I dont have a cell, but if you feel he can handle it, tell the teachers he has it so they can watch for bullying and get one that only calls you number. Just a thought.

I agree with free yoke.I am afraid my son would lose the phone and I keep our landline to check on things at home if I have to leave him alone

Here is my take as. Mother of two on the spectrum. Only you can decide if they are responsible enough. But think about a few things first before you say no. Buy the insurance - Lost stolen or damaged no longer an issue. What is the gain. Mine use it to access the internet at home and they are building social skills. I had concerns about Xbox live and my youngest blossomed he has friends he may never have met and talks to them and texts. And his reading and spelling has improved. We have rules and we monitor activity to make sure they don't get into trouble. I think it's a good that he asked you. He's asking for a communication method. Hope you have the good success I have! Both the boys are very responsible and the older one really takes it to heart often being the one asking his younger brother where the phone is if he hasn't had it. ;) good luck

My husband and I are in agreement he is not ready for a phone yet. We are afraid he would lose it or he might get beaten up at school and it would be stolen from him. He has been bullied. Though, my middle son that lives in NJ was on a school bus with a drunk driver. The kids on the bus were calling the school and police. So they can be used for good in emergency situations.

Speaking as guy who got his first cell phone at age 39, I don't get it. I know parents now feel the need to be in contact 24/7 and things have changed a lot in tech but cell phone plans are one of the biggest expenses that our parents didn't have. I know I'm going to sound like the biggest fossil when my kids start asking for things like this.