How old for a mobile phone?

my gut instinct would be wait - I would be concerned about losing it, getting in trouble for messing about it with it etc...

It's a difficult one. I personally think 8 is too young but aside from that, her behaviour towards you recently has been terrible and I'd be worried that getting her a phone would be kind of saying that is all forgotten. I was 16 when I had my first mobile phone and even then I was only allowed it at weekends and evenings as I shared it with my dad!

Our plan is to have a 'family PAYG phone' no ones in particular, but if one of the kids is going to a friends house or staying overnight somewhere they'd be able to take it with them. 

AFAIK you can get them restricted to be only able to call certain numbers too, so home and your mobile or whatever, that way they can't call friends or waste credit on texts etc..

My step son has had a mobile phone since he was 7 and he is 12 now. My H bought it for him when him and his ex wife spilt to make keeping in contact and sending little texts easier. He has always been very well behaved though and very sensible with his phone so he has never had to have it taken away for behaviour or being stupid with it.

Saying that he is 12 now and he had his iPhone 4 confiscated for The first time for 2 days by his mum for being cheeky. He was devistated but his behaviour has improved.

I think if you would feel happier letting her have a phone whilst she is at clubs etc then maybe buy her a really cheep one and put some credit on it but tell her is for emergencys only and she is not to use the credit unless you text her or she needs to call you. Just let her have it whilst she is at groups and then see how she goes. If she is responsible with it then maybe you can allow her to have it more often.

Am I making any sense?!