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At what age does the average American get a cellphone? Study shows it’s younger than many might think

Posted at 9:42 PM, Apr 09, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-10 09:19:58-04

SALT LAKE CITY -- What age do you think a person gets their first cellphone: Maybe 12 or 13? Well, a new study says it’s much younger.

According to Child Guide Magazine, the average American gets their first cellphone at age six.

“Six is way too young, way too young, that is ridiculously young,” said mother of four Amy Perry. “I think 15 is too young.”

However, according to the study, 2,290 American parents were interviewed and 31 percent said they got their child a cellphone for security, while another 25 percent said it’s for calling family.

Emilio Ramirez bought his daughter Jade her first cellphone at age seven.

“Just so we can keep in contact with her to make sure she is doing OK when she is out with her friends and everything,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez said it wasn’t an easy decision, and he realizes a lot of responsibility comes with giving a child a phone at such a young age.

“We have parental control so there are only certain games she can download and only certain websites she’s allowed on,” Ramirez said.

However, Candyce Lewis say this sort of technology is too much too soon for her daughter.

“I think the longer you can wait the better," she said. "I think the longer you can teach kids not to be hooked to a screen and to do other things I think that’s better than letting them start that early."

Her 5-year-old daughter Stella has her own opinion, she’s asking for a cellphone for her birthday--but her mom said it’s not going to happen.