how old do you have to be to get a phone
And in an emergency, a cell phone can be crucial if your child needs to reach you -- or vice versa. That's partly why many parents are buying their kids cell phones. Twice as many children have cell phones now as in 2004. Most teens -- 85% of those aged 14 to 17 -- have cell phones. So do 69% of 11-14 year olds and 31% of kids aged 8-10, according to a 2010 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. For your teen, having a phone offers the same kind of security it does for you. -- knowing that youâre just a call or text away.