I'm the same as Sarah. I got my first one when I got my P's (back in 1996) but I had to pay for it myself and pay all the bills (which rarely exceeded $20 a month as I was very responsible with it too).

I know it is very different these days but I really dont think any child under 16 needs to own a phone. I catch the train to and from work and the number of kids (some only in primary school) who sit on the phone from the time I get on the train to the time I get off the train, is ridiculous. I often wonder who pays the bills.

Good on you for sticking to your guns ............