I think that kids should start carrying cell phones when there is no longer an adult in charge of monitoring them. At the kindergarten level, your child is constantly in the presence of an adult, who presumably has his or her own phone which you can use to contact your child. At the late elementary/middle school level, kids are own their own for a period of time each day.
I also think that we as a culture should reassess exactly what cell phones are for, and why kids should use them. Video, text messaging, photo capability, etc. is really not necessary for anyone, let alone a young child whose time could be better spent.

I cannot even imagine my kindergartner carrying a cell phone (he does carry my old, not functioning cell phone)! I agree with Rose, that in some instances when older children are on their own for some time, or come home before the parents do, a cell phone (without gadgets) can be essential for their safety. Cell phones should not be handled by children as cool accessories and teenagers carrying a cell phone should, in my opinion, contribute to the cell phone plan in order to to teach financial responsibility and self-discipline.

absolutely not, my son is in 5th grade and his dad got him one and i even think thats absurd.

This is a great question. While phoning and text messaging friends can be a distraction and cause problems, I'm sure there are circumstances when it would be a good idea. For example, I have a diabetic nephew who carried a cell phone throughout elementary school so he could call home if there were any problems.  In a medical situation, it might be a good idea.  Perhaps it's really an individual case by case thing.

Edu-Katherine
Community Team

Emily Post Senning, the granddaughter of manners guru Emily Post, has some very interesting things to say about this topic. Feel free to check out an article on this site about her ideas. Here's the link:
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Teach_Your_Kids_Cell_Phone/

I  do not think elementary school age children need to have a cell phone.