My son is 12. He just started highschool. He just came home upset because in one of his classes they are going to make a wooden holder for a mobile phone. My son does not have a mobile phone. He informs me that almost every other kids has one. Im not convinced that he needs one. His father is going to take the hard stance on this one. I think he is feeling left out. Also he has access to other numerous gaming devices at home that are played regularly. Any advice ladies???
9 Replies
Why not? If you're already allowing him technology I don't see the difference when it comes to phones. I think it's funny that some parents are anti phones for kids but will happily hand over other devices which are no different and have the same capabilities except they probably wouldn't fit in a pocket. It could be something he works for so he earns it and then has to keep earning for data. There are no payphone around anymore, mobiles have become a necessity for high school kids who are starting to become independent.
High school is pretty standard for getting a first phone. Nothing fancy, just a basic phone.
Pay phones aren’t really a thing anymore and accidents happen, so being able to contact someone is a pretty good idea. Parents are late for pick-ups, buses are missed, kids injure themselves on the way home from school etc. and teachers aren’t responsible for making sure your kid gets home or is kept safe after school, so your kid is on there own.
It’s a great time to start learning phone safety and phone hygiene. Eg phones go off at the dinner table, are put on charge at a set time each night in a safe place (not there bedroom etc). A cheap starter phone is also a good chance to learn how to care for a phone, so they are in the habit when they get a more expensive device.
Is there a reason you don’t think he can handle a basic phone?
Its really the internet access that I have a problem with. There is so much content on there. Content that kids shouldnt really have access to.
You can buy phones without internet still.
You can also set restrictions just like you should do on any device.
He could make a stand for a tablet, it won't be much bigger.
If the issue is him wanting a smart phone, I also dont get the issue. Set up proper controls, choose the platforms and apps and time limits. Making it completely taboo doesn't seem like a great method.
My son is in yr 8 he has had a phone ( got it for xmas) since yr 7. He walks himself and sister home a few days a week so its important to have that communication. He is also deaf and he can control his hearing aids with it. My daughter is yr 6 and now also has a phone ( my hand me down) she is a social butterfly and has many slerpovers so I like her to have it just incase.
Most children these days have a phone, you set your rules, both my kids have a no phone in bedrooms after 6 policy and I have full access to it. Neither protest this as its just what happens here.
My son just started and he is 12. I don’t care who else has them, my son isn’t getting one. He can get one when he gets a job and can pay for it. It’s sad they even allow the in high school. The only thing my son doesn’t like about high school is that every kid has a phone and spends their breaks on them. I will not let him get one just because he feels left out. If he doesn’t need one then that’s good and good on Dad for taking a stance. My son doesn’t have iPads either and just had to get a lap top now for high school which I hate but it’s something he needs.
Just get him a phone and don't get any data if you are worried about him accessing the Internet.
But honestly time to teach him about using the internet and a phone in a safe way instead of banning it.
He is becoming a teenager and teenagers rebel. If you ban things outright he will find a way to do things without you knowing and will be getting his knowledge from his peers instead of an adult. This goes for everything not just internet use.
My kids all got phones in Yr 7 in this day an age it's like a right of passage. If you are worried about content in the internet get an iphone, Set up the family links and use screen time to limit content by rating, and by time. Being left out for this stuff is real.