Wow, db, for someone who says you shouldn’t be "criticizing someone else’s parenting skills", you sure let her have it: "It’s a modern world get on board or stay behind, but don’t drag others down with you." Her choice to NOT let her child have a cell phone is just as valid as yours.

Personally, I tend to agree with the "NOT" philosophy - it’s an expensive toy or status symbol for a lot of people (parents as well as kids), and in my opinion, a 4 yr old should not even be in a situation where there is no phone OR responsible adult around, to call for help. My 9 yr old daughter has been told, "Not yet", but I’m sure we’ll get her one eventually. For now, it’s just a luxury that we can’t afford, and I don’t believe she really needs (like expensive, brand name jeans and shoes - she can have those when she has a job to help pay for them) .... she looses 3-4 pairs of sunglasses every summer ... can’t imagine having to replace cell phones, too.

To each their own.