I don't even think they had cell phones in the 80's and if they did they were super expensive and I couldn't afford it. I don't think kids need cell phones because all they do is talk or text on there but my 15yr old is begging for one but told her she won't get one unless she has at least C's or higher for school!
We got Sadie a Nextel for x-mas last year. We are on the shared minutes plan so we just added a third small plan but we added the unlimited direct connect (most of her friends got Nextel's for x-mas too). That way she can talk to all her friends and I don't have to worry about an outrageous bill. She is allowed to use her 200 minutes (which she barely uses 30 or so of), absolutely no texting and unlimited direct connect. Her plan is like $35 a month and she's suppossed to help out around the house (cleaning, yard work, kid duties) each month to "earn" her monthly payment. We flat out told her the minute she abuses the "cell phone rules" it's no longer hers. She has been extremely responsible with it thus far. It has definitely given me peace of mind and allowed me to "extend her bubble" (as Bobby calls it) with her. She rides her bike to school now so she takes it with her and calls me after school to check in, etc.