Haven't read all the previous posts yet but briefly: my DD has had a mobile phone ever since she was in grade 4, 9yo I think. At this time she started to walk to school by herself and I wanted her to have one. She still has one but never calls her friends on it. She is very responsible and makes a $20 prepaid account last for 6 months so that's $40 per year. She mainly calls me to tell me if she has after school event like athletics training (if she forgot to tell me that morning). It's me usually calling her. Anyhow, because i don't drive i feel this is more necessary i guess. Oh and if she abused my trust and wasted the calls then i guess she would have to make do (and use pay phones) but she is pretty keen not to do this. She drives me nuts in some regards but i am very proud of her regarding her responsible phone use... oh and she is now 12 so she has had one for 4 years now.