

TJ

 

[Schmeck]

Having a cell phone won't make your kids any safer - and at age 6 and 8, they're much more capable of understanding how to be safe, and how to stay with you!

 

[babiesX2]

How about some walkie talkies? On previous visits, I've seen families using these to communicate. The kids would have something to play with once you get home, too.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I think it might give you all mislead security. The pre-paid phone often do not get really good reception. Ds almost 14 started with one and after seeing that he would be responciible with it we just added him to our plan. We have also had trouble finding a place quite enough to hear on the phones.
It might be fun to have the phones but Iwould count on other ideas for safety. BE sue they know to stay in one place, and look for a cm.

Jordan's mom

 

[tmt martins]

Your kids are the perfect age for the DOGTAGS that you can get from the machines.They can wear as a necklase or clip them to a beltloopor shoe.

Get the US ones at MCO and Disney ones at different places in the resorts and parks .

I had my name and cell on one and DD info on another she liked wearing them and if lost would just need to go to CM and have them call me.

Now with that being said our DD has had a cell for the past 4 years since 8 yrsold on our plan (she only pays for useage).It gives me a peice of mind to just Hit her on the Nextel to find her even if it's just in a store that we are both in.She doesn't use the phone to make calls but does play games onit so she's use to carrying it with her all the time.

 

[cfrith]

Just do it the old fashioned way- you keep an eye on them and they keep their eyes on you. Have a plan for any unexpected happenings.