Spain treats child phone addicts
Two children in Spain are admitted to a mental health clinic to be treated for addiction to mobile phones.
Ref. https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7452463.stm
There are all kinds of addictions. Sounds like these kids have other issues going on besides being phone-a-holics. Personally, I would not give a 12-year old a cell phone. Of course that is more appropriate than the young mother I know that gave one to her toddler.
I have gone by the rule of the house that if your not in high school you do not get a cell phone. Once your in high school you can havea cell phone. The reason for this is high school is a hectic time and with sports, bands, show chors and other things a parent can only be at one place at one time. keeping the kids straight on where they are and where they are going to be is something not easily done. Having cell phones makes it so much easier.
I agree that these two young ladies have other issues besides wanting to talk a lot on a cell phone. I hope they get the help they really need.