Well, I'll be Darned!

I think phones for kids can be a good thing, depending on their age. My sons got phones in high school as they had lots of activities and I had to know where they were and that they were safe. Things change lol.

Her parents are being very responsible in curtailing it's use to the weekends.

My 9 and 10 year old sons play with phones, but the phones aren't activated. They can download games and apps, but can't make phone calls or texts. The twins have had phones since they were 11 or 12, only because with all the activities they're in, I need them to have a way to contact me and let me know when their practice is over, or when they've gotten back to the school after a competition, that sort of thing. My 10 year old will probably be needing his own phone soon.. but our plan is already so expensive. We have 5 phones on it now, we're still carrying the oldest son although we've recently told him he needs to pay us monthly for his phone line or find his own plan. A few years ago I was very against young kids, even teens having phones.. now I see that it is important for busy kids and it's more of a convenience to me for the kids to have them. Still, they have to learn to be responsible with them, and the parent should be vigilant of what the child is doing while on these apps!

Well, as long as her parents are making sure she is being responsible about it, then it works out for them. Even better if the Ice Princess is making sure to call her grandmother . I know my kids would easily get out of control . . . so no phone (except flip phone for my oldest) for now. Axels are the hard ones alright. It's like a test . . . an initiation into the next level of skating. Some get it quickly and others take a long time . . . I've known 12 year olds who just never got them. Adults take forever and many don't ever get it consistently nor even close! The Ice Princess is doing quite well!

The blame goes to the authorities for gifting it to this little girl.

Isn't it funny how we can change our attitudes when something nice like your unexpected phone call happens I'm sure you'll ejoy many more calls.

As much as 8 may be a little young, she has earned it and she isn't using it all the time. She has definitely worked hard. Sometimes, it's okay to give them a reward, when they have worked so hard at something.

I am also against the use of a personal phone for young children, but I am sure your son and daughter in law will keep an eye on her, she is not going to abuse of the new iPhone.

I am glad she chats with you and her parents are watching her usage. I am sad when I see kids that cannot tear themselves away from those devices.

@DianneN , at least it is only on weekends and now she can contact you. And it was a great gift for her doing so well. High five to her on landing solid axels!

I usually am not ok with young kids havng phones but it sounds like her parents are making sure she only uses it on weekend and supervise so that is good

How adorable your granddaughter is!

Aww haha wow I got one when i was 16 lol But my niece nephew have too. Since they were 5-7 years old because when they go to play, we can call them and also for their safety when they're alone at home. But they aren't allowed to use internet when they're alone Now they're 11 n 7..

The only good thing about kids carrying phones is us being able to track them down. But I dislike all other effects. They are almost never in the real world, never playing with other kids, never hugging, tickling or laughing as kids should. They get hypnotised staring either at the mobile phone screen, a computer screen or a TV screen. However, new generations don`t even know that there is something better in life. When you ban using phones all they can think of is that they are being punished as the majority of their friends are allowed to use it.

If she uses it wisely and responsibly I would see no problem. I'm sure her parents are on top of things and she sounds like a very responsible young girl.

Sometimes I do not know if I trust the word "only" when it comes to smartphone users. They "only" use the phone 6 hours a day, and "only" after they have done this or that!

As long as her parents have full access of her phone then it will be fine. Of course she cannot be on it all day and not in the bedroom at night :)

More and more kids are getting phones at younger ages but since she got hers as a reward for her skating accomplishments I think it's great. Plus, you'll hear from her now that she has her own phone. Great picture! I know we're going to see her on the Olympics one of these days

That's sweet. And I'm with you on youngsters and cell use, but it does sound like her parents keep a pretty good eye on it. :-)

That is such a very young age, however, if much caution is put on when he uses it,hope it will be fine