LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - As families prepare for a new school year, a common decision is whether or not to give a child a cellphone. The main question many parents face is at what age this step is appropriate. Most experts recommend waiting until around eighth grade, but the decision ultimately depends on each family’s needs.

Jenna Engle provided her daughter with a cellphone when she was 9 years and 5 months old. Engle, who had a no-contact agreement with her ex-husband, needed her daughter to communicate with him. Although she wished she could have waited longer to introduce a phone, her circumstances required it. Engle has observed some behavioral changes in her daughter since she began using the device.

Engle said, “She seems so much more anxious. I know some of it is age and hormones

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