Should children under 12 have a mobile phone?

It depends of course on whether they need it or not and if they are responsible enough to not lose it. But there is nothing wrong with it and I know several 13 year olds who have phones and they are very responsible. One of them has lost their phone, but that happens to everyone and you shouldn't be extra harsh on them just because they are young.

My opinion is if they really want one and they are responsible enough to keep up with it (and not using it inappropriately) then it is OK.