s/o What kind of cell for kid?

[Anonymous]

We are thinking of getting our DC a cell phone so we can reach and be reached if there's a bus or pickup issue. What phones (not smartphones) do you recommend? We have Verizon.

[Anonymous]

How old is DC?

If he's between preschool and mid-elementary, the Migo phone might work. It's quite safe and designed for kids around ages 5-9.

Late elementary through middle school is probably getting old enough that a specifically "kid" oriented phone might be too juvenile. A phone doesn't do much good if the kid won't carry it because it looks like a toy he played with years ago. If you think your older child can be trusted with a regular basic phone, Verizon's LG Extravert might suffice as it is basic and inexpensive, and using Family Base you may be able to restrict it somewhat to make it more kid friendly.

Verizon doesn't seem to offer much specifically targeted to kids. Are you open to no-contract phones through another service? If so, maybe look into the Just 5 J510 phone ($10 per month for 100 minutes, which roll over if not used) or a phone through Kajeet (various phones and plans, plans from $5/month to $50/month).

[Anonymous]

DC is 10, so I think you're right about the amigo being a little young. A number of peers already have smartphones.

Thank you for the other suggestions. I will look into those and would love to hear others. I hadn't even thought of a no-contract phone with a different carrier.

[Anonymous]

Not amigo, the Migo. Thank you, autocorrect.

[Anonymous]

Your old one when you are ready to upgrade

[Anonymous]

The cheapest flip phone that comes with Verizon Prepaid (it can be used on any Verizon plan, or keep it as prepaid if you don't think he'll use it much).

[Anonymous]

Tracfone -- one of the models that costs about $20... will have phone and text capabilities. $120 for a YEAR of service and 400 min. of talk + 400 units of text (most texts are 0.3 units). Even if it says it has internet -- it doesn't work well. I have and LG 840g?-- something like that. Perfect for kids (and adults who don't like big bills).

[Anonymous]

Can you do apps like instagram on an ipod. I don't want to get a smart phone because i am afraid of the data plan issues and I like that you have to be on wireless with an ipod.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you do apps like instagram on an ipod. I don't want to get a smart phone because i am afraid of the data plan issues and I like that you have to be on wireless with an ipod.

This is OP and I don't know the answer to thT. I don't want DC to have apps like Instagram right now. 11:07, if I give DC my old iPhone if I get a new one, won't I have to pay Verizon's ridiculous rates? I just want something for texts/calls in case of a problem with the bus or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tracfone -- one of the models that costs about $20... will have phone and text capabilities. $120 for a YEAR of service and 400 min. of talk + 400 units of text (most texts are 0.3 units). Even if it says it has internet -- it doesn't work well. I have and LG 840g?-- something like that. Perfect for kids (and adults who don't like big bills).

This sounds interesting.

[Anonymous]

My kids have iPhones. This is a splurge for us and definitely worth it because I can see where they are instantly, or see where there phone is if they've misplaced it. I feel like I can give them a little more freedom because we have that extra measure in place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids have iPhones. This is a splurge for us and definitely worth it because I can see where they are instantly, or see where there phone is if they've misplaced it. I feel like I can give them a little more freedom because we have that extra measure in place.

I wanted to add that all four of us have iphones on tmobile for about $115/month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tracfone -- one of the models that costs about $20... will have phone and text capabilities. $120 for a YEAR of service and 400 min. of talk + 400 units of text (most texts are 0.3 units). Even if it says it has internet -- it doesn't work well. I have and LG 840g?-- something like that. Perfect for kids (and adults who don't like big bills).

This sounds interesting.

I'm the tracfone pp...the added benefit is that no one wants to steal it! If OP gives an older iphone to her kid there is a real risk that it will be stolen.

[Anonymous]

don't be sure you want him on your contract. turned out to be cheaper to put him on T-mobile. $100 for the year, plus a cheap phone.